A June 8 article by Chantelle Janelle on the site of NBC 10 in South Carolina quotes ACSH president Dr. Elizabeth Whelan on summer insects:
"But they can also be dangerous. Bugs are what we call vectors, vectors of disease, they can make you sick"...
And while bees and wasps don't transmit disease, an allergic reaction to a sting can be fatal. Dr. Whelan says, "But the best approach is prevention in the first place. For most people that means using an insect repellent. DEET is the ingredient to look for but follow the directions on the label and use common sense.
"You're not going to want to spray them if you have food around. You don't want to put the insecticide on the hands of little children who are going to then put them in their mouth"...
As for bees and wasps, Dr. Whelan says, "You certainly want to not leave out food uncovered, because this will attract bees. Open garbage again will be just an invitation. Don't wear bright-colored clothing and don't wear lots of perfume and hair spray."
See also: ACSH's Health and Safety Tips for Your Summer Vacation (2006).
