Treat Bug Bites Checklist

Mosquito Bite: An Itchy Pink or Red Bump of Varying Size

• Wash with soap and cold waterThis seems pretty basic but it's been known to work.
• Make an "X" by pressing your fingernail into the biteWhether or not this drains the poison is dubious, but it can alleviate itching temporarily.
• Apply Aloe VeraThe green gel is not just for sunburns. Try it on your bug bites and ease the itch.
• Mix a thick paste from baking soda and waterAllow to dry and then wipe off.
• Dab ;calamine ;lotion or an "after-bite" remedy on the stingBeware, though, that if you scratch the bite before applying an after-bite solution, it may sting a little.
• Take an over-the-counter anti-histamine like benadryl for ;persistent ;itching.
• Avoid Scratching.Itching will only make it worse!

Fly Bite: Small, Painful and Itchy Red Bumps around the Bite

• Wash the area with soap and water.
• Ice it OftenApply ice to the bite in 15-minute intervals, several times a day or until pain and itching subsides.
• Apply an over-the-counter bug bite remedy that contains ammonia, such as after-bite.
• Avoid ScratchingIf you break the skin, you can cause scarring or infection.

Bee or Wasp Sting: A Painful or Burning Raised Red Welt

• Carefully Remove the StingerUse a credit card to gently lift it from the sting.
• Wash the affected area with soap and water.
• Ice ItApply an ice bag or cubes of ice to the sting in 10-minute intervals.
• Take an over-the-counter anti-inflamatory or pain reliever such as ibuprofen.
• Call the doctor immediately if you develop hives, severe swelling or pain.

Fire Ant Bite: Bites start as Itchy Red Bumps and Transform into Fluid-Filled White Blisters

• Clean the affected area with soap and water.
• Apply calamine lotion or other ;hydro-cortisone ;cream to relieve the itchApply as often as needed.
• If you experience pain or severe swelling, contact a doctor immediately.

Spider Bite: A Small Red Sore, Sometimes Accompanied by Nausea or Muscle Cramps

• Clean the bite with soap and water.
• Ice It (almost) NonstopFor the first few days, apply ice every 20 minutes. Apply enough ice as to where it's uncomfortable. Extreme cold will slow the venom from spreading.
• Take an-over-the-counter pain reliever containing acetaminophen.
• Kill the Spider.If you see it still around, make sure it's dead!
• Contact a doctor or go to the Emergency Room immediately if pain worsens or other symptoms appear.

Tick Bite: Tick On Your Skin; Itchy or Burning Sensation

• Use tweezers to gently extract the tick from your skin.
• Avoid applying too much pressure - don't squash the insect's body as it may contaminate the bite and increase your risk of contracting disease.
• Place the tick in a small jar of ribbing ;alcohol ;to kill itYou should keep the tick in the jar for at least 3 months, in case you develop any symptoms of disease.
• Thoroughly clean the bite area with soap and water.
• Tick bites can be especially dangerous since ticks can carry Lyme Disease and other illnesses, so keep watch on your bite.
• If you develop any flu-like symptoms, contact a doctor immediatelyBring the preserved tick with you for testing.