Bug bites and stings are, unfortunately, a common occurrence during the warmer months. Pro-Staff, located in Des Moines, can help you learn how to properly treat both insect bites and stings.
Treating Bites
An insect bite is defined as when a non-venomous insect pierces the skin with their mouthparts. Insects that bite include mosquitos, fleas, lice, bed bugs, and chiggers. Luckily, caring for an insect bite is simple!
- Cold compress: Applying a cold compress will help soothe any itching, as well as reduce inflammation.
- Calamine lotion: This pink lotion is great at soothing itchy spots. Simply put some on a cotton ball and dab onto any spots.
- Hydrocortisone creams: Another great remedy for itchy bites is to apply a hydrocortisone cream. Hydrocortisone creams contain corticosteroids, which reduce inflammation, swelling, and itching. These creams can be applied up to twice a day.
- Antihistamine creams: Similar to calamine lotion, antihistamines can also subsite itchiness.
Treating Stings
Unlike an insect bite, an insect sting is defined as when a venomous insect injects toxin through its stinger and into your system. Despite sounding scary, insect stings are relatively simple to treat. Insects that sting include bees, wasps, and fire ants.
- Remove stinger: If the insect left a stinger in the wound site, carefully remove it using the edge of your fingernail.
- Rinse: Wash the sting site using mild soap and water.
- Protect: Protect the sting site from infection with a bandage.
- Ice: Reduce swelling, itching, and inflammation by icing the sting site.
Allergic Reactions
In severe cases, you may suffer from an allergic reaction as a result of an insect bite or sting. If you experience any of the following symptoms, call 911 immediately.
- Difficulty breathing
- Dizziness
- Diarrhea
- Hives
- Loss of consciousness
- Pale skin
- Rapid pulse
- Severe itching
- Nausea and/or vomiting
- Swelling of either the tongue or throat
You can protect your yard from both biting and stinging insects with a pest control prevention plan. Pro-Staff, located in Des Moines, offers numerous pest control treatments that will ensure your home is pest-free. Learn more about our programs by giving us a call at (515) 279-7378.
