There are things you can do to reduce your risk of being bitten or stung by insects.
Do
-
stay calm and move away slowly if you see wasps, hornets or bees
-
cover your skin with long sleeves and trousers when insects are active outside
-
wear shoes when you're outside
-
use insect repellent on your skin - repellents that contain 50% DEET (diethyltoluamide) are most effective
-
take care around flowers, rubbish and outside areas where food is served
-
keep food and drink covered when outside, especially sweet things
-
close doors and windows or put thin netting over them to stop insects from getting inside
Don't
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do not wave your arms around or swat at wasps, hornets or bees
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do not use products with strong perfumes, such as soaps, shampoos and deodorants - they can attract insects
-
do not disturb insect nests or caterpillars - if a nest is in your house or garden, arrange to have it removed through a pest control service
-
do not camp near water, such as ponds and swamps - mosquitoes and horseflies are found near water
Avoiding tick bites
Ticks are mainly found in woodland and mountain areas. They can cause Lyme disease.
To reduce your risk of a tick bite:
Do
-
keep to footpaths and avoid long grass when out walking
-
cover your skin and tuck your trousers into your socks in tick-infested areas
-
use insect repellent on your skin - repellents that contain 50% DEET (diethyltoluamide) are most effective
-
wear light-coloured clothes so ticks are easier to spot and brush off
Tick bites are not always painful.
After being outdoors, check for ticks as soon as possible.
Check your:
- skin, including your head, neck and skin folds
- children's head and neck, including their scalp
- clothes
- pet's fur
Important
Remove any ticks you find as soon as possible to reduce your risk of getting Lyme disease.
Taking care when travelling abroad
In some parts of the world, insects can carry serious diseases, such as malaria. You need to be extra careful.
Before you travel:
- find out what the risks are in the area you are going to
- check if you need any vaccines
- speak to your GP about any extra precautions and medicine you might need to take, such as malaria tablets
Insect infestations
If you've been bitten by fleas, mites or bed bugs, you may have an infestation in your home.
Flea infestation
Signs of a flea infestation include:
- fleas or flea poo in your animal's fur or bedding
- crusting on your dog's fur
- excessive scratching and grooming in cats
To get rid of a flea infestation:
- treat your animal and their bedding with an insecticide
- vacuum your carpets and soft furnishings
Talk to your vet if you're unsure if your pet has fleas.
Mite infestation
Dandruff (white or grey flakes of skin) on your cat or dog is a sign of a mite infestation. Get advice from your vet. Your pet will need treatment.
Bed bugs
Signs of a bed bug infestation include:
- spots of blood on your bed sheets
- an unpleasant almond smell
To get rid of a bed bug infestation, you will need to treat your home with an insecticide from a pest control company.
Content supplied by the NHS and adapted for Ireland by the HSE
