Personal Protection

Personal Protection

It is funny that we spend most of our time making our bodies just right to attract others - this web page is dedicated to making our bodies as unattractive as possible to stinging insects!

Smell

The general suggestion is that no smell is better than any smell. Stinging insects have a powerful sense of smell and there is no research out there that I have discovered that recommends that we cloak ourself in a particularly unfriendly smell to wasps. Biting insects like mosquitos can definitely be turned off by insect repellent - the jury is still out on stinging insects so

Avoid Perfumes, After Shave, Perfumed Deoderants and Perfumed Anti-Perspirants.

Appearance and Dress

Stinging Insects are definitely attracted to bright and shiny clothing - especially floral prints and black. Insects seem to be more attracted to white, green, tan or khaki.

Wear sensible clothing - not open toe sandals or shorts when you know you will be in an environment plagues by wasps

Avoid: Coloured Clothing, floral prints, open shoes, and baring too much leg or arm

Medic Alert - www.medicalert.org

Whilst not haut couture jewellery, the organisation Medic Alert provides necklaces and bracelets with vital information on them that can advise prospective medical helpers exactly what is wrong with the unconscious or incapcitated sting victim. Practicality definitely wins over elegance - but seriously, they are reasonably OK to look at and may well save a life! Highly recommended.

Think Postive

Do not panic if a stinging insect comes near to you or lands on you. Either keep still or move very slowly away in the opposite direction. The flapping of arms and hands is particularly threatening to stinging insects so just keep cool and you should be left in peace!