Fieldwork
Insect Protection Protocol
Please read these guidelines for personal protection from insects
during school science class fieldwork.
1. Fieldwork is announced in advance and students are advised to
dress for the outdoors on that day.
2. Appropriate clothing to minimize insect bites includes long
sleeved shirt and long pants.
3. Students are encouraged to use their own insect repellant, and
teachers may also offer the use of insect repellant containing DEET.
4. Students who do not wear clothes appropriate for fieldwork are
still expected to participate.
5. Students are instructed to look for and use an appropriate
level of DEET in their insect repellant. At least 20% DEET is recommended for
tick protection. Higher than 30% DEET
is discouraged.
6. Students are allowed time at the start of fieldwork to apply
insect repellant, and are reminded that ticks can climb onto people from brush
and branches. Students apply the repellant themselves, and are instructed to
stay downwind from others when doing so.
7. At the end of fieldwork, students are instructed to carefully
look over their exposed skin and under the edges of clothing for ticks. They
are also instructed to have a partner look at the back of their neck, under
their hairline and behind their ears. Students are asked to raise their hands
when their tick check is complete, then the class returns to the classroom when
everyone has checked. Students are also
advised to take a hot soapy shower that night as an additional precaution.
8. Everyone should be
aware that these precautions do not guarantee complete protection from insect
bites. Everyone should also be aware that insect bites are no more likely
during science class fieldwork than during sports events, getting to or from a
bus or car ride, any other outdoor activity, or contact with pets that come in
from outside.
Additional
information is available from:
CT State Health Department
Lyme Disease page
CT Department of Environmental Protection
Mosquito (West
Nile Virus) Management Program