Labor Day Insects That Can Ruin Your Holiday – How To Keep Them At Bay And What To Do When They ATTACK

As you gear up for a relaxing Labor Day weekend outdoors, you might encounter some uninvited guests that could put a damper on your holiday plans – insects. From painful stings to itchy bites, these tiny biting and stinging insects can quickly turn your celebration into a nightmare. Let’s take a closer look at some troublesome insects, discussing where they are found, the pain level of their stings or bites, what attracts them, and essential do's and don'ts to keep them at bay.

Hornets
Where are they found? Hornets are commonly found in North America, Europe, and Asia.
How painful is their sting? Hornet stings can be extremely painful, and for some individuals, they may cause severe allergic reactions.
What are they attracted to? Hornets are attracted to sweet substances, such as fruit juices and sugary foods.
Do's and Don'ts:
Do: Keep food and drinks covered when outdoors and avoid wearing brightly colored clothing.
Don't: Swat or provoke hornets; calmly move away from their vicinity.

Asian Giant Hornets
Where are they found? Native to East Asia, they've been spotted in parts of North America.
How painful is their sting? Asian giant hornets deliver one of the most painful stings, with the potential for severe health complications.
What are they attracted to? They are attracted to sweet and savory foods, as well as the scent of other insects.
Do's and Don'ts:
Do: Remain still if one is near you; make slow movements to retreat.
Don't: Try to eliminate them on your own; contact pest control if you suspect an infestation.

Common Wasps
Where are they found? Common wasps are widespread and can be found in many parts of the world.
How painful is their sting? Wasp stings are painful but usually not life-threatening unless you are allergic.
What are they attracted to? They are attracted to sugary substances and protein-based foods.
Do's and Don'ts:
Do: Use caution around food and drinks, especially in late summer when they are most active.
Don't: Wave your arms or swat at them aggressively.

Africanized Honeybees
Where are they found? Africanized honeybees, also known as "killer bees," are found in the Americas.
How painful is their sting? Their stings are comparable to regular honeybees but can be more aggressive in swarms.
What are they attracted to? These bees are attracted to bright colors and strong floral scents.
Do's and Don'ts:
Do: Move calmly away from a swarm if encountered and seek shelter.
Don't: Disturb their nests; call a professional for removal.

Midges
Where are they found? Midges are found worldwide, especially near bodies of water.
How painful are their bites? Midge bites are typically itchy and annoying but not painful.
What are they attracted to? They are attracted to light and warmth.
Do's and Don'ts:
Do: Wear long sleeves and use insect repellent, especially near water.
Don't: Leave outdoor lights on near water sources.

Mosquitoes
Where are they found? Mosquitoes are found globally and thrive in areas with standing water.
How painful are their bites? Mosquito bites can be itchy and may transmit diseases.
What are they attracted to? Mosquitoes are attracted to body heat, sweat, and carbon dioxide.
Do's and Don'ts:
Do: Wear mosquito repellent, cover exposed skin, and use mosquito nets when camping.
Don't: Ignore stagnant water sources; they are breeding grounds for mosquitoes.
Stay tuned for Part 2, where we'll discuss Tsetse flies, Horseflies, Bed Bugs, Bull Ants, Fire Ants, Sand Flies, Botflies, and Black Flies to ensure you have a bug-free Labor Day weekend!

Tsetse Flies
Where are they found? Tsetse flies are primarily found in sub-Saharan Africa.
How painful are their bites? Tsetse fly bites are painful and can transmit African trypanosomiasis (sleeping sickness).
What are they attracted to? They are attracted to movement, colors, and the carbon dioxide exhaled by animals and humans.
Do's and Don'ts:
Do: Wear neutral-colored clothing and use insect repellent containing DEET.
Don't: Approach or provoke tsetse flies; they are best avoided.

Horseflies
Where are they found? Horseflies can be found worldwide, especially near water sources.
How painful are their bites? Horsefly bites are painful and can cause allergic reactions in some individuals.
What are they attracted to? They are attracted to dark colors, movement, and carbon dioxide.
Do's and Don'ts:
Do: Wear light-colored clothing and use insect repellent with high DEET content.
Don't: Swat at them; it may provoke an aggressive response.

Bed Bugs
Where are they found? Bed bugs can be found in many parts of the world, often in urban areas.
How painful are their bites? Bed bug bites are itchy and can leave red, swollen welts.
What are they attracted to? They are attracted to the carbon dioxide and body heat emitted by humans.
Do's and Don'ts:
Do: Inspect hotel rooms for signs of bed bugs and keep luggage off the floor.
Don't: Bring used furniture or bedding into your home without thorough inspection.

Bull Ants
Where are they found? Bull ants are native to Australia but can be found in other parts of the world.
How painful are their stings? Bull ant stings are painful and can cause allergic reactions.
What are they attracted to? They are carnivorous and may be attracted to food scraps.
Do's and Don'ts:
Do: Seal food containers and clean up after picnics to avoid attracting them.
Don't: Disturb their nests; they can be aggressive defenders.

Fire Ants
Where are they found? Fire ants are common in the southern United States and South America.
How painful are their stings? Fire ant stings are painful and can lead to pustules.
What are they attracted to? They are attracted to sweet and greasy foods.
Do's and Don'ts:
Do: Check your surroundings for fire ant mounds and be cautious when gardening.
Don't: Stand on or disturb their nests.

Sand Flies
Where are they found? Sand flies are found in sandy, coastal areas around the world.
How painful are their bites? Sand fly bites are itchy and can transmit diseases like Leishmaniasis.
What are they attracted to? They are attracted to body odor and carbon dioxide.
Do's and Don'ts:
Do: Wear long clothing and use insect repellent in sandy regions.
Don't: Spend too much time outdoors during dawn and dusk when they are most active.

Botflies
Where are they found? Botflies are common in Central and South America.
How painful are their bites? Botfly larvae burrow under the skin, causing discomfort.
What are they attracted to? They lay eggs on mosquitoes, which then deposit them on humans.
Do's and Don'ts:
Do: Use mosquito repellent and avoid outdoor activities at night.
Don't: Scratch or squeeze the affected area; seek medical attention for removal.

Black Flies
Where are they found? Black flies are found in many parts of the world, often near running water.
How painful are their bites? Black fly bites are painful and can cause allergic reactions.
What are they attracted to? They are attracted to dark colors, movement, and carbon dioxide.
Do's and Don'ts:
Do: Wear light-colored clothing and use insect repellent containing DEET.
Don't: Ignore protective measures in areas known for black fly infestations.

As you enjoy your Labor Day weekend festivities, being aware of these troublesome insects and taking preventive measures can help ensure a more enjoyable and pest-free holiday. Whether you're picnicking, camping, or having an outdoor cookout, following the do's and don'ts for each insect can make a significant difference in your bug-battle success. Stay tuned for more tips on staying safe from these biting and stinging insects and have a happy and itch-free Labor Day!