Home remedies for bug bites and stings: what helps, what to skip

Itchy welt, burning sting, mystery bite at the picnic. Here’s a practical, science-aware guide to what you can do at home, what to avoid, and the signs that mean “don’t DIY.”

Background & common issues

Most reactions are local. StatPearls notes that most stings cause small, self-limited swelling and pain; large local reactions happen in under 10% of cases, and about 62 sting-related deaths occur in the U.S. each year, largely from anaphylaxis StatPearls/NIH.

Ticks are different. Remove promptly with fine-tipped tweezers; don’t use oils, heat, or nail polish. Clean the area after removal and watch for a rash or flu-like symptoms CDC – Tick bite.

“Most bites and stings need simple first aid; the emergency is the rare systemic reaction.” — Faizan Arif, MD, summary in StatPearls on Hymenoptera stings NIH/NCBI Bookshelf.

Framework: what to do now

Key terms

• Large local reaction (LLR): swelling and redness extending beyond the sting site, often peaking after a day, usually under 10% of stings StatPearls/NIH.
• Anaphylaxis: a severe, multi-system allergic reaction with breathing trouble, throat or tongue swelling, dizziness, or fainting; this is an emergency Insect bites – StatPearls/NIH.
• Cold compress: cloth or ice pack wrapped in fabric and applied intermittently to limit swelling MedlinePlus – Insect bites and stings.

Uncomplicated bites and stings (most cases)

1. Wash with soap and water.
2. Cold compress for 10–20 minutes, repeat as needed to reduce pain and swelling MedlinePlus.
3. Anti-itch options: apply hydrocortisone cream or calamine; or use an oral antihistamine per label if itching disrupts sleep or activities AAD.
4. Avoid scratching to lower infection risk AAD.

Bee, wasp, hornet

• Bee stinger present? Remove immediately. Evidence suggests speed matters more than technique; scraping or pinching is acceptable if you avoid squeezing the venom sac and get it out fast Systematic review – NLM/PMC.
• Then wash, cold compress, hydrocortisone or antihistamine as above MedlinePlus – Bee/wasp sting, AAD.

Fire ants and other biters

• Brush ants off briskly if stinging; then wash and use cold compresses and OTC anti-itch care. Watch for sterile pustules with fire ant stings and avoid popping them StatPearls/NIH.

Ticks: quick, clean removal

1. Fine-tipped tweezers: grasp close to the skin and pull straight out with steady pressure.
2. Clean the area and hands with alcohol or soap and water.
3. Do not use heat, oils, or nail polish; these can increase pathogen transmission CDC – Tick bite.

Tips & common mistakes

• Skip toothpaste, butter, or strong essential oils. They can irritate the skin and don’t neutralize venom meaningfully.
• Ice beats heat for acute swelling and pain MedlinePlus.
• Time is critical for stingers. Remove bee stingers rapidly; method is less important than speed NLM/PMC.
• Watch for infection if scratching led to broken skin: increasing redness, warmth, pus, or fever need medical attention MedlinePlus.

FAQ

What helps the itch fast?

Cold compresses, hydrocortisone cream, or an oral antihistamine per label directions. Keep nails short to avoid scratching damage AAD.

When is it an emergency?

Breathing trouble, swelling of lips or tongue, hoarse voice, wheezing, dizziness, fainting, or rapidly spreading hives warrant immediate care. People with sting anaphylaxis should have epinephrine available and emergency plans in place StatPearls/NIH.

Should I “neutralize” venom with baking soda or vinegar?

Evidence is limited. Some people use pastes for comfort, but cold compresses and OTC anti-itch options have clearer support. If it burns or worsens irritation, stop AAD, MedlinePlus.

Safety

• Seek urgent care for anaphylaxis signs; this can be life-threatening StatPearls/NIH.
• Children and older adults: monitor closely; reactions can evolve over hours.
• Medication caution: check labels on antihistamines and avoid combinations that cause drowsiness if you need to drive or operate tools AAD.
• Tetanus up to date? Ask a clinician if the skin is broken and you’re unsure of your vaccine status MedlinePlus.

Sources

• Tips to prevent and treat bug bites – American Academy of Dermatology (aad.org)
• Hymenoptera stings – StatPearls, NCBI Bookshelf (nih.gov)
• Insect bites – StatPearls, NCBI Bookshelf (nih.gov)
• Methods of honey bee stinger removal – NLM/PMC (nih.gov)
• What to do after a tick bite – U.S. CDC (cdc.gov)
• Insect bites and stings – MedlinePlus (nih.gov)