Tips on Avoiding Insect Stings

Knowing how to avoid stings from bees, wasps, hornets, and yellow jackets leads to a more enjoyable summer for everyone. The following precautions are suggested:

1. Avoid walking barefoot in the grass (honeybees and bumblebees forage on white clover, a weed that grows in lawns throughout the U.S.).
2. Insect repellents DO NOT work against stinging insects.
3. Never swat or flail at a flying insect. If need be, gently brush it aside or patiently wait for it to leave.
4. DO NOT drink from open beverage cans. Stinging insects will crawl inside a can attracted by the sweet beverage.
5. When eating outdoors, try to keep food covered at all times. Stinging insects are fond of the same foods you are.
6. Garbage cans stored outside should be covered with tight- fitting lids.
7. Avoid wearing sweet-smelling perfumes, hairsprays, colognes, and deodorants.
8. Avoid wearing bright colored clothing with flowery patterns. Bees may mistake you for a flower.
9. If you have had an allergic reaction to an insect sting, it is important that you see an allergist. You have a 60% chance of having a similar, or worse reaction if stung again. There is a treatment, venom immunotherapy, which is 97% effective in preventing future allergic reactions to insect stings.

This information is provided by
ALK Laboratories, Inc.
Wallingford, CT
For more information, call 1-800-325-7354

For more information, please contact:
American College of Allergy, Asthma &Immunology
85 West Algonquin Road, Suite 550
Arlington Heights, IL 60005
(708) 427-1200