Insects and Scorpions at Work

Overview

A sting or bite from insects or scorpions can cause mild discomfort or pain. Workers allergic to the insect’s venom could die from anaphylactic shock. Anaphylactic shock is a severe allergic reaction and requires immediate emergency care.

Prevention

It is important for employers to train their workers about:

• Their risk of exposure to insects and scorpions.
• How they can prevent and protect themselves from stings and bites.
• What they should do if they are stung or bitten.

Bees, wasps, and hornets

Bees, wasps, and hornets are most abundant in the warmer months. Nests and hives may be found in trees, under roof eaves, or on equipment such as ladders.

Bees, wasps, and hornets are found throughout the United States.

Worker protections

Wear light-colored, smooth-finished clothing.

Avoid perfumed soaps, shampoos, and deodorants.

• Don't wear cologne or perfume.
• Avoid bananas and banana-scented toiletries.

Wear clean clothing and bathe daily. Sweat may anger bees.

Wear clothing to cover as much of the body as possible.

Avoid flowering plants when possible.

Keep work areas clean. Social wasps thrive in places where humans discard food.

Remain calm and still if a single stinging insect is flying around. Swatting at an insect may cause it to sting.

If you are attacked by several stinging insects at once, run to get away from them. Bees release a chemical when they sting, which may attract other bees.

• Go indoors.
• A shaded area is better than an open area to get away from insects.
• Do not jump into water since some insects will hover above water.

If a bee comes inside your vehicle, stop the car slowly, and open all the windows.

First aid

If a worker is stung by a bee, wasp, or hornet:

• Have someone stay with them to see if they have an allergic reaction.
• Wash the site with soap and water.
• Remove the stinger.
  • Wipe gauze or scrape a fingernail over the area.
  • Never squeeze the stinger or use tweezers.
• Apply ice to reduce swelling.
• Do not scratch the sting.
  • Scratching may increase swelling, itching, and risk of infection.

Fire ants

Fire ants bite and sting. They are aggressive when stinging and inject venom, which causes a burning sensation. Red bumps form at the sting, and within a day or two they become white fluid-filled pustules.

Fire ants are mostly found in the Southeastern United States, with limited geographic distribution in New Mexico, Arizona, and California.

Worker protections

Do not disturb or stand on or near ant mounds.

Be careful when lifting items (including animal carcasses) off the ground, as they may be covered in ants.

Fire ants may also be found on trees or in water, so always look over the area before starting to work.

First aid

If a worker is stung or bitten by fire ants:

• Rub off ants briskly, as they will attach to the skin with their jaws.
• Antihistamines may help.
  • Follow directions on the package.
  • Drowsiness may occur.
• Take them to an emergency medical facility immediately if they have:
  • Severe chest pain
  • Nausea
  • Severe sweating
  • Loss of breath
  • Serious swelling
  • Slurred speech

Scorpions

Scorpions usually hide during the day and are active at night. They may be hiding under rocks, wood, or anything else lying on the ground. Some species may also burrow into the ground. Most scorpions live in dry, desert areas. However, some species can be found in grasslands, forests, and inside caves.

Scorpions are found in the Southern and Southwestern United States.

Symptoms

Symptoms of a scorpion sting may include:

• Stinging or burning at the sting site (very little swelling or inflammation)
• Positive "tap test" (extreme pain when the sting site is tapped with a finger)
• Restlessness
• Convulsions
• Roving eyes
• Staggering gait
• Thick tongue sensation and/or slurred speech
• Drooling
• Muscle twitches
• Abdominal pain and cramps
• Trouble breathing

These symptoms usually subside within 48 hours, although stings from a bark scorpion can be life-threatening.

Worker protections

Wear long sleeves and pants.

Wear leather gloves.

Shake out clothing or shoes before putting them on.

First aid

If a worker is stung by a scorpion:

• Contact a qualified health care provider or poison control center.
• Apply ice, but do not submerge the affected area in ice water.
• Remain relaxed and calm.
• Do not take any sedatives.
• Capture the scorpion for identification if it is safe to do so.

Resources

NIOSH Fast Facts: Protecting Yourself from Stinging Insects

OSHA Fact Sheet: Fire Ants

Texas A&M University: The Two-Step Method of Fire Ant Control

Texas A&M University: Texas Imported Fire Ant Research and Management Project