ATLANTA – For many families, summer means pool parties and backyard barbeques. But where there is fun for kids, there are safety concerns for parents – like how to prevent sunburn, poolside accidents or insect bites and stings. According to Atlanta-based Orkin, while most summer bugs like June beetles are just nuisances, summer bees, wasps and mosquitoes – and their stings or bites – can cause serious health issues.
In fact, while most insect bites and stings are not life threatening, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)’s website reports thousands of people are stung by insects each year and as many as 90–100 people in the U.S. die as a result of allergic reactions.
“Everyone can relate to the fear of bee stings or irritation of mosquito bites during summer months,” said Ron Harrison, Ph.D., Orkin technical director. “People with severe allergic reactions especially should try to avoid certain flying and stinging pests.”
Click here to view the video in which Orkin entomologist Shane Hill shares tips to help make outdoor activities less attractive to summer pests, particularly wasps and mosquitoes.