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Wildlife in the summer

Throughout our lives, we continuously interact with the animals and plants around us, although this usually goes unnoticed. We only tend to notice this coexistence when the relationships in question are beneficial or detrimental to us.

During the spring and summer, we increasingly encounter a multitude of new tenants who become unwelcome guests, impertinent fellow citizens or companions of our leisure time. Even worse, they act as parasites by feeding on our blood through bites or stings.

There are a number of factors that influence this, but fundamentally they can be summarized in two: On the one hand, the change in lifestyle, with much more contact with the environment outside our homes and with nature (going to the countryside or the beach, practicing outdoor or sea sports, extending the number of hours of activity, wearing lighter clothing…), on the other hand, the increase in the activity of the fauna that takes advantage of these moments in its life cycle, favorable due to the increase in temperature and availability of food resources, to reproduce and store up energy for the colder months.

Although some of the negative effects on human health caused by wildlife occur indirectly, such as through passive transmission of disease-causing pathogens, direct contact with animal species is usually the source of problems. This can be in the form of injury caused by stings or bites, or damage caused by the defence organs of some species.

The severity of the damage caused, and any resulting problems, depends on many factors. These include the behavior of the specific species, the affected person, their age and sensitivity to poisons or other toxic substances that the animals inject, the area of the body where the injury is located, the environmental circumstances in which the incident occurs, and the health care for the effects of said injury.

Additionally, it should be noted that our personal attitude can influence how we are affected by the presence of many insects, arachnids or other small animals. Many animals are completely harmless. This is true of most spiders, geckos and bats, for example, which can even help us to fight other truly harmful arthropods. However, these animals are often the target of repulsive reactions from humans, commonly manifested as symptoms of the common affliction known as entomophobia, or more generally, zoophobia.

  • Drink water often to prevent dehydration.
  • Sunglasses prevent the development of eye diseases.
  • Wearing light, cotton clothing and protecting your head with a cap or hat will help you achieve safe and effective sun protection.

Using the coast for recreation can sometimes result in accidental exposure to the defensive weapons of marine animals with which we may come into contact when swimming or walking on beaches or in rocky areas.

Encounters with jellyfish are common on our beaches, particularly at certain times of the year. If you see any of them swimming around, it’s best to move away and not touch them if you find them stranded on the sand. Otherwise, they can cause urticarial dermatitis. Some anemones or sea anemones that may be found in tide pools or among rocks can also cause hives if touched, especially in areas where the skin is very thin or mucous membranes are present. Pay special attention to children in both cases.

The spines of sea urchins and the venomous stings of weever fish, which bury themselves in the sand, can cause painful injuries if we step on them by accident. If you practise scuba diving, try to learn about species of fish with venomous rays. Some of these can cause significant trauma due to their size. 

It is not advisable to bring pets to the beach. In addition to the problems caused by their excrement, they can also be carriers of parasites.

In any case, aside from injuries caused by rays or other fish, these are moderate-severity risks for which knowledge is the only form of prevention.

Those affected should ideally receive care from medical personnel. However, if this is not possible and initial treatment must be administered at the site, bear the following in mind:

  • Salt water should always be used to clean jellyfish or anemone stings, and to remove sea urchin spines or fragments of fish fins.
  • To avoid further irritation, it is advisable to protect your hands when washing a stinging wound. Tissues, paper and sand should not be used for this purpose.
  • Using topical antiseptics and analgesics after washing can prevent infections and alleviate pain.
  • Aspirin should not be used as a pain reliever when bleeding occurs because it acts as an anticoagulant.
  • The application of cuts or tourniquets is not recommended.
  • Each case requires specific medical treatment appropriate to the type of injuries and toxic substances involved, so it is not advisable to generalise the emergency procedure. In case of doubt, it is better to apply the measures expressed above and go to the nearest health center.

