Steer Clear Of Stinging Insects This Summer
The National Pest Management Association advises protecting against
summer stingers
FAIRFAX, Va.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–#pests–People walking, dining and socializing outdoors aren’t the only ones
currently abuzz. With fall around the corner and summer at its height,
the National
Pest Management Association (NPMA) explains more stingers, like
yellowjackets and wasps, are outside foraging for food.
“Insect stings are painful, and depending on the severity of an attack
or a person’s sensitivity, they can be dangerous. They typically send
more than half a million people to the emergency room every year,” said
Cindy Mannes, vice president of public affairs for the NPMA. “It’s
crucial to avoid interaction and handling active nests. Colonies can
sting en masse when feeling threatened, so it’s best to leave this job
to a pest professional.”
To enjoy a sting-free summer, NPMA recommends the following tips:
-
Seal cracks and crevices: Seal all visible cracks and crevices
to keep stingers from moving indoors, and regularly inspect around
house’s perimeter for nests. -
Keep food covered: During a picnic or cookout, cover all food
when outside and be sure to keep tight fitting lids on trash bins. -
Drink out of clear containers: Stinging insects can sneak into
cans unnoticed, so it’s important to be able to see that a liquid is
pest-free when drinking it. -
Avoid excessive use of fragrances: If spending long periods of
time outdoors, skip the perfume or cologne, as yellowjackets and other
stinging insects are attracted to sweet-smelling fragrances. When
possible, choose unscented shampoos, soaps, lotions and sunscreen. -
Adjust wardrobe: Avoid wearing dark colors and floral prints,
patterns that can attract stinging insects. Wear closed-toe shoes,
especially in grassy areas where hornets and other pests often nest. -
Remain calm, cool and collected: Do not swat at stingers or
flail in a panic—these movements may actually provoke an attack.
Instead, remain calm and slowly walk away from the area. The insect
should fly away without causing any harm.
For more advice on stinging insects, or to find a licensed pest control
professional, visit PestWorld.org.
The NPMA, a non-profit organization with more than 7,000 members, was
established in 1933 to support the pest management industry’s commitment
to the protection of public health, food and property. For more
information, visit PestWorld.org
or Like @PestWorld
on Facebook.
Contacts
Vault Communications, Inc.
Amanda Michelson, 610-455-2757
amichelson@vaultcommunications.com