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Wasp Sting Home Remedy

For as long as bees have been stinging humans, victims have devised a myriad of folk remedies to treat the pain and swelling.  Most home remedies are innocuous but it's always best to proceed with caution when trying something new. If you notice any atypical reactions to a home treatment remedy, stop using it and call your health care provider.

Clean the Sting

After removing the stinger, clean the sting site with soap and water.

Pastes

Create a paste using meat tenderizer and water.  The enzymes in the meat tenderizer are said to break up the venom.  If you don't have meat tenderizer on hand slather on a paste made with baking soda and water. Another alternative is to crush non-coated aspirin and create a paste with water. 

Cool the Sting

Apply a very small amount of household ammonia to the sting site with a cotton ball.  Some over the counter sting medications also contain ammonia as an ingredient. 

For a wasp sting, soak the sting in vinegar to neutralize the venom. 

Crushed onion or garlic is said to neutralize the venom of sting. 

Prevent Infection

If the sting site is itchy and you have a child that won't stop scratching, make sure to keep the site clean with soap and water.  Apply an antibacterial ointment or a solution of one part hydrogen peroxide to one part water.