The majority of pest management professionals have clients that have experienced bites from blood-feeders and stings from stealthy Hymenopterans. Biting and stinging pests are rapidly becoming more and more medically significant. Understanding the medical significance takes PMPs well beyond the days past of "bit there, stung that."

As arthropod bites and stings become more and more common, so does their medical and potentially legal significance. Non-emergency symptoms vary according to the type of insect and the individual. Most people have localized pain, redness, swelling, or itching. Burning, numbness, or tingling may also be felt.

• Insects do not usually attack unless provoked.
• Insects sting to protect their hives or nests.
• Most bites and stings are defensive.
• A bite or sting releases venom made of proteins that may trigger an allergic reaction.
• Bites can result in reddening and swelling.
• A sting can cause anaphylaxis (extreme sensitivity).

Venoms can contain many enzymes and peptides (antigens or substances that stimulate production of antibodies). Enzymes are proteins that catalyze (increase the rates of) chemical reactions. In enzymatic reactions, the molecules at the beginning of the process are called substrates, and the enzyme converts them into different molecules called the products. Peptides are small “digestibles;” short polymers formed from the linking, in a defined order, of α-amino acids.

In reaction to antigens, the human immune system sometimes presents undesirable results in attempting bodily protection. In a hypersensitive or allergic individual, a small amount of antigen elicits an out-of-proportion immune reaction. Tissue damage resulting from hypersensitivity is worse than the damage produced by either saliva or venoms.

Kill on contact with Wasp-X to avoid the “bit there, stung that!”

• Jet spray from up to 20 feet away.
• Foaming formulation for pestiferous stingers.
• Use indoors on invasive nests within attics and other spaces.
• Use outdoors on obtrusive nests.

Hornets construct nests in trees, shrubs, ivy, under eaves, and within sheltered spaces of buildings. Locate the entrance hole to the nest, and thoroughly spray with Wasp-X. Spraying only the outside of the nest, and not the entrance hole, will not be effective. An attack by hornets may result! For large nests, repeat the application.

Yellow jackets construct nests within the ground, tree stumps, landscape timbers, railroad ties, and structural voids. Locate entrance holes (there may be more than one). Spray entrances thoroughly with Wasp-X. For large nests, repeat the application.

Wasps construct nests under structural overhangs and other sheltered areas. Locate nests and spray until wet. Wasps on the nest will quickly fall to the ground. Wasps returning to the nest will be killed by the residual action of Wasp-X. Wait 24 hours before removing the nest.

Since hornets, Yellow jackets, and wasps are less active at dusk or early morning, it is best practice to wait until such times to conduct treatments.

Generally, bites and stings can be treated with a level of home-care. In rare cases, people have a severe allergic reaction to bites and stings. A life-threatening allergic reaction called anaphylaxis can result which requires emergency care. Severe reactions can occur quickly (within minutes) and affect the entire body. If you are with someone who has been bitten or stung and has trouble breathing or goes into shock, call 911!

PMP’s Direct To You provides pest management professionals with educational refreshers on timely and critical topics essential to operational success. This content is not be used as a substitute for obtaining legal advice from an attorney or insurance professional licensed where you live. Look for the content-rich PMP Direct To You archives at mypmp.net/direct-to-you-archive.