GET INFORMED: BITES AND STINGS
Be prepared! Be cautious! Be safe!
Insect Bites and Stings
Most insect bites are harmless, though they feel unpleasant. Bee, wasp, and hornet stings and fire ant bites usually hurt. Mosquito, flea and mite bites usually itch.
To prevent insect bites:
- Don't bother insects
- Use insect repellant
- Wear protective clothing
- Be careful when you eat outside because food attracts insects
- If you know you have severe allergic reactions to insect bites, carry an emergency epinephrine kit
Spider Bites
Though many people are afraid of spiders, they rarely bite people unless threatened. Most spider bites are harmless. Occasionally, spider bites can cause allergic reactions. And bites by the venomous black widow and brown recluse spiders can be very dangerous to people.
Spider Bites : First-Aid
- Wash the area well with soap and water
- Apply an ice pack or a wet compress to the area
- Take over-the-counter pain medicine, if needed
- Consider using antihistamines for severe swelling
- Seek medical treatment for small children and adults with severe symptoms (Administration of antivenin by a medical professional may be needed to prevent nerve and skin damage.)
- Monitor and treat for shock if necessary.
Spider Bites
Possible Symptoms:
- redness
- swelling
- itching
Anaphylaxis
he biggest concern with any type of bug bite. If the victim exhibits any signs of allergic reaction or anaphylaxis shortly after a bug bite, CALL 911
- hives
- shortness of breath
- wheezing
- weakness
Black Widow & Brown Recluse
Black widow spiders have a toxin that affects muscle contraction and nerve function. Severe brown recluse spider bites can also cause some symptoms over the entire body. Look for:
- sweating
- chills
- body cramps
- rapid pulse
- exhaustion
Snake Bites
Most snakes are harmless and bites can be treated as normal animal bites. However, if the snake is poisonous, the venom that is transmitted to the victim can be life threatening.
Coral Snake: Most Toxic
It’s venom is a powerful neurotoxin and unless you get prompt snake bite treatment, the bite will shut down your nervous system, your heart will stop beating, and you will likely die.
Cottonmouth "Water Moccasin"
The Cottonmouth’s bite is far more serious than that of the Copperhead and can be fatal. When annoyed, the Cottonmouth tends to stand its ground and may gape repeatedly at an intruder, exposing the light “cotton” lining of its mouth.
Rattlesnake
Probably the best known snake in the world, the Rattlesnake is a pit viper found almost everywhere in the United States, and is capable of a deadly bite.
three types:
- The Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake "Give this rattlesnake a wide berth; it is the most dangerous snake in North America! Although the venom of this species is similar to that of most rattlers (and less potent drop-for-drop than that of the coral snakes), a large Eastern Diamondback is capable of delivering a large amount of venom deep into the flesh of its victims. This snake is also known for standing its ground when threatened. They range from North Carolina to Florida. Also Mississippi and Louisiana."
- The Western Diamondback "is one of the more deadly rattlers, nearly as much as the Eastern Diamondback, and is most often visualized from pictures and Western movies. They range from California to Arkansas to Mexico."
- The Timber Rattlesnake" is in abundance and ranges from the northeast through Florida, Minnesota and Texas, and is commonly found on Wooded hillsides and rocky outcrops. It has a slightly more laid back reputation but make no mistake, it is deadly."
First Aid for Snake Bites
- Call medical help immediately if possible.
- Remain calm, remember most snake bites are not fatal.
- Minimise movement if possible. If you are hiking alone you may have to hike out for help.
- If you are bitten on the arm or finger remove any rings, bracelets or watches. Loosen any tight clothing in case swelling occurs.
- Apply a pressure bandage to the bitten limb. If the bite is to the trunk, head or neck, apply firm pressure to the bitten area. Do not restrict chest movement as breathing will be affected by this.
- Splint or use a sling on the bitten limb to restrict movement and give support
- If there is no bandage or equivalent to apply a pressure bandage make note of any inflammation by tracing the edge of the swelling with a pen or the like near/around the bite and mark the time clearly next to it. If it progresses make a new tracing noting the time of each new mark beside that new tracing. This will give valuable information to medical help as to the development of the swelling.
- If possible, lie down and keep the bitten extremity at body level. Raising it can cause venom to travel through the body quicker. Holding it down, can increase swelling.
- When possible arrange for transport to the nearest hospital emergency room, where anti-venom for snakes common to the area will often be available and given if required.