If your job takes you outdoors, then you’ve probably run into wasps or other stinging insects while working. These pests are capable of delivering painful stings that could be fatal for some, which is why it’s important to be alert and take precautions to keep yourself and your coworkers safe. While it may not be possible to avoid them completely, there are some steps you can take to stay safe from wasps while working outside:
Carefully Inspect Your Jobsite
Before starting your work for the day, carefully look around for any places that stinging insects could be hiding. Taking just a few minutes to do so could save you from unknowingly running into a nest and upsetting a hive. When inspecting your jobsite for wasps, look in places such as:
- Hollowed trees, wall voids, or attic spaces
- Tree branches, overhangs, or eaves of a building
- Shrubs, bushes, hedges, and other greenery
- Crates, boxes, and playground equipment
- Abandoned vehicles and rubber tires
Wear Protective Clothing
Protective clothing will keep you safe from all sorts of dangers, from stinging insects and parasites like mosquitoes to harsh weather and poisonous plants. For full protection, be sure to wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and close-toed shoes. It may also be useful to wear gloves, a hat, or an extra layer of clothing to ensure the fabric is thick enough to prevent stings or bites. We also recommend tying up long hair that pests could get caught in, and avoiding any fragrant perfumes that may attract wasps.
Be Cautious With Power Tools
Wasps and other stinging insects are very sensitive to vibrations, which means they may become irritated by loud power tools such as lawn mowers and weed eaters. Moving too quickly near a nest could cause a hive to swarm. To avoid aggravating wasps when using power tools, screen the area beforehand and move cautiously as you work.
Have a Safety Plan
Wasps are capable of stinging multiple times at once, which can be extremely painful or even fatal to individuals with severe allergies. That’s why it’s important to have a wasp safety plan in place if you or any of your coworkers are stung. If you encounter a swarm while working, try to avoid the insects and contact an expert right away.
Should you or a coworker get stung, safety is your first priority. Once you are away from the threat of being stung again, assess the damage. If you experience an allergic reaction or are otherwise concerned about the sting, call 911 and seek immediate medical attention. Signs of an allergic reaction include:
- Swollen eyes or eyelids
- Wheezing or difficulty breathing
- Dizziness or fainting
- Shock or unconsciousness
- Hives or swelling outside of the sting
Get Wasp Control Services
If you encounter stinging insects on a job site, don’t try to handle the pests yourself. A swarm can be dangerous to you and your coworkers, so it is best to contact an experienced wasp control specialist to have the insects removed quickly and safely. For reliable wasp removal services, you can count on the experts at United Pest Solutions! We have proudly served the greater Bellevue metropolitan area for nearly 60 years, and we are committed to providing quality solutions that you can depend on. Give us a call today to get fast and effective results!