Insects are generally no more than a nuisance during field work, but they can be dangerous, depending on the type of insect and your reaction to their sting or bite.  Stinging insects, which include honey bees, killer bees, wasps, yellow jackets, hornets, and ants, are painful and can be dangerous to individuals who are allergic to the venom.  The yellow jacket and hornet are the most dangerous because they are aggressive and can inflict multiple stings.

You may be allergic to venom or you may develop an allergy with a new attack.  Reactions can range from fever, light-headedness, hives, and painful swelling to a sudden drop in blood pressure and breathing difficulties.

Members of the spider family can be another concern in the field in certain parts of the country.  Those of primary concern are the black widow and brown recluse spiders and the scorpion.  Spiders range widely in the temperate region and tend to seek dark hiding places, including equipment shelters.  Scorpions range from the Gulf States to California and north into the dry areas of the west.  Scorpions tend to seek shelter under bark, litter, sand, rocks and may crawl into shoes, gloves, etc.

Common precautions against biting or stinging insects include:

• Avoid scented cosmetics.
• Wear clothing that makes access to the skin difficult.
• Use insect repellents on exposed skin and at openings in your clothing.
• Carry appropriate medication for allergic reactions and inform your coworkers on how to administer it.
• Avoid reaching into dark places where you can’t see and be careful when picking up rocks and clothing that have been lying on the ground.

Anaphylaxis

Allergic reactions can range from mild (hay fever) to severe (anaphylaxis).  Anaphylaxis is a serious, life-threatening allergic reaction.  The most common reactions are to foods, insect stings, or medications.  Symptoms may develop immediately, rapidly progress over minutes, or develop slowly over hours.

Anaphylaxis requires immediate medical treatment, including prompt injection of epinephrine and a trip to the hospital ER.  If not treated properly, it can be fatal.

Common symptoms of anaphylaxis include the following:

• Red rash, with hives, that is usually itchy
• Swollen throat or swollen areas of the body
• Wheezing
• Loss of consciousness
• Chest tightness
• Difficulty breathing, cough
• Hoarse voice
• Difficulty swallowing
• Vomiting or diarrhea or stomach cramping
• Change in skin coloration
• Feeling of impending doom

If you have a known allergy to insects or any other allergen with a history of anaphylactic reactions, it is recommended that you consult your healthcare provider for a prescription epinephrine autoinjector.  Make sure that your colleagues are aware of the location where you store the Epipen and how to use it.  The American Red Cross offers a course in administration of Epipens.  Learn more here.