When the recreational area is open spaces related to mountains, forests or lakeshore, exposure to stings or bites from native animal species can be a nuisance. However, despite the variety of animal groups that could affect us, truly dangerous situations are rare. These situations can be:

  • Mosquitoes are present if we are near areas with stagnant water (which does not have to be dirty) or with abundant vegetation and relatively high humidity. Their bites, known to all, are especially frequent at twilight or nighttime hours, although they can also occur during the day if the humidity is high.
  • In general, wasps are commonly found near bodies of water. They, as well as bees and bumblebees, can be attracted to the food in our lunches. They will use their stinger to defend themselves or their colony if we react abruptly or if they feel threatened. They are only active during the day. Some ants can also sting, but few species cause this problem.
  • Some butterflies have caterpillars with stinging hairs that can cause skin irritation and inflammation of the nose, eyes or mouth. The most well-known example of this is the pine processionary caterpillar. It is not necessary to come into direct contact with the caterpillar; exposure to its hairs through the air or via contaminated food is sufficient.
  • Centipedes, scorpions and spiders (though very rarely) can sting us in self-defence. Normally, however, they will not pay us any attention unless we bother them by invading their resting places. During the day they remain hidden in the ground, under stones or in their nests.
  • Ticks will seek us out to feed on our blood when we invade territories that were previously occupied by animals. They remain on the ground or vegetation, waiting for a person or animal to pass by so that they can attach themselves to their scalp or other hairy areas.
  • Biting flies (stable flies) may appear in areas close to livestock housing. Horseflies and black flies can be a problem near streams and rivers, as they are persistent biteers.
  • Some field bugs, water bugs and beetles can bite or irritate mucous membranes if they are handled.
  • The same will happen with some species of toad that have poisonous glands in their skin. These glands can irritate the eyes, nose or mouth if we touch them and then put our hands to those areas.
  • Encounters with snakes will not pose a problem unless they are vipers or large snakes that are cornered. Only the viper has venom and teeth that can cause harm, but it would rather flee than confront us. In any case, these encounters are rare. 

The best way to enjoy nature is to be aware of the real risks involved, which are not as common as one might think.

Taking some preventative measures can help to avoid or minimise certain risks without making us feel under siege while we’re out picnicking:

  • Covering food that you are not eating will stop insects such as wasps, flies and ants from being attracted to your table.
  • If you see wasps or bees, it is best not to react abruptly; you will only irritate them. Try to cover up the attractant. If it’s your wet body after bathing, dry yourself off and put on a T-shirt. If they persist, it is likely that their colonies are nearby, in which case we will need to relocate.
  • Do not handle wasp nests or enter areas around bee hives, particularly during the day.
  • If you see any processionary caterpillar nests or caterpillars in a pine forest, it’s best to find somewhere else to spend the day.
  • Pay attention when picking up stones or other objects from the ground. Centipedes, scorpions and spiders may be hiding underneath them.
  • If ticks have been found in the area, it is best to leave and thoroughly check your body, paying particular attention to your groin, armpits and scalp, in case any have attached themselves.
  • As a precaution, it is advisable to wash your hands if you have touched a toad or any insect that has secreted a substance when you picked it up, especially if you do not know the species.
  • If you’re camping overnight, make sure you keep the tent closed during the day and at night, especially if you have a light source that could attract insects from far away. Check the insoles of your shoes before putting them on, especially if they have been outside overnight. If you are camping in areas where mosquitoes are common, use mosquito repellent.

Even if preventive measures are taken, it is advisable to consider some general rules of action in case an incident occurs.

As with incidents on the beach, each case may require specific treatment, particularly if it involves bites from scorpions, spiders or vipers. These rules can be:

  • In general, it is advisable to have the following items on hand for insect bites or other arthropod stings: an oral antihistamine, corticosteroid ointments to prevent inflammation, analgesics to relieve pain and an uncoloured antiseptic to disinfect the wound. Each case will require appropriate use of these substances depending on the characteristics of the injury.
  • Aspirin should not be used as a pain reliever when bleeding occurs because it acts as an anticoagulant.
  • Do not apply alcohol or ammonia.
  • Ice can help to reduce pain and prevent inflammation from arthropod bites, but not from viper bites.
  • Keep the lesion clean.
  • Do not make cuts or apply tourniquets unless done by a trained professional.

The problems we encounter in our temporary summer residences are similar to those we encounter in our homes throughout the year. However, the proximity of these dwellings to the natural environment, their temporary nature, and the lifestyle they are associated with, which is closely linked to the outdoors, establishes some differences. These differences are further increased by the greater activity of certain animal species.

