Insect stings can be hazardous to your health | Health

As summer is in full swing, the National Pest Management Association would like to remind citizens to protect yourself and your family from stinging insects. Not only are are these insects, annoying they could be hazardous to your health.

According to the NPMA, more than 500,000 people go to the emergency room due to insect bites. Citizens should use these precautions to avoid insects stings:

Wear shoes, especially in grassy areas.

Do not leave food or drink uncovered because insects are attracted to sweets.

Keep windows and doors tightly closed.

Quickly remove trash and store it in a sealed bin.

If a stinging insect land on you, don't swat it, rather lightly blow on it from a distance.

Contact a licensed professional to remove nests from your home.

If stung, clean with soap and water, apply ice and apply Benadryl and hydrocortisone ointment.

If you suffer an allergic reaction, such as tongue or throat swelling, wheezing, dizziness,shortness of breath or drop in blood pressure call 911 immediately.