nature

Tackle Heatwave Bug Bites With At Home Remedies

It’s reported that this summer’s hot and dry weather will bring an invasion of wasps to the UK and Ireland, with people being warned about nasty bites and stings over the heatwave.

The outdoor people at GardenBuildingsDirect.co.uk have offered the best home remedies for combating insect wounds ahead of a wasp influx as temperatures continue to rise.

Most people in the UK and Ireland will suffer a wasp, spider or mosquito attack at some point in their lives, but the risk of being bitten or stung is particularly high as another heatwave looms.

For the unlucky ones that suffer a sting, household items such as honey and ice can help soothe pain and reduce swelling.

A spokesperson for GardenBuildingsDirect.co.uk explained:
“Most of us relish the arrival of summer and the holiday-feeling of a heatwave – but so do pesky insects. And we’re being warned about an upcoming wasp invasion across the country.

“It’s important to keep in mind that insects will only bite when agitated or when they feel threatened, so it’s best to remain calm and still. But if you are bitten or stung this summer it’s good to have some foolproof home remedies to hand to soothe painful injuries.

“Always remember that if the pain and swelling doesn’t let up and the wound is showing signs of infection, see a medical professional as soon as possible.”

Home remedies to relieve stings this summer:

Ice

Ice is a great remedy for soothing any bites and stings, as the cold helps to diminish the itch, reduces the inflammation or swelling and eases the pain. Place crushed ice into a small sandwich bag, wrap in a towel and place over the affected area until the skin feels less irritated.

Aloe Vera Gel

This multi-purpose plant-based gel is naturally soothing and moisturising to skin, and it also holds anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. Putting a small amount of gel onto the bite or sting can help reduce the level of swelling and prevent the skin from becoming infected.

Raw Honey

Honey helps combat inflammation and can reduce swelling, and the natural antibacterial qualities help to prevent infection and increase the speed of healing. Spread a small amount on the sting, preferably indoors so the smell doesn’t attract more wasps and bees.

Witch Hazel

This remedy is anti-inflammatory and can also reduce the sensation of itching, making it perfect to combat ant bites. Using a cotton swab, dab a small amount of the solution onto the sore area and, after a few minutes, rinse off with water. This will reduce swelling and take the sting out of insect bites.

Sugar

Best used after the sting is almost healed as this will make any scarring that is left almost vanish. Dab water on the affected area, then cover with sugar and leave for a long period of time. But keep note to wash off before sleeping and do not leave overnight as insects are attracted to sugar.

Peppermint Oil

Peppermint is one of the best essential oils for dealing with painful stings and bites. The cooling effect will calm the area and reduce irritation and itchiness. It will also improve blood circulation and cleanse toxins from the area, accelerating the healing process. Apply the oil to the bitten area and massage gently to encourage blood flow.

Aspirin

A popular choice amongst doctors, aspirin will eliminate the toxins that are present in the affected area, reducing the level of inflammation and healing the bite faster. It also contains acetylsalicylic acid which relieves pain. To use, simply crush two tablets with water to make a thick paste, apply to the area for a couple of minutes and wash off. This is an almost fool-proof way to get rid of the irritating itching sensation.

Papaya

The enzymes this fruit contains can reduce the level of inflammation and counteract the effect of the venom. Simply cut a fresh slice of papaya and place over the bitten skin. It’s important to ensure the fruit is still moist for maximum benefit. Replace when dried out and repeat until the skin is less inflamed.

Natural Clay

A wonderful absorber and treatment that has been used for thousands of years. Nowadays, clay is used in facemasks to thoroughly clean the skin of any dirt, as our skin can easily absorb the trace minerals found in clay. This therefore makes it a great product for removing toxins out of a bite or sting. For an almost instant relief from pain and itchiness, just mix some clay with water to produce a fine paste and cover the bites with this mixture.

To get your garden ready for the heatwave, visit https://www.gardenbuildingsdirect.co.uk/.