When a bee feels threatened, it will sting. Not only is it painful when the initial stinger invades your body, but the reaction your body has afterward isn’t any better. 1 to 3 percent of the population has an allergic reaction, which may end in a trip to the hospital. However, most people only experience mild reactions, which last a couple of days and can be treated at home. With the proper care, you will feel better in no time. Little Giant Beekeepers has gathered some helpful tips and home remedies for treating bee stings.
Ice and Cold Compresses Reduce Swelling
Immediately remove the stinger with your nails or tweezers, even the side of a credit card works. This stops any more venom from entering your body. Then, wash the area thoroughly to remove any extra venom. After this is done, the most common step is to use ice or a cold compress. It helps reduce pain and swelling. Wrap an ice pack (or the sort) with a cloth and place it on the site of the sting. Keep it there for a couple of minutes and repeat it as many times as needed.
Toothpaste Neutralizes Bee Venom
This is a remedy that most people have at their disposal. Although it’s unusual and has never been scientifically proven, it has been used by many people to treat stings. The claim is that alkaline toothpaste helps neutralize bee venom. However, it does not stabilize wasp venom, so be sure to know which one has stung you. Simply place a small dab of toothpaste in the affected area.
Baking Soda Reduces Itching and Swelling
Create a paste with water and baking soda. This will help neutralize the venom and reduce itching and swelling. Apply it to the affected area and cover it with a bandage. Leave the bandage on for about 15 minutes and reapply as needed. But bee careful with baking soda. It contains lots of alkalines and too much of it can damage the skin.
Meat Tenderizers Reduce Pain
Papain is an enzyme in meat tenderizers that is believed to break down the protein that causes pain and itching. Create a solution with one part meat tenderizer and four parts water. Apply the solution for about 30 minutes.
Aloe Vera Gel Soothes the Skin
If you have ever gotten a bad sunburn, then you probably have used aloe to treat it and have it lying around somewhere in the house. It has cooling, soothing, and moisturizing qualities that will reduce pain and swelling. It will also prevent the area from getting infected. According to a study done in 2015, aloe has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, which explains the magical relief you feel when it touches the affected area.
Essential Oils Help With Pain
These oils have wound-healing properties, but be careful when using them, for some may create an allergic reaction. These oils may help with pain and swelling. Many of them have antibacterial and antifungal properties, which can help with preventing infections. Some of the oils include tea tree, thyme, rosemary, lavender, and witch hazel. Mix any of the oils with olive oil. Create a 1:5 ratio, with olive oil being the main base.
Honey Itself, is Antibacterial
It may seem odd, but bees create the remedy to heal the wounds they cause. Honey has many medicinal properties and contains compounds that reduce swelling. It has antibacterial properties that can prevent the affected area from getting infected. Make sure to apply honey indoors though, you don’t want to attract any more bees!
Little Giant Beekeepers Can Help Prevent Bee Stings
Although there are many home remedies to treat bee stings, the best solution is to stop it from happening in the first place. If you ever see bees inside or outside your home, there’s a chance a beehive is there too. Contact Little Giant Beekeepers right away! We will safely remove the hive as quickly as possible. There’s no reason to be dealing with the pain of bee stings. Call us today and we can make your home safe again!
