Avoiding insect bites

Boston, MA—July 1, 2004: Summer is the season for bug bites and stings. While most are just a nuisance, others can have major health consequences. The July issue of the Harvard Men’s Health Watch discusses the most common insects, describes potential threats, and offers general precautions to avoid getting bitten.

Luckily, mosquitoes and ticks are usually harmless unless carrying infectious agents. The July issue indicates that about 90% of the nation’s Lyme disease occurs in eight states from Massachusetts south to Maryland, although outbreaks have been reported in other areas. It takes many hours to transmit Lyme disease, so infection can be prevented by removing the tick promptly with tweezers and then washing the bite with soap and water.

Most insect-related deaths are caused by wasps, yellow jackets, hornets, and bees, usually because people are allergic to Hymenoptera venom. The July issue suggests that if you are allergic, you should wear a medical alert bracelet and carry a bee sting kit that contains a potentially lifesaving injection of epinephrine (adrenaline) and an antihistamine tablet. These stings can be painful, so even those not allergic should treat them by applying a cold pack and, if necessary, taking a mild pain reliever.

Tips to avoid being bitten:
 

• Clean out spider webs and stay away from spiders that are crawling near you.

• When you are in an area with lots of ticks, wear shoes, long sleeves, and pants; button your cuffs and tuck your pant legs into your socks.

• Avoid bright colors, floral patterns, and sweet scents that attract bees.

• Stay behind screens between dusk and dawn, when mosquitoes are most prevalent.

• Use insect repellents, specifically those that contain DEET.

The Harvard Men’s Health Watch is available from Harvard Health Publications, the publishing division of the Harvard Medical School. You can subscribe to Harvard Men’s Health Watch for $24 per year. 1-877-649-9457.