20 Apr Insect & Spider Bites

Insect & Spider Bites

Employees who work outdoors, around landscaping, in storage areas, or near wood, debris, and other undisturbed materials may encounter bees, wasps, hornets, spiders, and other biting or stinging insects. Most bites and stings cause only minor irritation, but some can result in severe allergic reactions or other medical complications.

Knowing how to avoid bites and stings—and how to respond when they occur—can help prevent a minor incident from becoming a medical emergency.

Preventing Bites and Stings

Before reaching into or moving materials where insects or spiders may be present:

• Inspect the area before beginning work.
• Wear gloves, long sleeves, long pants, and appropriate footwear when exposure is likely.
• Use caution around woodpiles, stored materials, vegetation, sheds, crawl spaces, and other dark or undisturbed locations.
• Shake out gloves, boots, clothing, and other items that have been stored where spiders or insects could enter.
• Avoid disturbing nests or hives.
• Keep food and sweet beverages covered because they may attract bees and wasps.
• Maintain good housekeeping and remove unnecessary debris that can provide nesting or hiding places.
• Report nests or significant infestations so they can be addressed safely.

Do not attempt to handle or capture a spider or insect if doing so could result in another bite or sting.

Bee, Wasp, and Hornet Stings

If you are stung:

• Move away from the area to avoid additional stings.
• If a stinger remains in the skin, remove it promptly. Avoid unnecessary squeezing of the area.
• Wash the area with soap and water.
• Apply a cold pack or cool compress to help reduce pain and swelling.
• Monitor yourself for signs of an allergic reaction.

Some people can experience anaphylaxis, a potentially life-threatening allergic reaction.

Call for emergency medical assistance immediately if the person develops:

• Difficulty breathing or wheezing.
• Swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• Difficulty swallowing.
• Widespread hives or severe itching.
• Dizziness, weakness, or fainting.
• Other signs of a severe or rapidly worsening reaction.

Employees who have been prescribed an epinephrine auto-injector should follow their medical provider’s instructions for its use.

Spider Bites

Most spiders are not aggressive and bite primarily when trapped, disturbed, or pressed against the skin. Workers should avoid reaching blindly into areas where spiders may be hiding.

Two spiders of particular concern in the United States are the black widow and brown recluse.

Black Widow

Black widow spiders are generally dark and glossy, and adult females commonly have a red or orange hourglass-shaped marking on the underside of the abdomen.

A bite may initially cause little pain, but symptoms can progress to:

• Increasing pain.
• Muscle cramping or stiffness.
• Abdominal discomfort.
• Sweating.
• Nausea or vomiting.
• Weakness or other systemic symptoms.

Seek prompt medical attention when a black widow bite is suspected or significant symptoms develop.

Brown Recluse

Brown recluse spiders range from tan to brown and may have a darker violin-shaped marking, although appearance alone should not be relied upon for identification.

A suspected bite may initially cause little discomfort. Pain, redness, swelling, blistering, or tissue injury can develop later. Some individuals may experience more significant systemic symptoms.

Seek medical evaluation if a brown recluse bite is suspected, the wound worsens, or significant symptoms develop.

First Aid for a Suspected Spider Bite

If you believe you have been bitten:

1. Move to a safe location.
2. Wash the bite with soap and water.
3. Apply a wrapped cold pack or cool compress intermittently to reduce pain and swelling.
4. Avoid scratching or unnecessarily manipulating the bite.
5. Report the incident according to company procedures.
6. Seek medical attention for severe pain, spreading redness or swelling, tissue changes, difficulty breathing, systemic symptoms, or any rapidly worsening reaction.

If the spider can be photographed from a safe distance, the image may assist with identification. Do not risk another bite attempting to capture it.

Remember

Be alert when working around vegetation, stored materials, debris, and other places where insects or spiders may hide. Avoid disturbing nests, wear appropriate protective clothing, and seek immediate help for signs of a severe allergic reaction.