Safety Tips: Mosquito Bites and Bee Stings

• Call 911 immediately if someone is stung multiple times or experiences an allergic reaction
• While bee stings are rarely fatal, severe reactions can occur due to allergies or infections
• If someone is trapped in a car or building surrounded by bees, call MDFR. Fire trucks are equipped with foam that can neutralize swarming bees
• Do not call 911 to remove bee hives or colonies from trees, homes or buildings. Instead, contact a licensed bee removal service, pest control company or beekeeper for assistance

Mosquitoes are not just a nuisance—they can also spread diseases. Protect yourself and your family by following these tips:

• Avoid being outdoors at dawn and dusk, when mosquitoes are most active
• Wear long sleeves and pants to cover exposed skin
• Use insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus or IR3535 on skin and clothing. Always read and follow instructions before applying insect repellent
• Eliminate standing water around your home by emptying containers, draining clogged gutters and covering water storage areas where mosquitoes can breed

• Read the label carefully to ensure the product is safe for you and your family. Some repellents are not suitable for young children
• Use EPA-approved repellents with up to 30 percent DEET for effective protection
• Apply repellent to exposed skin and clothing, but never underneath clothing
• For children:
  • Follow label instructions based on their age
  • Do not use mosquito repellents containing oil of lemon eucalyptus on children under three years old
  • DEET is not recommended for infants younger than two months old
  • The best protection for babies is to keep them indoors or use mosquito netting over strollers and carriers

By taking these precautions, you can enjoy the outdoors safely without the worry of painful stings or irritating bites.

• Bee Safe (English)
• Bee Safe (Spanish)
• Bee Safe (Creole)
• Dangerous Critters of Florida
• Animales peligrosos de la Florida
• Bèt danjere an Florid