Autumn Years Summer 2023

HEALTH & WELFARE

Protecting Yourself from Insect and Animal-related Injuries By Kimberly Blaker

E ach year, 1.3 million Americans are treated in emergency rooms for animal-related injuries, according to the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project published by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. A study published in the British Medical Journal notes that the rate of animal-related injuries is on the rise. It attributes this in part to climate change because non-venomous ar thropods, such as mosquitoes, ticks, spiders and centipedes, thrive in warmer temperatures. Arthropods now account for 41 percent of all animal injuries. The second highest cause of animal-related injuries is from dog bites. Chomps from man’s best friend account for 25 per cent of animal-related injuries. Coming in third at 13 percent

are hornet, wasp and bee bites and stings. With 89.7 million dogs living in U. S. households and not always being able to predict or control the presence of insects and wildlife, the number of animal-related injuries is not sur prising. Still, there are precautions you can take to prevent or reduce your risk of injury. Begin by learning about the particular animals and insects found in your area and what types of risks they pose. As you begin to travel this summer, particularly to another state, country or even a different eco-system nearby, research the animal and insect-related risks before you go. The following are some of the most common or deadliest culprits.

To protect from mosquitoes and other blood-feeding arthropods, use repellents. If you are in a wooded or another area where they are likely to be present, wear pants and long sleeves as well. BEES, HORNETS AND WASPS These also are arthropods. There are some differences in the aggressiveness among bees, hornets and wasps. Hornets are the most aggressive, but all three will defend themselves if they sense danger. To reduce your risk of being stung, do not go outside barefoot. Keep vibrating equipment such as lawnmowers and weed whackers away from nests and hives. Do not drink from soda cans, especially if they have been outdoors. Also, avoid wearing cologne, lotion, antiperspirant or other

The black widow, Arizona bark scor pion, centipede, brown recluse and taran tula are the most poisonous arthropods in America and can be deadly. However, there are many other arthropods to be cautious of as well. Many have urticat ing hairs that can cause irritation or even allergic reactions when touched. The ta rantula can also eject its abdominal hairs toward its potential attacker. Caterpillars have these hairs as well. Mosquitoes and ticks, among other arthropods, can also carry and transmit diseases. Unlike most arthropods that want nothing to do with us, blood-feeding arthropods are fearless and relentless. Given the enormous variety of arthropods, the best prevention is to avoid touching them unless you know what they are and their potential risk.

ARTHROPODS These creatures can be venomous, which means venom is actively injected through a bite or sting. However, non-venomous arthropods, which are nonetheless often poisonous, cause the largest number of animal-related deaths each year. So the first step to protecting yourself is know ing which ones pose a danger, and what those specific arthropods look like.

20 AUTUMN YEARS I SUMMER 2023