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Treating Bites and Stings

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.  

Bee flying near flowers

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. 
Flying ant on leaf

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.

  1. Remove stinger: If the insect left a stinger in the wound site, carefully remove it using the edge of your fingernail. 
  2. Rinse: Wash the sting site using mild soap and water.
  3. Protect: Protect the sting site from infection with a bandage. 
  4. 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.

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