Things You'll Need:
- repellent
- VapoRub
- Netting
- Permethrin treated clothes and camping gear
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Step 1
If in doubt get tested for insect allergies before doing outdoor activities like camping or fishing. Talk to physician, its better to be safe than sorry.
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Step 2
Consider wearing insect repellent or purchasing clothes or camping equipment that's been treated with permethrin. Many of these chemical agents are quite effective at keeping insects at bay. Blood-sucking insects are attracted by the CO2 that you exhale as well as the smell of your skin and sweat; anything that masks these will keep you out of the danger zone. Be sure to avoid applying harsh chemicals directly to the skin.
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Step 3
...or Vics VapoRub. Some people swear by it. I tested VapoRub with mixed results. While it did seem to keep the insects at bay, and I felt safer putting it on my skin than harsh chemical repellents, the SMELL; I can't stand that awful smell! It's ME repellent.
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Step 4
Keep covered. The FDA fact sheet on insect bites and stings suggests keeping yourself covered by wearing long sleeves and pants, hats, and buy tucking pants into socks.
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Step 5
Don't wear bright colors. Some insects are attracted to bright colors; avoid these and you'll make yourself less appealing.
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Step 6
Leave insects alone. My mother always said: "If you don't bother them, they won't bother you." From what I have seen, this advice works far better with insects than it did with Billy Burke and his wedgie posse.
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Step 7
Stay away from places where insects live. Avoid standing pools of water, swamps, rubbish heaps-- you get the idea.
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Step 8
See to any hives or nests near your home as soon as possible. If you don't know what you're doing, I'd advise having them professionally removed.
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Step 9
Avoid scented lotions and/or perfumes. These products are to insects what the '$1.99 all you can eat buffet' sign is to humans.
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Step 10
Use insect netting when camping or eating outdoors.
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Step 11
Keep trash covered. This helps control odors and keeps insects away.
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Step 12
If you are stung, scrape out the stinger ASAP. If left in, the stinger will continue to pump poison into the blood for a good while after the be has flown off. Especially if there exists the possibility of an allergic reaction it is best to remove the stinger as soon as possible.
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Step 13
If symptoms appear seek medical help IMMEDIATELY. Symptoms include: dizziness, headache, sudden sense of dread, difficulty breathing, hives, swelling and intense itching. See the link to the FDA in the 'resources' section below for a more complete list.
