Spring is associated with blooming flowers and increased daylight. At the same time, unwelcome visitors (insects) may visit your home and garden. Increasing temperatures as summer approaches inspire bugs to come out of their hibernation after a period of winter inactivity.
In the unfortunate event that you get bitten or stung by an insect, are you equipped with the basic knowledge for first-aid treatment?
Recognize the symptoms of insect bites and the ways to treat them:
Symptoms
Almost everyone has been attacked by common insects like mosquitos, bees, flies, wasps, ants, etc. Insect bites and stings normally cause mild reactions in humans when our bodies respond to foreign substances injected in our bloodstream. This biological reaction results in:
- Redness
- Swelling
- Pain
- Itching
Severity of these symptoms can vary, depending on the insect. Severe bodily reactions include:
- Hives
- Abdominal cramps
- Nausea and vomiting
- Swelling of face, lips, or throat
- Breathing problems
- Shock
First-aid treatment
If someone in your home displays signs of severe allergic reaction, get medical attention or call 911 immediately. If they have minor symptoms, follow these steps:
For insect bites –
- Gently remove the insect’s stinger embedded in the skin. Gently scrape a flat-edged object (credit card, identification card) across the skin for removal. Avoid using tweezers.
a woman has after a mosquito bite an itchy skin and scratching
- Wash the area of the bite with soap and running water.
- Place a cold compress or ice pack, periodically, on the area for about ten minutes. This helps reduce pain and swelling.
- Apply antihistamine cream (like calamine lotion) or prepare a paste of baking soda and water to the area several times a day. This helps relieve itching and pain.
For spiders –
Most spider bites are relatively harmless. However, after several hours, the bitten person may experience symptoms similar to those of an insect sting or bite (like redness, swelling, pain, and itching). After a spider bite:
- Wash the affected area with soap and water.
- Place a cold compress or ice packs (wrapped in a clean cloth) to protect the skin.
- Apply antihistamine cream to ease itching and pain.
Always seek medical attention after a serious insect bite or sting to prevent serious medical problems and mitigate risks.
To remove insects and other pests in your Ontario home or commercial building, contact a pest control expert in Orillia or Barrie for immediate assistance. Call Mr. Pest Control at (705) 326-3377 or (705) 739-7378. Get in touch with us today for safe, effective pest removal.
