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Swimming pools and surrounding areas can be natural breeding grounds for many types of bugs and insects. Many of these creatures can and will bite humans for a variety of reasons. Additionally, some may carry and transport diseases.

Some bugs and insects are venomous and their bites and stings can cause a variety of responses in humans ranging from mild irritation, allergic reactions, or introduction of other organisms (such as in the case of malaria). These reactions can be moderate to very severe and potentially fatal. There are some measures that can be taken to reduce the risk of being bitten or stung.

Communicate with patrons:

• Post signs at the entrances of pool areas suggesting patrons use water-resistant insect repellant.

– Insect repellants that contain DEET are most effective.

• Do a daily walkthrough looking for signs of nesting or standing water that can attract insects or become breeding grounds.

• Post signage with the following suggestions for pool patrons:

– Do not swat at bees or wasps as this tends to make them more aggressive.

– Keep all food and drinks covered; some foods tend to attract certain bees.

– Visually check all surfaces, pool deck or chairs before contact or sitting down.

– Do not reach into areas without looking first.

– Wear something on your feet, especially if walking in grassy areas.

– For those who are not swimming, long pants, long-sleeved shirts and shoes that cover the entire foot are the best way to avoid contact with insects.

– Avoid wearing bright colors and perfumes or colognes.

• Contract with a licensed exterminator as needed.

• Prevent access to any areas known to have nests or concentrations of insects or other organisms that can create issues, e.g., ticks.

• Facilities should include information about insect stings and bites in an emergency preparedness plan. This information should be communicated to patrons with signage or email.

All staff should:

• Be observant and keep an eye out for swarms of insects or nests.

• Keep brushy and grassy areas well-trimmed to avoid gatherings of insects and other organisms.

• Avoid planting flowers near pool areas.

• Disperse areas of standing (non-chlorinated) water around pool areas.

• Look daily for hives or wasp nests as part of the preventive maintenance program. Have these nests professionally treated in a safe manner even during unoccupied times.

The risks of insect bites and stings:

• Contracting diseases, such as West Nile virus or malaria from mosquito bites.

• Irritation, inflammation and allergic reactions to stings and bites from wasps, bees and hornets.

• Potentially fatal reactions to bites and stings, which are usually severe allergic reactions.

What to do if bites or stings occur:

In most cases, reactions to bites and stings are mild and require only minor first aid treatment. In some cases, however, people may have allergic reactions to the sting. This can be very severe and even potentially fatal. Encourage patrons to be observant and prepared to respond to these situations to help reduce the severity of the reaction.

Those who are bitten or stung should monitor the injury closely and watch for signs of infection, unusual swelling or other unusual symptoms. If the symptoms worsen, the affected person should get medical attention immediately.

• Many people who are allergic to bees carry epinephrine pens to combat the effects of serious allergic reactions. If the affected person becomes unable to administer the injection him or herself, they may need assistance. Assure that the person receives medical attention immediately.

Pest control without using pesticides: Pest control should incorporate a fully integrated program and does not just rely on pesticide applications. An effective integrated program might include such items as:

• Educating employees in the aspects of the organization's pest management plan to prevent unauthorized pesticide application by employees.

• Reducing pest access to the building interior.

– Repairing broken windows, screens, vent covers, and all other holes, openings or means of penetration in building exteriors, such as where wires and pipes enter into the building.

– Equipping all exterior doors with automatic door closing devices and keep doors closed at all times. Fitting doors with weatherproof sweeps and ensure less than ¼" opening around doors jambs and sweeps.

– Placing screens over all HVAC system and exhaust ventilation openings with screen no larger than ¼".

– Installing air curtains on door openings to the exterior.

• Maintaining outdoor building conditions and landscaping using similar procedures as above.

• Reducing sources of food and water that could attract pests.

• Routine outdoor and indoor housekeeping including brushing of walls and ceilings to knock down and remove potential insect habitats.

• Reducing hiding places or habitat locations by keeping areas clean, applying good housekeeping techniques and reducing clutter.

• Using bug traps as necessary.

• Performing routine building inspection and maintenance.

• Removing garbage quickly and regularly from inside and outdoor locations; and assuring that all containers are kept closed with tight fitting lids.

Pest control with pesticides: When necessary EPA registered pesticides may be used by qualified applicators and in accordance with manufacturer instructions. Select the least toxic and most effective and efficient technique and materials. Never use outdoor pesticides indoors. When pesticide applications are necessary, consider the following:

• Follow label instructions.

• Post application, access and re-entry warnings and assure they are followed.

• Choose the best applicable pesticide for the pest of concern.

• Use spot applications when feasible.

• Limit the use of sprays, foggers and other volatile formulations which can create elevated airborne concentrations. Instead use bait and crack or crevice application.

• Place all pesticides either in locations not accessible to children and non-target species. Use tamper resistant bait boxes.

• Only apply materials when occupants or members of the public are not present or in areas where they will not be exposed.

• Note re-entry times and notify employees. Post re-entry times at entrances whenever pesticides are applied in work areas.

• Use adequate personal protective equipment (PPE).

• Properly ventilate after application.

• Keep copies of all safety data sheets (SDSs) in the Risk Management Center.

Pesticide storage:

• Store in accordance with manufacturer instructions (e.g., keeping flammables, combustibles away from ignition sources; and oxidizing materials).

• Use secondary containment systems to contain leaks.

• Regularly inspect and maintain the storage area and storage containers.

• Establish a formal protocol for the proper disposal of unused or outdated items and worker training.

− Do not discard materials through drains, sewers, non-hazardous waste streams, etc. and follow all manufacturer and applicable regulatory requirements.

Regulations and additional sources of information:

• State and Federal Occupational Safety and Health Administrations (OSHA) have enacted some standards that are applicable to the use and application of pesticides. However, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) possesses the majority of enforcement jurisdiction under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA 40 CFR 150-189) and (40 CFR 171) which regulates the applicators of pesticides in, on or around the following structures:

– Food handling establishments

– Human dwellings

– Institutions, e.g., schools, hospitals, offices, warehouses, public buildings

– Individual establishments, e.g., warehouses, grain elevators

• Refer to the manufacturer or supplier's safety data sheets as well as state and federal OSHA and EPA plans, and regulatory bodies with jurisdiction for pesticide application. Also, the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), and United States National Institutes for Health and National Cancer Society have excellent resource materials available.

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References:

• U. S. Forest Service

• Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) – Integrated Pest Management

• EPA Pesticides and Toxics Management

• National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health

• United States National Institutes for Health

• National Cancer Society

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Remember to load your completed trainings into the Risk Management Center.

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Insect Bites and Stings

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