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Bug bites and stings pose summer threat

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July 24th, 2014 by Ric Hanson

As Iowans try to have fun in the sun, some of them may resemble walking bullseyes to bees and wasps. The experts at the Iowa Statewide Poison Control Center say summer is the busiest time of year for their hotline and they’re prepared to handle an influx in calls about insect stings. If you’re getting buzzed by a bee or yellow-jacket, registered nurse Joan McVoy says prevention may be the best medicine.

“If you’re around bees, don’t swing or strike at them or run away from them as the quick movements provoke them,” McVoy says. “If you’re eating outdoors, make sure you cover your food, especially your fruit and soft drinks. Avoid perfumes, after shave lotions, things like that. Avoid wearing real bright or colored flowery prints. It just attracts them.” If your child gets stung, don’t panic, but call the Poison Center hotline right away. McVoy says you need to watch for signs of an allergic reaction, especially within the first hour after a sting.

“You start to feel dizzy, faint, you start sweating, you start to wheeze or have trouble breathing, definitely give us a call,” McVoy says. “If people get stung several times, like over ten times, that’s going to be a trip to the emergency room, but most of the time, we’ll be able to watch you at home, carefully, and tell you what to watch for and what to do.” Most insect repellants that target mosquitoes will not work on stinging insects like bees. McVoy says one application of bug spray or lotion will typically last for some time, and she warns, you can overdo it by slathering on too much, too often.

“The ones that contain DEET, you want to make sure if you’re using them, especially with children, try to get the ones with the lower concentrations of less than 10%,” McVoy says. “They’re found to be just as effective as the higher concentrations. Be cautious with repeat applications. Really, one application of DEET should last you four to eight hours.” If you’re going on vacation this summer, she recommends programming the Poison Center hotline into your phone before you leave. The number is 800-222-1222.

(Radio Iowa)