Dealing with Insect Bites and Stings
Information provided is not a substitute for professional medical advice and you always seek appropriate professional help or seek immediate medical attention for serious conditions. See full disclaimer here
🐝 Dealing with Insect Bites and Stings
Most insect bites and stings are harmless — but they can be painful, itchy, and occasionally dangerous.
Knowing what to do quickly helps reduce discomfort and prevents complications like infection or allergic reactions.
🦟 Common Causes
In the UK, bites and stings are most often caused by:
Bees and wasps
Mosquitoes and midges
Horseflies
Ticks
Ants
Fleas
While most reactions are mild, some people can experience severe allergic responses called anaphylaxis, which is a medical emergency.
⚠️ Step-by-Step: How to Treat a Bite or Sting
🐝 1. Remove the Sting (if visible)
If a sting (like from a bee) is still in the skin, scrape it out gently using the edge of a bank card.
Avoid squeezing it, for example using tweezers — this can release more venom.
💧 2. Clean the Area
Wash the skin gently with soap and cool water to remove any dirt or venom.
❄️ 3. Reduce Pain and Swelling
Apply a cold compress or ice pack for up to 10 minutes.
Rest the affected area if possible (especially if on a limb).
💊 4. Ease Itching and Irritation
Use an anti-histamine cream or tablet (if advised by a pharmacist).
Calamine lotion or aloe vera can soothe the skin.
🧍 5. Watch for Signs of Infection
Redness, swelling, or pus around the bite may suggest infection.
If symptoms worsen after a few days, see your GP or pharmacist.
🚨 When to Call 999 or 112
Call for emergency help immediately if the person:
Has difficulty breathing or swallowing
Feels faint, dizzy, or collapses
Develops swelling of the lips, eyes, or tongue
Has a rapid heartbeat or wheezing
Has had a severe allergic reaction before
This could be anaphylaxis — a life-threatening allergic reaction.
If the person has an adrenaline auto-injector (EpiPen), help them use it immediately.
🐞 Special Cases: Ticks
If the bite is from a tick, remove it as soon as possible using fine-tipped tweezers or a tick removal tool:
Grip the tick close to the skin. You don’t want to squeeze the ticks body.
Pull upwards slowly and steadily.
Clean the area with antiseptic.
Note the date and location of the bite.
If a bullseye-shaped rash (A red ring) appears within days or weeks, seek medical help — this can be a sign of Lyme disease.
🏕️ Preventing Bites and Stings
Wear long sleeves and trousers in grassy or wooded areas.
Use insect repellent on exposed skin.
Keep food and drinks covered outdoors.
Move calmly away from bees and wasps — don’t swat them.
Check for ticks after outdoor activities, especially on children.
Learn Outdoor First Aid with DAC Education
Our Outdoor and Environmental First Aid and Paediatric First Aid courses teach practical skills for handling bites, stings, allergic reactions, and anaphylaxis.
Ideal for outdoor workers, teachers, and group leaders.
👉 Book an Outdoor First Aid Course
(Delivered at our Suffolk HQ or on-site for groups of six or more.)
Disclaimer
This article offers general first aid advice. Always seek medical attention if a bite or sting causes severe symptoms, allergic reactions, or signs of infection.