The Monkey Tree

As always the summer emphasis is “get out and about” and enjoy the outdoors. Flowers are in full bloom, new- born animals are growing into young ones and our insect world is a hive of activity.

Flowers are in full bloom, new- born animals are growing into young ones and our insect world is a hive of activity.  As with all things, prevention is better than cure, and these simple tips are worth considering:

• Smells and bright colours attract insects.  Avoid scented creams and strong perfumes.
• It’s lovely to run around bare foot, but socks and shoes provide protection.
• Look out for insects’ nests in your home and garden and have them removed.
• Mesh pram covers to protect the little ones.
• Insect repellents can be effective.
• Be careful when eating and drinking outside especially sweet things.

How to treat stings or bites

Stinging is an excellent defence in wasp colonies.  They have a distinct caste system, Queens, Drones and Workers.  It is the workers (infertile females) that do the labour of the nest and defend the colony with their stings.  A stinger is actually a modified egg-laying tube, which is connected to a venom sac inside the insects’ body. A wasp can sting repeatedly because it can easily withdraw its stinger from the entry point.  Venom is pumped from the venom sac, through the stinger into the wound. Chemicals in the venom cause pain and irritation from the sting.

The major difference between bee and wasp stings is that a bee sting has to be physically removed from the wound before treatment, whilst the wasp does not leave its sting in the wound.  Unlike the wasp the bee then dies, never to sting again.  To remove a bee sting use tweezers to prize it out or scrap it off with your fingernail or a credit card.  It is usually recommended that the scrap be directed away from the puncture wound in the direction of the venom sac.  Do not attempt to press out the sting, as this will help the poison to spread under the skin.  Wash the bite with soap and water, then cool off the skin with ice cubes or an ice pack wrapped in a thin towel.  This is to reduce local inflammation.  Rest the affected area and elevate if possible to reduce swelling.  Do this immediately after being stung. 

Call your doctor immediately if you notice any of the following symptoms:

Many insects have stung the person at the same time.
A rash or swelling that gets worse instead of better.
If the site is red, tender or swollen.
Headache.
Dizziness.
Feeling sick
Pains in the chest.
Choking or wheezing.
Difficulty breathing.

These may be symptoms of allergy and can be life threatening if the person goes into shock.  Seek medical attention immediately.

For more information on stings and insect bites visit www.netdoctor.co.uk  and www.insectstings.co.uk