Safety offices advises on insect safety Published May 26, 2010 By Master Sgt. Lynard Slaton II 87th Air Base Wing Safety JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST -- Summer months are a time for increased venomous stinging insects: bees, wasps, yellow jackets and hornets. This activity begins in early spring and continues through late fall, with the most aggressive activity from August until October. Bumble bees, wasps/hornets and yellow jackets can sting multiple times. Some stinging insects, such as the honey bees, leave their stingers inside victims, allowing the venom sack to continue pumping poison. Bees are far more dangerous although wasps, yellow jackets and hornets may look scarier. Bee stings contain more venom than the other insects and bees are more likely to sting. A person is usually 42 times more likely to die from a bee sting than a poisonous snake bite. Bee/wasp stings only cause death if the person is stung repeatedly or is highly allergic to the venom. Follow these tips to avoid becoming the next victim of a stinging insect: - Limit cooking or eating outdoors during yellow jacket season (late summer to early fall) or put up yellow jacket traps to lure them away from the barbecue and eating areas. The most venomous stinging insects are particularly attracted to beer, as the aroma from the hops is alluring. - Do not wear brightly-colored, dark or patterned clothes. White and light colors are best. Avoid wearing additional scents, such as perfumes, colognes, scented hair spray, suntan lotion, cosmetics, deodorants and shaving lotions. - Check wet towels, washcloths or clothes before handling to assure there are no insects already drinking the moisture. - Do not leave food items in -- or drink from -- open containers in case stinging insects might have already entered. Use glasses and containers with lids. - Do not hit or swat at bees, wasps or yellow jackets. Squashing them releases a chemical alarm signaling other wasps and yellow jackets in the area to attack. They do not normally attack a person at rest if not disturbed or threatened. - If a bee or wasp enters moving car, pull off to the side of the road and stop. Open the windows to let it exit. Never attempt to control stinging insects if allergic or sensitive to the venomous sting. Seek medical assistance immediately when experiencing any of the following symptoms: difficulty swallowing; slurred speech; wheezing or difficulty breathing; confusion or jumbled thoughts; tightness in the throat or chest; coughing or hoarseness; weakness leading to fainting.