This spring and summer, be ready to treat those inadvertent encounters with painful pests with these home remedies for wasp and bee stings.
In the event of a sting, first check to see if the stinger is still embedded in the skin. Act quickly and carefully to remove it. Using pliers or tweezers, carefully extract the stinger. A knife or credit card will work in a pinch, too. Scrape the flat edge against the skin to push the stinger out. You should sterilize the instrument beforehand if possible but don’t delay getting to work. Once the stinger is out, cleanse the area with soap and water so that the oils in your skin don’t interfere with treatment.
Bees and Yellow Jackets
Make a paste of baking soda and water to neutralize the acid in the venom. Leave the paste on the affected area for about 15 minutes before washing it off. Chamomile can be applied to reduce itching or swelling.
Wasps and Hornets
The venom of these insects is alkaline, so use vinegar to neutralize it. Wrap the area in a cloth bandage and soak with vinegar for at least 15 minutes.
If the sting victim experiences difficulty breathing, dizziness, or nausea, get medical attention immediately. Administering high doses of chamomile or echinacea is also recommended as a way to reduce allergic reactions, but does not replace a doctor’s care. Chamomile should not be used by people allergic to ragweed.
Prevention being worth a pound of cure, don’t approach a beehive or wasp nest. Bees generally leave people alone, as long as they are not harassed. Wasps are a bit more aggressive so don’t slap or swat at them. They are attracted to sugars, so watch your iced tea or soda when outdoors. If you see winged insects swarming, avoid the area, moving slowly and calmly away. Preventing stings is your best defense.
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Featured Image from Damien TUPINIER/Unsplash
