Hazardous Animals

To guard against biting and stinging insects, wear long pants, socks and long-sleeved shirts.
Use insect repellents that contain DEET or picaridin.
Treat bites and stings with over-the-counter products that relieve pain and prevent infection.
Avoid fire ants; their bites are painful and cause blisters.
Severe reactions to fire ant bites or other bites and stings (chest pain, nausea, sweating, loss of breath, serious swelling or slurred speech) require immediate medical treatment.

Dead and live animals can spread diseases such as rat-bite fever and rabies.
Avoid contact with wild or stray animals.
Avoid contact with rats or rat-contaminated buildings.
Protective gloves should be worn when contact is unavoidable and hands should be washed after contact.
Get rid of dead animals as soon as possible.
If bitten or scratched, get medical attention immediately.

Heavy gloves should be worn for debris removal and bare hands should not be placed
under debris.
Snakes should be left undisturbed.
Boots should be at least 10 inches high.
Watch for snakes sunning on fallen trees, limbs or other debris.
A snake’s striking distance is about one-half the total length of the snake.
If bitten, note the color and shape of the snake’s head to help with treatment.
- Keep bite victims still and calm to slow the spread of venom. Seek medical attention as soon as possible.
- Do not cut the wound or attempt to suck out the venom.
- Apply first aid: lay the person down so that the bite is below the level of the heart, and cover the bite with a clean, dry dressing.