Got a Bee or Wasp Sting? Treat Them With These Home Remedies!

By Horizon Pest Control

Being stung by a bee or wasp can hurt and often results in inflamed, burning, swollen or itchy skin. Fortunately, you don’t have to deal with the pain. There are many things you can do to help relieve the burning and reduce the swelling. Some items can be purchased at the store while others are things you likely already have at home. Here are a few home remedies you may want to try the next time you’re stung by a bee or wasp.

Mud

If you are stung while camping, hiking or fishing, you may not have access to a lot of items. However, this doesn’t mean that you can’t treat a bee or wasp sting. Mud can help to relieve some of the itchiness and pain associated with these stings. Simply mix some dirt and water to form a paste-like substance. Then rub the mud over the sting. When you get home, rinse the mud from the area and clean it well to prevent infection.

Meat Tenderizer

One of the best ways to treat bee and wasp stings is with meat tenderizer. This helps break down the protein in the venom, relieving the symptoms associated with these stings. It can also help break down a stinger stuck in your skin, so if you notice this, this is a method you want to try. Mix four parts meat tenderizer with one part water to make a paste. Rub a liberal layer over the affected area and allow it to dry. Reapply every two to three hours for best results. Meat tenderizer also works on mosquito and spider bites, so keep that in mind if you are bitten by either of those pests in the future.

Toothpaste

If your bee or wasp sting is itchy, apply a thin layer of toothpaste to the affected area. This should be a paste, not a gel toothpaste. This creates a tingly sensation on your arm which satisfies your urge to scratch the area while also reducing itchiness. The toothpaste should be rinsed off and reapplied every few hours to keep symptoms in check.

Baking Soda

The last home remedy for treating bee and wasp stings is baking soda. Mix equal parts baking soda and water to form a paste. Rub the paste over the bite to soothe itchiness and prevent swelling. Baking soda does contain salt, so if you have been scratching the area and broken the skin, this method may burn a bit at first. However, if left on, it will relieve your symptoms.

You don’t have to be uncomfortable after being stung by a bee or a wasp. There are many different ways to treat the sting and relieve the pain, itchiness and swelling associated with it. Using mud, toothpaste, meat tenderizer or baking soda can help. If you are allergic to bee stings or experience trouble breathing following a sting, seek emergency medical care immediately, rather than trying any of these home remedies.

If you need help with flying, stinging insects, contact us right away.

Related Posts

Residential & Commercial Pest Control Services

Serving Customers in New Jersey & Beyond

    Horizon Pest Control Logo
    45 Cross Ave.
    Midland Park, NJ 07432