Dealing with Bugs and Critters On the grounds of WSU

Checklist for protection  Expose as little skin as possible  Light colored long pants and long-sleeved shirts  One piece suit if possible  Wear hat to protect head  Heavy duty gloves  Leather boots  Tuck pants into boots and shirts into pants

Check list for protection  Check any clothing you wear in the field before you put it on  Spray clothing with an insect repellent containing DEET  Don’t wear strong smelling cologne  Keep your hands and feet out of areas you can’t see into  Do an all-over body check when you get home

Mosquitoes Apply mosquito repellent every two or three hours Wear-light colored clothing Within 3 days after exposure watch for signs of encephalitis, such as headache, fever, nausea and vomiting. Mosquitos can also cause West Nile Virus. If you suspect a problem, see a doctor

Ticks Lyme Disease Red rash resembling a bull’s eye Arthritis-type pain Ask employer to get Lyme disease vaccine Rocky Mountain Spotted fever Flu like symptoms and chills Cough, sensitivity to light Unusual fatigue Ticks can spread serious disease

Ticks Check body after working in wooded area If you find a tick on your body, remove it with a pair of tweezers. Don’t twist the tick’s body. Pull the tick straight out or the head can break off Clean the area immediately with soap and water or alcohol.

Spiders Watch for signs of spiders Wear heavy gloves when moving piles of brush or wood You may not feel the bite You may have a tingling feeling, or sudden nausea or stomach pain

Spiders Black Widow Recognize this striking black spider by the red hour glass marking. Males may be smaller & brownish. The Black Widow has a venom that is 15 times more poisonous than rattlesnake venom!

Spiders Black Widow bites Stomach muscles may become rigid, abdominal pain and cramps can last up to 48 hours Get help if you experience high blood pressure, convulsions or anaphylactic shock..

Spiders Brown Recluse

Spiders Hobo Serious spider bites in the Northwest are more likely to be from this Brown Recluse Spider’s cousin…

Scorpions These little critters are found in the drier parts of the state. They are usually reclusive, but will attack if surprised or threatened.

Scorpion Sting First Aid Stay calm and rest Keep area cool If any reaction, especially concerning pains in body or breathing, go to emergency room

Snakes Leave snakes alone Good snakes- Most snakes are not harmful Snakes reduce insect and rodent populations Bad snakes- Snakes choose to avoid people Most people are bitten by trying to kill snakes or to get a better look.

Snakes Can you tell which is the dangerous snake? At first glance, this snake may look like a rattler, but note it’s eyes are round- different than a venomous snake. Venomous snakes have slit pupils rather than round ones. They also have heart shaped heads and often have rattles or bony protrusions on their tails.

Venomous Snakes Arrow shaped heads Cat-like eyes Rattlesnakes have horney buttons or rattles

SNAKES ARE OFTEN DIFFICULT TO SEE Be aware of your surroundings, especially when in known snake inhabited areas. Check around equipment that has been sitting for any period of time to be sure a snake has not found a shady spot in which to rest. Watch out for snakes under houses, piles of wood or stone and in tall grass Be careful when reaching over objects or around rocks. Don’t pick up rocks or wood before turning it over with a stick

VENOMOUS SNAKE BITES Most snake strikes are 2 feet or less above the ground. A snake will strike ½ of its body length, so if the snake is 3 feet long, it will strike at approximately 18 inches. If snake bite contains venom, swelling occurs within ten minutes Fingers and toes may become numb, and you may notice a metallic taste in your mouth May feel sleepy, and have difficulty swallowing or forming words Avoid running and try not to panic. Do not raise the wound. Keep the area lower than your heart.

WHAT TO DO FOR SNAKE BITES Call 911- Snake bite is always a medical emergency. If you wait too long before treatment, problems will increased. Notify the hospital to which you will be transporting the patient so they can have the antivenom ready. Keep patient as calm as possible. Don’t’ try to remove the venom with your mouth Immobilize the affected area, ice the area, and keep it below the heart.

Rodents Rodents are everywhere They can cause Structural damage, Electrical damage Fires Unsanitary conditions Disease Unsightly messes

Rodents- Mice Hanta virus & Hemorrhagic Fever Fresh rodent urine droppings or saliva

RODENT CLEAN UP Wear latex or vinyl gloves HEPA Filter if warrented Drench rodent urine etc with 1:10 bleach water When wet can be picked up with damp towel When debris is cleared, mop or sponge down with disinfectant Spray dead rodents with disinfectant and double bag with debris Disinfect gloves before you remove them. Wash hands with soap and warm water immediately

Rodents May spread Hanta virus, Hemorrhagic Fever If you develop a fever, deep muscle aches or severe shortness of breath after working around rodents, see a doctor immediately

Bees and Wasps Bee and wasp stings kill more people each year than all other venomous animals combined. Yellowjacket wasps can sting repeatedly. Honey bees have barbed stingers that can remain in your skin. Anaphylactic shock can be life-threatening

BEWARE! Look out for swarms Bee hives and yellow jacket nests are found in hollow trees culverts and hanging tree limbs Bees are attracted to sweet smells- keep food and drink in car Loud noise, engine vibration and waving arms can provoke an attack

FIRST AID FOR BEE STINGS If attacked, cover your face and run to the nearest shelter or vehicle Notify a coworker immediately to observe you or call 911. Remove bee stingers right away by scraping horizontally with a knife or fingernail Never squeeze the stinger or you can inject more venom into the skin Wash the area with soap and water to avoid infection Take something to reduce the swelling and pain. If you are allergic, wear a bracelet If you’ve had a reaction, carry a bee sting kit

Respect and Protect Be aware Watch for areas where critters may hide and nest. Do not leave piles of wood, lumber, equipment long without moving it. Watch for signs of rodents or other critters Be prepared Expect to encounter critters- do not reach before you look Dress appropriately- Long pants, long sleeves, boots, and heavy gloves when moving things. Take injuries seriously Notify someone of your injury, even if minor Get first aid if necessary Respect the critters at WSU, but protect yourself! Hit this arrow to proceed to quiz