Mosquitoes are more frequently found inside rooms where they may rest during the day or that they only enter at night. Flies will proliferate if there is an abundance of waste, such as animal manure from farmyards or stables, or fertilised crops (both of which are very common in our towns), or urban organic waste that has not been properly disposed of. Wasps can build their nests in many places outside the house, such as eaves, between tiles and in expansion joints. They can also build their nests among the vegetation in our gardens, which can lead to them occasionally invading human spaces. The same can happen with bees if a beehive is installed nearby.

If the environment is conducive to the proliferation of ticks and you have pets, they may bring them into the home. The same thing can occasionally happen in beach areas or arid lands due to the presence of scorpions.

If the house has been closed for a long time and there are belongings inside that have been attacked by woodworm, it is possible to get bitten by mites that parasitise those insects.

These risks must be minimised through preventive measures tailored to each specific problem, depending on its health-related severity.

  • Good cleaning and waste removal, as well as eliminating damp corners, are basic measures that can help to prevent problems with flies, cockroaches and rodents.
  • Eliminating cracks, fissures and cavities in rooms will prevent flies and spiders from resting there during the day.
  • It provides good protection for food, helping to avoid attracting all kinds of insects or rodents.
  • The installation of mosquito barriers, such as nets on doors and windows or bed nets, may be justified by the abundance of these insects in the area or by the sensitivity of those affected by their bites.
    Furthermore, to avoid contributing to mosquito breeding, all containers with stagnant water should be eliminated if they are not properly sealed, and the water in swimming pools should be cleaned and chlorinated.
  • Traps that attract flies, wasps and mosquitoes can help to control their populations in and around the home.
    – Sticky traps with natural attractants for flies and wasps, suitable for indoor or outdoor use.
    – Adhesive traps containing luminous attractants for flying insects.
    – Electric traps that use light to attract mosquitoes.
    – Adhesive traps containing natural attractants for indoor cockroaches.
    – Outdoor mosquito nets.
  • The presence of snakes, rodents, ticks and certain spiders can often be prevented by removing accumulated firewood, debris and other materials from patios and gardens.
    If we have problems with ticks or scorpions entering our homes, we will need to create structural barriers around entrances, such as smooth walls, and remove vegetation near windows. Alternatively, we can adopt population control measures in the surrounding area.
  • If we have pets, we need to be especially vigilant about periodically checking for parasites, such as fleas and ticks.

More information

In many cases, identifying the species will help to ensure an accurate diagnosis of the injury and determine the necessary medical attention, particularly when antivenom serum is required. It is important to try to recognise the animal’s features for later identification by the specialised staff at the health centre that you go to if you need to. If an animal has been killed, it can be preserved for the same purpose.

Children are more susceptible to the toxins of certain animals, such as bees and snakes, and are more likely to experience more serious effects from insect bites than adults. Similarly, elderly people are more likely to experience severe general symptoms from venomous bites or stings.

People with a history of severe allergic reactions or anaphylactic shock to stings from bees, wasps or other arthropods should carry pre-filled, self-injectable adrenaline as recommended by their doctor when visiting areas where urgent medical attention is unavailable. They should also inform those accompanying them of their condition.

It is advisable to monitor the evolution of the injuries, to prevent not only the appearance of possible local infections, and in this sense it is important that in penetrating wounds tetanus prophylaxis is always used. Pay close attention to any local or general symptoms that may be associated with transmissible diseases. Disinfection is always essential.

Although self-care and first aid are usually sufficient, it is advisable to go to a medical centre if you are in any doubt about the severity of the incident. Do not self-medicate.
As a general rule, reassure the affected person and remain calm. If there is insufficient knowledge about their effectiveness, alcohol should not be ingested or home remedies applied.

The best preventive measure is to familiarise ourselves with the animals that inhabit our local environment or the places we visit. This will help us to distinguish between those that are truly dangerous and those that are not. Of course, we should also avoid harassing or disturbing them.

Remember that you have the right to report any environmental situation that may encourage the development of arthropod and rodent infestations in your area to your local council or the relevant health authority.
If you need to use insecticides or rodenticides, bear in mind the following helpful tips to avoid potential health risks associated with using chemical substances:

  • Never use products that have not been registered for domestic use.
  • Read the label carefully before use.
  • To avoid confusion with food, do not leave containers within reach of children or change their contents.
  • Make sure the room is well ventilated after using aerosols.
  • Do not use electric insecticide diffusers in very small and/or poorly ventilated rooms.
  • If you think you have been poisoned, go to the doctor and take the container of the product with you.
  • If you require the services of a pest control company — whether public or private — in Andalusia, they are obliged to provide you with detailed information on the control measures they will carry out, as well as those you must implement to prevent the problem from recurring. Ask for the relevant treatment certificate once pest or rodent control has been carried out.

