Gardening Tips Provided by North Carolina Cooperative Extension Cumberland County Master Gardenerssm

Gardening questions? – Call our Hotline at 321-6882!

Preventing Stings from Insects during Outdoor Activities

Most common insects that sting . Yellow Jackets . Hornets . Paper Wasps . Honey Bees . Bumble Bees

Why do they sting? They are protecting their nest or they feel threatened.

Tips to avoid being stung . Always wear shoes. When hiking, wear boots or proper footwear. . Avoid fragrances that might attract these insects such as perfume, cologne, hair spray, or suntan lotion. . Wear white or tan colored clothing. Do not wear baggy clothing which can trap an insect inside the clothing. . While picnicking, keep all food covered and keep soft drink bottles closed. It would be best to use drink glasses or containers that have a top. . Picnic away from trash bins. Food debris is a major attraction to some insects. . Before choosing your picnic “spot”, scout for insect nests or potential problems. . If an insect lands on your food, use a slow movement to brush the insect away.

Insect control . Being aware of your surroundings and remaining calm is a good strategy. . Most of these insects are beneficial pollinators or beneficial in consuming other insects so try not to destroy them unnecessarily.

What to do if you are stung

. If you are stung, remove the stinger (if present) and apply an ice pack. . If you are allergic to a particular stinging insect, carry an epinephrine kit with you. SEE YOUR DOCTOR!

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