Home remedies – How to treat bites and stings

Brits are being given tips on the best home remedies to treat bites and stings this summer.

Experts at GardeningExpress.co.uk have shared their top home remedies to soothe unpleasant insect bites and stings.

Bites and stings can be uncomfortable when they become red and itchy and if left untreated, can become infected..

Home remedies are a quick and effective way to treat them, keeping pain and itchiness to a minimum.

Tricks include applying cucumbers, honey and vinegar.

Chris Bonnett from  GardeningExpress.co.uk said: “Now summer’s here we’re all going to be outside more and there’s always a chance of being bitten or stung by insects.

“Most of the time this can be harmless but it’s still best to treat the area to prevent it from becoming sore and infected.

“The sooner you treat a bite the better, and the great thing is everything you’ll need to help can be made up from a few ingredients that are probably already in your kitchen.

“Things like cucumber and honey for example can help ease pain and soothe any itchiness in just a matter of minutes.”

GardeningExpress.co.uk’s home remedies for bites and stings:

1. Ice

Ice is a great and obvious way to treat a bite or sting. It cools the area down which can soothe the pain, ease the redness and treat any inflammation. Place some ice into a sandwich bag and wrap it in a tea towel before applying to the affected area.

2. Honey

When it comes to stings, honey is great for helping with healing and itching. Just apply a small amount to the sting and cover it with a bandage and rinse off in an hour.

3. Cucumber 

When applied to the skin, cucumber shrinks and constricts body tissue which can help with stings and bites. Cut a small slice and rub on the sting until the pain eases.

4. Baking soda and water

Baking soda is a common ingredient in most home remedies and it’s no different when it comes to stings. Mixing baking soda and water and applying this to a sting can dramatically help with swelling, itching and pain. Apply the paste to the sting and loosely cover it with a bandage ensuring that you wash the paste off within 15 minutes.

5. Vinegar

Vinegar can help to calm the stinging and burning of a sting or bite and can also act as a disinfectant. Apply vinegar to a cotton pad and place it over the affected area and apply pressure.

6. Lemon juice

Using lemon juice can provide relief to a sting. Squeeze a fresh lemon and use a cotton pad to apply the juice to the sting.

7. Aloe vera

Aloe vera is a popular remedy for most things and for those who have one, using the extract from an aloe vera plant will soothe any bite or sting and reduce swelling.