Tips for caution and personal protection:

To fully enjoy nature, it is helpful to be aware of the basic prevention and protection measures against potential unpleasant encounters with local fauna, particularly insects and other small animals that may sting or bite.

  • Protect the food with suitable wrappers or containers. It can attract insects such as wasps, bees and flies, and it can become contaminated with the stinging hairs of caterpillars.
  • Cover up with a T-shirt after bathing to avoid possible stings from wasps and horseflies.
  • Set up your picnic or camping area away from beehives and wasp nests. Never pitch your tent under or near pine trees that have processionary caterpillar nests. Of course, if you see any bees or wasps, do not harass them.
  • Take care when lifting stones or handling other objects, particularly those with hollows. They can provide shelter for scorpions, centipedes, poisonous spiders and wasp nests.
  • If we find ticks where we have been spending the day or travelling, it is best to leave the area and thoroughly check our bodies for ticks, paying special attention to our dogs. This problem is prevalent in areas where livestock graze or have grazed.
  • Children should be taught to refrain from handling unfamiliar animals and harassing snakes.
  • Keep the tent closed during the day and at night when it is not in use. If you have left your shoes outside, you should check them before putting them on.
  • Mosquito repellent is only necessary if we are in an area where mosquitoes are abundant, particularly during twilight and night-time. Install mosquito nets on entrances to your home, or use mosquito netting to protect yourself while you sleep.

Safety tips and first aid advice for accidents on the beach involving jellyfish or venomous marine fish stings.

Similarly, we can encounter the same problems on the beach as in the countryside. However, some marine animals can also cause injuries, so it is important to understand how to prevent them and know how to act accordingly.

  • Hives caused by jellyfish and anemones are the most common, so it is important to avoid touching them, especially on areas of thin skin, in children, and when they then put their hands to their mouth, nose or eyes.
  • It is possible to be stung by a sea urchin or a weever fish while bathing if you step on them. If they are easy to find, you can avoid them by wearing rubber shoes.
  • Accidents involving venomous fish spines are less common, but can still occur to people who practice spearfishing or fishing with a rod. As with other animals, take extra care when handling them, and avoid touching them if you are not familiar with them.

First aid for venomous bites and stings, with particular attention to anaphylactic reactions.

Even if you have been cautious, accidents are often inevitable. If one occurs, you should not lose your composure or overestimate the damage. The majority of these injuries are not serious. Just a few basic rules are enough.

  • In most cases of stings, bites or lacerations, the first step should be to clean and disinfect the affected area. Usually, plenty of water (salt water for jellyfish or marine fish), soap if necessary, and an antiseptic that is preferably not coloured are sufficient.
  • Attention! In certain cases, the stinger must be removed if a bee has stung, as must the spines or venomous stings in the case of marine fish. If it is a tick, it must be completely removed using the correct procedure.
  • The application of classic products such as alcohol and diluted ammonia, or homemade remedies such as saliva or mud, may have some disinfectant or antihistamine properties, but their effects are not appropriate in all cases and can sometimes cause more harm than good, so they should not be applied.
  • Applying antihistamines to the wound can prevent localised inflammation. However, the wound must be covered afterwards, as antihistamines can cause photosensitivity. The oral alternative exists.
  • If the wound is painful, applying an analgesic will help to soothe it. However, never use aspirin if there is bleeding, since the active ingredient, acetylsalicylic acid, has anticoagulant properties.
  • Ice is useful for relieving pain and reducing inflammation in almost all cases. However, it is counterproductive when it comes to snakebites.
  • Anyone with a history of severe allergic reactions to bee stings or other insect bites should carry a pre-filled, self-injectable adrenaline device prescribed by their doctor. They should also inform their companions about their condition.
  • Refrain from making cuts or applying tourniquets unless you are an expert.
  • If the measures you can take are not enough, go to the doctor immediately. Please note that many wounds will require a tetanus vaccination.