Bug bites and stings

Bug bites and stings are usually just little more than a nuisance although for some people they are life threatening. Every year over 500,000 people go to the emergency room with insect stings and .5 to 5 percent of the total population have an anaphylactic reaction with at least 40 deaths.

In this article about bug bites and stings I will cover the potential dangers of insects, the best way to avoid bites and stings,reactions and what to do if you get stung.

Let's get started.

Potential Dangers:
Insects and other annoying pests are a hazard in any survival situation. They are not only irritating but they carry diseases as well. Depending on what area of the world you go to or live in, you will find some very serious diseases that can be life threatening.

One of the other real dangers of bug bites and stings is anaphylactic shock. This can be life threatening, especially in a survival situation. Without a hospital or doctor nearby, you need to be prepared before you go. Talk to your doctor and ask about the possibility of a epinephrine prescription, an epi-pen. Some people may have been stung many times before and never had a reaction but one time is all it takes. Be prepared.

Avoiding bug bites and stings:
There are several things you can do to lower the chances of getting bitten or stung.
1. Light colored clothing with a smooth finish will attract less insects.
2. Drop the soaps, shampoos and deodorants that have perfumes in them. They love sweet smelling food.
3. Practice proper hygiene
4. Don't swat or swing at them. It just sets them off
5. Even if there is only one buzzing you, remain still and don't swat at it. Their communication is faster than our gossip lines. You all know how fast that is.
6. Keep your face covered, that is the most likely place for a bee or wasp to sting
7. If you are being stung by more than one, Run, Forrest, Run. Try to get away from them by jumping into water if possible or going to a shaded area.

Reactions:
There are several different types of reactions that one can have from insect bites and stings. The most serious is the anaphylactic or allergic reaction. Allergic reactions are not common but are very serious and they do require emergency care. Not possible in a survival situation. Once again, be prepared.

Allergic reaction symptoms:
These reactions will cover the entire body and can happen within seconds or minutes.

Toxic reaction to bug bites and stings:
This can happen from one bite from a highly venomous insect or several less venomous insects. Symptoms will usually go away within 48 hrs. Hives and difficulty breathing will not happen with this type of reaction but it is possible to have a toxic reaction and an allergic reaction at the same time.

Large skin reaction to bug bites and stings:
These reactions may cover an entire limb or a broad area of the body. It is defined as swelling across two joints. For example; from the elbow to the wrist.

Skin infections:

Bug bites and stings- what to do if you get stung:
1. Stay with the victim to make sure they don't have an allergic reaction
2. Wash the area with soap and water if possible
3. Remove the stinger by scraping it out with a fingernail, 4x4 gauze wiped over area or other straight edged object.
4. Do not use tweezer to pull out the stinger. You may squeeze the stinger and cause more venom to inject into the area.
5. Do not scratch.

The majority of bug bites and stings come from bees, wasps, hornet, yellow jackets and fire ants. This article should have given you a real good idea of what to watch out for when bitten or stung along with how to avoid all this. Next we will look at some of the different types bites and stings and give you the specific ways to deal with them.

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