04 Jun Insect Safety

Insect Safety

Employees who work outdoors or in areas where insects and ticks are present can be exposed to bites, stings, and insect-borne illnesses. Proper clothing, insect repellent, and regular inspections can reduce the risk.

Protect Yourself

• Use an EPA-registered insect repellent containing 20% to 30% DEET, or another appropriate repellent, according to the product label.
• Apply repellent to exposed skin and, only when permitted by the product label, to clothing.
• Reapply repellent according to label directions. Do not overapply.
• Wear light-colored, long-sleeved shirts and long pants when working in areas with ticks or biting insects.
• Tuck pants into socks or boots when appropriate to reduce tick access to the skin.
• Wear a hat when working in heavily wooded, brushy, or insect-prone areas.
• Avoid applying repellent underneath clothing or to cuts, wounds, or irritated skin.
• Wash treated skin with soap and water after returning indoors.

Check for Ticks

When working in wooded, brushy, or grassy areas:

• Check your clothing, equipment, and exposed skin periodically.
• Conduct a thorough tick check after completing work.
• Pay particular attention to the hairline, scalp, behind the ears, under the arms, waist, groin, behind the knees, and other areas where ticks may hide.
• Shower as soon as practical after returning indoors.
• Examine clothing and gear for ticks before bringing them into vehicles or living areas.

Removing a Tick

If you find an attached tick:

1. Use clean, fine-tipped tweezers.
2. Grasp the tick as close to the skin’s surface as possible.
3. Pull upward with steady, even pressure.
4. Do not twist, jerk, crush, burn, or cover the tick with petroleum jelly or other substances in an attempt to make it detach.
5. After removal, thoroughly clean the bite area and your hands with soap and water or an appropriate antiseptic.
6. Monitor the area and your health for unusual symptoms.

Report work-related tick bites according to company procedures. Seek medical attention if you develop a rash, fever, unusual fatigue, muscle or joint pain, or other concerning symptoms following a tick bite.

Work Clothing

After working in tick- or insect-prone areas:

• Inspect clothing carefully.
• Wash work clothing according to garment instructions.
• Use a high-heat dryer when appropriate for the fabric to help kill ticks that may remain on clothing.
• Keep potentially contaminated work clothing separate from clean clothing until it has been inspected and laundered.

Remember

Insect and tick exposure can often be reduced through repellent, protective clothing, regular inspections, and prompt tick removal. Pay particular attention after working in tall grass, brush, wooded areas, or other locations where ticks and biting insects are common.