What can you do to protect yourself from Insects, Spiders and Ticks?

‍
1. Wear long-sleeved shirts, pants and socks
2. Use insect repellents that contain Picaridin or Deet
3. Treat all bites and stings with over the counter products that relieve pain and prevent infection
4. Seek immediate medical attention if a bite or sting causes chest pain, nausea, sweating, loss of breath, serious swelling or slurred speech
‍

What can you do to protect yourself from Rodents and Wild or Stray Animals?

1. Avoid all contact with wild or stray animals that are dead or alive
2. Avoid contact with animal habitats, diseases can remain after animals are gone
3. Use personal protective equipment and tools to remove dead animals from work areas to prevent spread of disease
4. Wash hands thoroughly after working near or in animal habitats
5. If bitten or scratched, immediately seek medical attention
‍

What can you do to protect yourself from Snakes and the effects of snake bites?

‍
1. Be continually aware of where you place your hands and feet
2. If working with debris that is accessible to snakes, use personal protective equipment such as heavy gloves and leather boots that are at least 10” high
3. Use tools and equipment instead of hands to move debris whenever possible
4. Pay close attention to hidden areas under debris or sun lit areas near fallen trees, limbs or other debris
5. If you encounter a snake, step back to a distance more than ½ the length of the snake’s body and allow it to proceed
6. If bitten, note the color and shape of the snake’s head to help with treatment
7. If bitten, keep bite victim still and calm to slow the spread of venom in case the snake is poisonous, and seek medical attention immediately, then lay the person down so that the bite is below the level of the heart, and cover the bite with a clean, dry dressing
8. Do NOT cut the wound or attempt to suck out the venom.

‍