Bees, Spiders and Other Insect Bites

The best way to deal with bees is to avoid them or use specific repellents. Always perform a thorough assessment of the worksite – look for insect activity!

• Listen for the hum of an active bee colony.
• Look for bees in holes in the ground, holes in trees, and in sheds.
• If encountering a bee’s nest try to work in the early morning or skip the area until the next day.
• Ensure you have a can of insect repellant on your truck before the workday



• Spray repellents will knock out bees, wasps, hornets and yellow jackets cold. The blast from the can will spray 10 feet or more. It is a fast, safe way to eliminate wasps and bees.

If you know you are allergic to insect bites than you probably know an allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) begins within 1 to 15 minutes of a sting. Anaphylaxis can lead to collapse, stopped breathing, seizures, and loss of consciousness in 1 to 2 minutes. This reaction can be fatal. You must carry a special kit with an epinephrine injector (EpiPen) in it that is prescribed by a doctor to counteract the allergic reaction (check expiration date).

• Before starting work, tell all your co-workers that you are allergic and where you keep your auto-injector (EpiPen®/Anapen®).
• A crew member may have the “Bee Aware” decal on his/her hardhat

• Keep your auto-injector nearby – on your person, or on your truck.
• Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for storage, use, and disposal of your autoinjector.

If you are stung, do not delay, immediately inject the epinephrine. Follow package instructions on

What exactly is an “Epi” pen?

Epinephrine injection is used to treat life-threatening allergic reactions caused by insect bites, foods, medications, latex, and other causes. Symptoms of allergic reaction include wheezing, shortness of breath, low blood pressure, hives, itching, swelling, stomach cramps, diarrhea, and loss of bladder control. Epinephrine is in a class of medications called sympathomimetic agents. It works by relaxing the muscles in the airways and tightening the blood vessels.

Epinephrine injection comes as a single-dose pre-filled automatic injection device to be injected into the thigh. You should only use it when you are experiencing or are likely to begin experiencing a serious allergic reaction. Talk to your doctor about substances that may cause allergic reactions and

Under certain conditions, you may need more than one epinephrine injection to treat an allergic reaction. Your doctor will tell you if and when you should use a second dose. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Use epinephrine injection exactly as directed. Do not use more or less of it or use it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

Go to a hospital for emergency treatment!

If you are unsure if you are allergic to bee stings or insect bites, report the incident immediately to your GF/Supervisor

• Check to see if the stinger is in the skin. If so, try to remove it by using your fingernail or a plastic card.
• Once the stinger is removed, wash the site with soap and water and cover it.
• Apply ice or a cold pack to the area. Use a cloth to protect your skin from the ice.
• If symptoms appear, go to a hospital for emergency treatment immediately.

Let’s all BEE Aware and be our Brothers/Sisters Keeper this Spring and watch out for those who may be subject to allergic reactions.