Summer Solutions For Painful Insect Stings and Bites

Wasp stings are acidic which means an alkaline pain solution.

Insect stings and bites can be painful. So can stings from many poisonous plants. Now that its summer, its important to have some alternative solutions for stings and bites.

Some of this is because their venom or juice is either highly acidic or highly alkaline. For example, the sting from stinging nettle, ants, and bees is extremely acidic.

Some Quick Solutions In Your Kitchen

So, it makes good sense that you can relieve the pain by quickly applying something alkaline to the sting site. Some commonly available alkaline compounds are bicarbonate of soda (more widely known as baking soda) and soap.

Wasp stings are alkaline, so you’ll need something acidic to counteract their pain. Vinegar is an excellent and safe acid to use as an off-the-grid solutions for stings and bites. If the sting happens when you’re outside enjoying a picnic, head for the pickle juice.

Scorpion stings vary greatly in their seriousness, even within the United States. Some small scorpions in the Southeast U.S. have stings that are only about as serious and painful as a wasp sting. However, some of the larger scorpions in Arizona and down into Mexico can be lethal if they sting you.

If you are stung by one of the dangerous variety, the only cure I’m aware of is the anti-venom available from hospitals.  Common sense should dictate that you should head there as fast as possible. This is especially true if the person stung is a child or senior citizen. If it’s one of the nuisance variety, you can experiment a bit if you don’t show any signs of being allergic to the venom.

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Warning

Showing symptoms of a dangerous reaction, again, head to the hospital. Since scorpion venom is acidic, you’ll need the alkaline solutions in your”just in case” bag.

One curious thing about scorpion venom.  It has a very high acid content which means lots of protons which connect to neurons. This combination dramatically “amps up” the intensity of the messages sent to the brain.  So the acid content gives the venom a kind of “push” by forcing ion channels to open wide and “communicate” in a very special way.  Basically, the acid kick makes it hurt like heck.

Apple Cider Vinegar and Baking Soda To The Rescue

When I’m uncertain, I mix an acid (vinegar) with something alkaline (baking soda) and hope for the best. Alternatively, you could experiment with small amounts of alkaline and acidic substances in isolation to see which makes the pain worse and which makes it better. Then apply a considerable amount of the one that works.

For simple bites, you can use several things: Fresh lime or lemon juice can be rubbed on the bite. So can raw garlic or even a salt type paste.

You Need To Act Quickly For Best Results

What seems to work very well, if done immediately after the bite or sting, is to soak a small cotton pack with apple cider vinegar and on top of that, sprinkle a small amount of baking soda. The mixture of this acid and base will cause a bubbling reaction immediately on the cotton pad. Take the pad and place it directly over the bite with the baking soda and vinegar against the skin for several minutes.

As I mentioned, this will usually work well for minor stings and bites. However, if you are prone to allergic reactions from insect stings or bites and experience abnormal swelling or difficulty in breathing, it’s best to get medical help as soon as possible.