The Sting of Summer

Summer’s here, and if you're like me and our team—an electrical contractor, you know the buzz isn’t all electricity. Stinging insects—honey bees, wasps, hornets—are more than a nuisance; they’re a real hazard when you're doing line work, rooftop installs, or service calls outdoors. Here’s why contracting with these bugs can turn fiery in a flash, and what we can do to stay safe.

Why These Bugs Matter to Electricians

• High activity in summer and fall: Bees, wasps, hornets are most active during the months when our fieldwork peaks. Any disruption near their hives—tree limbs, power poles, eaves—can trigger aggressive defense preventionpestcontrol.net+6ecmag.com+6ex-terminators.com+6.
• Potential for multiple stings: Wasps and hornets can sting repeatedly. If a nest is disturbed, a swarm attack can happen fast .
• Allergy risk: While most stings cause pain and swelling, stings can escalate to anaphylaxis, which may include hives, throat swelling, wheezing, dizziness, and can be fatal without prompt treatment ecmag.com+1zoecon.com+1.

Best Practices to Avoid Getting Stung

1. Pre-job Hazards Scan

Before climbing ladders or pulling wire, inspect the surrounding area:

• Look for nests in trees, attics, hollow poles, under eaves, pipes, and dumpsters zoecon.com+2ecmag.com+2callnorthwest.com+2.
• Be alert to flying insects entering or exiting target areas.

2. Dress the Part

• Wear light-colored, smooth clothing to avoid attracting insects callnorthwest.com+5ecmag.com+5ecmag.com+5ecmag.com+1ecmag.com+1.
• Cover up: long sleeves, long pants, sealed pant legs/gloves, and a hat or veil for your head and neck .
• Skip perfumes or scented lotions—these draw attention .

3. Smart Worksite Protocol

• Keep food and trash sealed and away from work zones—leftover scraps can lure wasps ecmag.com+4ecmag.com+4callnorthwest.com+4.
• If insects appear, don’t swat. Stay calm, slowly back away, or gently blow them off.
  
  

What to Do If Stung

1. Get away and stay calm. Wasps/hornets may swarm if they think the nest is threatened.
2. Treat the sting immediately:

• Remove the stinger (bees only) by scraping it away—don’t pinch.
• Clean with soap and water.
• Apply cool compress, and use topical antihistamine, lotion, or oral antihistamine to reduce swelling and itching linkedin.com+9ecmag.com+9ecmag.com+9preventionpestcontrol.net+2zoecon.com+2ex-terminators.com+2.

1. Watch for allergic reactions: Symptoms like swelling beyond the site, trouble breathing, dizzy feeling demand 911 immediately ecmag.com+5ecmag.com+5ecmag.com+5.
2. Document the injury—OSHA requires recording insect stings on Form 300 ecmag.com+1ecmag.com+1.
   
   

Toolbox Takeaway: Protect & Prevent

As electrical pros, we're exposed to more than wires and voltage; summer brings wildlife hazards too. By proactively scanning job sites, dressing smart, managing food/trash, and knowing treatment protocols, we can significantly reduce risk.

Remember:

• Training matters: OSHA mandates awareness training for insect hazards and sting response .
• Stay stocked: First-aid kits should include sting treatments and antihistamines. Anyone with known allergy should carry an EpiPen and notify supervisors ecmag.com+1ecmag.com+1.

Let’s keep our crews powered and protected—stings shouldn’t blow a fuse on our safety.