Home / Weather / Insect and Tick Safety

Insect and Tick Safety

Ticks in the brush, wasps in the machine shed, flies at the barn: insects are part of farm work. A few habits cut risk and catch problems early.

Which insects matter most on a farm?

Ticks, mosquitoes, biting flies, stinging insects like wasps, hornets and bees, and in some areas other biting pests can all affect people who work outdoors. Which ones matter most depends on your region and the season, so ask your county extension office or health department what is common where you live.

Some bites and stings cause only local irritation, while others can carry disease or trigger serious allergic reactions. The CDC describes these risks in detail on its website.

Livestock, hay and manure draw flies, and brush edges shelter ticks. A farm walk-through in spring can help you identify areas to treat, mow or avoid during peak activity.

• Ticks and mosquitoes can carry disease
• Stinging insects can cause serious allergic reactions
• Local species differ

How can you reduce exposure to ticks?

Ticks live in brush, tall grass, wood edges and leaf litter. Wear clothing that limits exposed skin, and ask the CDC about repellents registered by the EPA and about treating clothing. Follow product labels. Do not rely on a product's marketing; use the label and official guidance.

After work, check your body, including hairline, behind the ears, underarms, waist and groin. Check pets and clothing. See the CDC for current advice on what to do after being outdoors.

Ask your provider whether you should keep a record of bites, dates and locations. It is useful information if symptoms appear later, since some illnesses show up weeks after the bite.

• Cover skin where practical
• Use repellents as the label directs
• Check yourself and pets after work
• Wash and dry work clothes

What should you do about a tick bite?

The CDC publishes steps for safe tick removal and what to watch for afterward. Read them in advance, keep the right tools on hand and follow that guidance rather than folk methods. Note the date of the bite.

Watch for fever, rash, aches or other symptoms in the following weeks and tell your health care provider about the bite. Ask your provider about the diseases found in your region and when to seek care.

Keep tweezers or the tick removal tool described in CDC guidance in vehicles, the barn and the house, so you do not have to hunt for it when you find a tick.

How can you reduce stinging insect risk?

Check sheds, eaves, machinery, hay and fence posts for nests before work, and avoid disturbing them. Wear closed shoes and avoid strong scents. Ask a licensed pest professional about nest removal, and follow product labels and EPA guidance if you use any pesticide.

If you know you are allergic, talk to your provider about a plan and about carrying prescribed medication. Make sure coworkers know where it is and how to help. Call 911 for trouble breathing, swelling of the face or throat, or fainting.

Teach children not to poke nests and to move away quickly and calmly if insects appear. Report nests near doors, playgrounds and animal areas to an adult.

What about livestock and building control?

Reducing fly breeding through manure management, drainage and sanitation reduces insects for people and animals. Extension services provide region-specific advice. Your veterinarian can discuss insect-related diseases in animals.

Read and follow pesticide labels carefully. Labels are legal documents with required precautions. See the EPA pesticides page and your state agriculture department for rules.

Pesticide products carry safety rules for storage, mixing, use and disposal. Do not use a product for a purpose that is not on the label. Your state agriculture department can answer questions about rules that apply to you.

How do you build insect awareness into the farm routine?

Hold a short talk each spring to discuss local risks, repellents, clothing and tick checks. Keep supplies in vehicles and break areas. Remind seasonal and young workers, who may not know what to look for.

Keep a list of symptoms to report and encourage workers to speak up. If someone develops symptoms after a bite or sting, encourage a visit to a health provider.

Last reviewed: November 12, 2026. Written by the Farm Safety Editorial Team. See our editorial policy.