Folk Remedies - Insect Bites and Stings

Apple cider vinegar (ACV) wiped on your skin will keep bugs away. No need for potentially toxic repellants!

Baking soda Make a paste using a teaspoon of baking soda and a little water, and apply to the sting. Leave it on for 15-20 minutes. The alkalinity of the baking soda has a cooling effect and will neutralize the acid of the sting. Can also be used for pets.

Mix equal parts of baking soda and vinegar into a paste and apply to the sting.
Bananas Rub the affected area with the inside of a banana skin. Some people experience amazing results at reducing swelling and irritation.

Calamine lotion will ease the itch.

Egg This remedy is useful for stings. Carefully peel the membrane from inside a raw eggshell and place it over the area that has been stung. Allow to completely shrivel and dry. This will pull out the stinger and help clear up the redness and swelling which causes severe itching and pain. Remedy courtesy Barbara Sanders.

Epsom salts Dissolve one tablespoon of Epsom salts in a quart of hot water, chill, then dab on the bite/s for several minutes with a cotton ball.

Honey Applying honey (preferably raw) immediately after being stung by a bee will keep you from having any pain.

Ice or a cold pak is one of the first remedies to use after you have been stung. It will help reduce inflammation and swelling.

Lemon oil Mix 1-2 drops of lemon oil (aromatherapy) with one teaspoon of honey around the bite to prevent infection.

Meat tenderizer Make a paste of meat tenderizer and water and rub on the bite area. Good also for jellyfish stings. Tenderizer has papain, which helps break down the proteins present in insect venom.

Onion Cut an onion and rub it on the sting to draw out the poison.

Peppermint, either from the garden or an essential oil, rubbed onto the sting or bite, will help cool the bite so that you don't feel like scratching it, and by increasing blood flow to the area helps remove the venom. Don't use on any poisonous bites - see a doctor immediately!

Rubbing alcohol Dab some alcohol on the sting. Not only is it cooling, but it acts as a solvent and antiseptic and helps reduce the inflammation.

Salt Rub salt on chigger bites.

Tea tree oil Tea tree oil, derived from the leaves of the native Australian Melaleuca alternifolia tree, contains antiseptic compounds that make it a powerful disinfectant. Apply it full strength.

CAUTION: If you experience an allergic reaction to a sting, such as difficulty breathing or swallowing, nausea or chest pains, go to the ER immediately. If you have Benedryl, take some. This will help reduce the reaction, but you must go to the hospital! Don't drive yourself!! Call a friend or the police. This type of allergic reaction can be fatal.