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Stings and Bites

Aside from bugs you can’t see, there are also those that you can, and it is important to know how to treat bites and stings
from various creepy crawlies this summer.

☼ Mosquitoes spread the Ross River Virus. It is best to avoid swamp and ground pools as these are typical breeding
grounds, and try and cover up as much as possible to avoid getting bitten.

☼ Ticks are also found out in the bush, in the garden, on overhanging branches and especially around clotheslines.
To remove a tick, use fine pointed tweezers and grasp the tick as close to the tick as possible. Gently pull the tick
out with steady pressure.

☼ People living in bush land need to be particularly aware of the dangers of snakes and spiders. Fast action and
first aid can help save the life of someone who has been bitten by a snake or a spider.

☼ At the beach, remember to be on the look out for bluebottles. The treatment for these painful stings is to clear the
tentacles away with water and apply a cold pack or ice for 15 minutes. People stung by a bluebottle should seek
professional medical treatment.

☼ The blue ringed octopus’ sting is much more dangerous as the poison can cause paralysis, so treatment in this
instance is to take the patient straight to hospital.