SEA/General/TBT-SEA-014

Insect and Tick Bite Prevention

Seasonal & Weather › General › Insect and Tick Bite Prevention

Presenter		Project
Location		Date

Construction workers in rural, woodland, and grassland locations are exposed to tick bites carrying Lyme disease.
Ticks are most active from March to October and are found in long grass, bracken, and woodland areas.
Lyme disease causes flu-like symptoms and a characteristic circular rash, progressing to joint and nerve damage.
Wasp and bee stings can trigger severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) that require emergency treatment.
Horseflies are common near water and livestock, delivering painful bites that can become infected.
Mosquito bites in the UK rarely transmit disease but cause irritation and secondary infection if scratched.
Workers with known severe allergies to insect stings should carry an adrenaline auto-injector (EpiPen).
Long trousers tucked into socks and long sleeves reduce skin exposure to ticks and biting insects.
Insect repellent containing DEET provides effective protection against ticks and most biting insects.
Checking for ticks after working in grassland or woodland areas helps detect them before they attach fully.

Lyme disease	Tick-borne Lyme disease causes serious long-term illness including joint pain, fatigue, and neurological problems.
Anaphylaxis	Severe allergic reactions to wasp and bee stings can be fatal without immediate adrenaline treatment.
Worker welfare	Insect bites cause discomfort, infection, and lost work time that are easily reduced with simple prevention.

Don't

Wear long trousers tucked into socks and long sleeves in tick-risk areas
Apply DEET-based insect repellent to exposed skin and clothing before starting work
Check your skin and clothing for ticks after working in grass, bracken, or woodland
Remove attached ticks promptly using fine-tipped tweezers with a steady pull
Carry an adrenaline auto-injector if you have a known severe insect sting allergy
Report any circular rash, flu-like symptoms, or swollen bite sites to your supervisor
Keep welfare areas clean and free from food waste that attracts wasps and flies
Include tick and insect bite awareness in the site induction for rural work locations
Seek medical advice if a bite becomes red, swollen, warm, or shows signs of infection
Inform the first aider on site about any known insect allergies before starting work

DON'T work in long grass or woodland with exposed ankles, arms, or neck
DON'T squeeze, twist, or burn an attached tick — use tweezers with a steady pull
DON'T ignore a circular rash after a tick bite — it may indicate Lyme disease
DON'T disturb wasp or bee nests found on site — report them for specialist removal
DON'T scratch insect bites aggressively — it causes secondary infection
DON'T leave food or sugary drinks uncovered in welfare areas during summer
DON'T assume UK insects are harmless — tick-borne Lyme disease is a serious illness
DON'T delay seeking medical help for a sting if swelling spreads or breathing is affected
DON'T forget to check for ticks behind ears, in hair, and around waistbands
DON'T dismiss insect bite prevention as unimportant — it protects your long-term health

See also: Leptospirosis (Weil's Disease) | Summer Heat and Hydration

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