Insect allergy management

If you have been diagnosed at risk of anaphylaxis to an insect sting or bite:

• ALWAYS carry your ASCIA Action Plan for Anaphylaxis and your adrenaline (epinephrine) injector/s (such as Anapen® or  EpiPen®) with you and know how to use it. Be prepared for an emergency. Learn more about preparing for an emergency.
• Wear medical identification jewellery such as a bracelet or necklace that says you have an insect allergy. If you collapse or are very unwell, the medical jewellery will let people helping you know of your allergties. Learn more about medical jewellery here.

Reducing risk of insect stings and bites

There is an increased risk of insect stings and bites during spring and summer because there are more insects around and people are often outdoors wearing less clothing. It is important for people with insect allergy to try to prevent insect bites and stings all year round. While there is always the risk of an insect sting/bite, there are things people can do to reduce the risk.

Cover exposed skin as much as possible:

• Honeybees normally only sting when they think they are in danger. When you can, wear light-coloured clothing that covers arms and legs, and wear closed in shoes. Try not to wear clothes with flowers on them.
• People often get stung or bitten when not wearing shoes. Wear shoes and socks that cover the foot and ankles when outside. If you are in a place that has lots of ants, wear boots and thick clothing such as denim jeans (tuck bottom of jean legs into thick socks).
• When gardening, wear gloves, long sleeves, and long pants. Tuck your shirt into pants and pants into socks so insects are less likely to crawl in under your clothes.

Avoid disturbing insect nests:

• Bee, wasp and ant mounds/nests should be removed by a professional. This includes at workplaces, schools and children’s education and care centres.
• Bee, wasp and ant mounds/nests should be removed when the person with the allergy is not there.
• Wasps normally nest in walls, logs and underground.
• Ant nests can be less obvious and not noticed until they are disturbed.

Other strategies:

• Keep food and drinks (cup/bottle/glass/can) covered and indoors if possible.
• When outdoors, always check your food and drinks for insects before you eat or drink.
• Avoid perfumes/aftershave or body creams/deodorants which have a smell.
• Avoid picking up rubbish which may attract insects.
• Be careful around lakes/ponds/dams/swimming pools.
• Keep car/bus/train windows closed.
• Keep lids on garbage bins.
• Keep grass areas mowed (reduce flowering weeds such as clover which attracts bees).
• Use insect repellents that contain DEET (Diethyltoluamide, N, N – diethyl – 3- methylbenzamide. Insect repellent may help reduce some stings/bites but does not work for all insects.
• Avoid being outdoors in early morning and early evening.