With the arrival of summer, we spend a lot of time outdoors. It is indeed the occasion to invest the gardens to share meals and convivial moments. And then there are the holidays, when many of us will take the opportunity to go to the countryside, the sea or the mountains and indulge in a multitude of outdoor activities. Summer is also synonymous with the return of a large number of insects that we will come across. Mosquitoes, wasps, hornets, augusts, horseflies, the risks of being stung are very real and this can quickly spoil the party when you are simply trying to enjoy the pleasures of being outside. If many stings are benign, they can be much more serious in case of allergy. That's why, in order to make the most of summer and nature, it is advisable to follow a few recommendations and always carry a small first-aid kit with you. A first-aid kit containing several basic products, as well as the Aspivenin mini-pump!
Why do people get stung?
Insect bites are unfortunately part of the little problems that we encounter in summer. But why do insects bite us? There are various reasons for this, and it depends on the insects. For example, in mosquitoes and horseflies, the females need blood to feed and reproduce. They may prey on certain animals, but they also like human blood.
For other insects, such as wasps, bees, Asian hornets and red ants, the sting is used to defend themselves. That is to say that when you leave them alone and run away from them, the risk of stings is minimal. However, be careful when you approach them, they will quickly feel threatened, and therefore sting. It is exactly the same thing for the spider, an animal hated by many of us, its bite is used to defend itself. It is necessary to immediately remove a large number of preconceived ideas on the subject. In no case would a spider attack a human being, it even prefers to flee from them. This does not prevent the possibility of coming into contact with them and being bitten.
When do you get bitten?
As we have seen, some insects bite to defend themselves. The best way to avoid being stung by wasps, bees, hornets or red ants is therefore to avoid coming into contact with them, and to avoid poking them. In the same way as when you spot a wasp or hornet nest, you should never go and look at it closely, just out of curiosity, and even less try to remove the nest yourself. The risk is that the insects attack several times, and the multiplication of stings can be dangerous for human health.
Another reason for the risk of being bitten by insects in summer is that we spend a lot of time outdoors, eating, drinking and sitting in the grass or by the water. Many insects are attracted to sweet drinks, alcohol and food. You can't help but think of these meals and picnics as a way to chase wasps.
So be careful when drinking outside, and always cover food containers and garbage cans tightly. It is also recommended to avoid sweet perfumes when planning to spend time outdoors. Don't forget to wear light-coloured clothing, closed shoes and to cover your arms and legs when you decide to go hiking in the countryside, for example.
What insects can bite you?
There are many insects that can bite us in summer. But we must mention one that has been increasingly present in Europe for the past two years and that is also particularly dangerous: the Asian hornet. First spotted in France in 2004 in the Lot-et-Garonne region, it has since acclimatised and colonised the whole country as well as many neighbouring European countries. If the Asian hornet is a concern for its impact on beekeeping and biodiversity, as it feeds on insects and ripe fruit, it should be noted that it is also dangerous for humans. A few stings are enough to cause hospitalization, respiratory shock, angioedema, anaphylactic shock, and even death! The Asian hornet is especially dangerous when it attacks in groups or when you are allergic to its venom
It should also be noted that the problem with the Asian hornet is that it does not lose its stinger at the first sting, and can therefore repeat its action several times. The stinger can also penetrate thick fabrics, such as rubber boots. Hence the need to be very vigilant, not to approach them and when a nest is spotted, to contact the town hall of your municipality in order to be directed to an appropriate organization.
What to do when stung? When to use Aspivenin®?
Although most insect bites are harmless, some can still cause reactions of varying degrees of severity. In particular, people with allergies need to be particularly vigilant. In the event of a mosquito, wasp, horsefly, red ant or hornet sting, the first thing to do is to disinfect the wound with an antiseptic. This is also the time to use the Aspivenin mini-pump! This small pump, which has three nozzles adapted to the size of the sting or bite, is very easy to use and can suck out the venom of bees, wasps or hornets, but also other venomous insects or animals. It is a first aid solution whose effectiveness is proven and ten times superior to oral suction. Hence the need to have it at home, but also in the first aid kit when you go to a natural area for a hike or any other outdoor leisure activity.
Be careful, however, following an insect bite, it is always recommended to monitor reactions and to be attentive to allergies. Look out for symptoms such as swelling, breathing problems and severe skin reactions. If this is the case, then call 15 without delay for medical consultation.
These other insects and animals that we come across in summer
We have focused on the Asian hornet and its particular danger, but let's not forget that in summer we come across many other insects and animals that can cause a sting or a bite. Mosquitoes are numerous, especially near water. You will also come across wasps, bumblebees, bees, horseflies, spiders and red ants in the grass. For these insects and animals,Aspivenin can be used. The mini-pump will suck out the venom, relieve the pain and itching, and limit the formation of swelling.
It remains to mention snakes. In Europe, only the viper is dangerous. Although deaths are rare, the reflex to have in case of a bite is to call 15 or 18 to get help
