How to protect yourself during bee, wasp season

ROLLING MEADOWS, Ill. (WLS) -- Your chances are high for getting stung by a bee in the Chicago area this time of year, so there are precautions that you need to know about to protect yourself.

Pest Control Technician Maciej Gancarz has been working for Aerex for 10 years. Protective gear is needed as he works at a Rolling Meadows home; he's been stung twice recently.

"It's full-on yellow jacket season, everybody who's calling us for wasps - they're seeing yellow jackets and they're seeing a lot of them," Gancarz said.

This time of year, bees and wasps are not only more active, but some can also be more aggressive.

"They get very defensive and they will literally just fly out and sting you for just appearing in their territory," Gancarz said.

If stung, some can have life-threatening reactions. Over the weekend Guy Jacobucci reported being stung. The insurance executive and former restaurant owner later died at Northwest Community Hospital.

"We're talking about a very small percentage of people and a very uncommon type of condition," said Dr. Daniel Reaven, Northwest Community Hospital.

He said he cannot talk about any individual case but generally he urges those with serious reactions to bee stings to get help quickly.

"If you develop shortness of breath, if you develop light-headed or dizziness, trouble of breathing of any sorts, you need to call 911 or some emergency responder right away," Reaven said.

Dr. Reaven suggests those who have not been stung may want to consider getting tested by an allergist.