Bugs and Insects

Hong Kong offers an abundance of country parks with good safe hiking trails. Many of us look forward to spending time outdoors enjoying a refreshing swim or lazy walk away from busy Hong Kong.

Insects can be a nuisance and easily spoil your outdoor activities; some insects present a genuine danger especially to children and allergy-sensitive people. Often insects will act defensively - once you provoke them it can be hard to avoid an encounter.

Is it a Bite or a Sting?

Biting Insects: Mosquitoes, flies, mites and ticks use their mouth to suck blood from their victim Stinging Insects: Honeybees, hornets and wasps use a sharp stinger to inject venom Spiders: These use a combination of biting the victim and injecting venom through their fangs

Topical Skin Repellents

When applying a repellent to your face be careful to avoid sensitive areas such as the eyes and lips. Also, avoid broken or irritated skin areas. When you return indoors wash treated skin areas with soap and water. If you have an allergic reaction immediately wash the treated skin area and call your doctor.

Clothing Repellents
A number of repellents available are applied directly to clothing and will repel most biting insects. Do not apply to your skin. After returning indoors remove the treated clothing.

Body Lotions
The ingredients contained in lotions do not posses any repellent properties. Instead the mineral oils create a barrier that prevents the insects' mouthparts penetrating your skin.

Citronella Oil
This naturally occurring oil includes a chemical that deters insects. Citronella is available in a number of styles such as lotion or in candles, but be aware that the effectiveness of some of these products are highly debatable.

Note: Some repellents will work better for you than others. If you have a repellent that works well for you try to stick with it if you can. Do not rely on "natural alternatives" if you are traveling to malarial or dengue-fever endemic countries. Consult your doctor for the best insect repellant for these destinations.

Allergic Reactions

Some people suffer allergic reactions from insect attacks. Allergic reactions from insect bites or stings develop rapidly. Symptoms include dizziness, stomach cramps and diarrhea. Itching, hives, wheezing and breathing difficulties are also common.

Epinephrine kits (Epipens) or can abort or reduce the allergic reaction from insect bites. An Epipen is a pre-filled syringe of the medication adrenalin and the individual injects into their thigh in the event of a severe allergic reaction.

Allergic individuals must always keep the Epipen kit with them and know how to use the device. Epipens are available from a number of doctor's clinics in Hong Kong.

It is important to note that Hong Kong ambulances do not carry epinephrine.

Taking Action

Honey Bees
The Honey Bee will leave its stinger behind on your skin along with an attached venom sac. To remove, quickly scrape the stinger away from the skin with your fingernail or credit card - try not to squeeze the venom sac.

Mosquitoes
Most mosquitoes are active during the twilight hours and at night and are attracted by body heat and carbon dioxide from our breath. Survival involves consuming blood, also they require water to complete their lifecycle and live where water collects. Avoid swampy areas, mangroves and areas of stagnant water. Check to see if your area is a malarial or dengue fever endemic country.

Ticks
Like mosquitoes, ticks feed on blood and can be picked up from grass or leaves. Tick bites are painless and can remain embedded for days. After returning home inspect your self carefully for ticks, check the back of your neck and hair line.

Spiders
Spiders often bite as a defense after being disturbed. Unless your are allergic to spider venom, spider bites cause little harm - there are exceptions, for example the black widow spider.

Preventative Tips

Pay attention to open soft drink cans, bottles and glasses When insects land on you or your food try to blow or gently brush it away Bright clothes, flowery prints and black clothing attract stinging insects Odors from soaps, perfumes, lotions and hair-care products also attract insects Keep a lookout for insect nests and hives in trees and shrubs

Learn how to deal with Insect Bites and Severe Allergic Reactions by attending an ECT-HK First Aid & CPR training program.