Jun 25, 2002 3 min read

As many people have already discovered, bees, mosquitoes, ants, ticks and other assorted pests are out in full force. This is a common occurrence every summer.

Monongahela Valley Hospital reminds you that insect bites and stings are not usually dangerous, except under some circumstances.

According to Andrew C. Allison, D.O., director of Emergency Services at MVH, a single sting by a bee or wasp is for the most part, painful, but for some people it can result in a severe allergic reaction that cold be fatal if not treated promptly.

“If a person is bitten or stung and has a known allergy to such wounds, have them lie down and refrain from walking,” Dr. Allison said.

“Apply cold packs to the sting/bite area and seek medical attention immediately. The same procedure is necessary if a person is attacked by a swarm of stinging or biting insects.”

Dr. Allison said an estimated 7,000 people die per year as a result of bee stings.

There are a number of “home” remedies that also can work in an emergency to reduce the pain and swelling of an insect bite, Dr. Allison noted.

They are only to be used “if no other treatment is available.” Many bites have been successfully treated by placing mud on the wounded area.

One of the most common insect bites during the summer month is that of the mosquito.

The bite is usually followed by swelling and a persistent itch.

The best remedy for a mosquito bite is to wash the affected area with soap and water.

Apply a “paste” made of baking soda and a little water, or use calamine lotion. If there is swelling, cover the bite with a cloth saturated with ice water.

Dr. Allison said ticks should be removed from the skin by grasping them as close to the point of attachment as possible with tweezers and gently pulling with a steady fraction. Do not twist or jerk quickly,” he said. “Do not handle the tick with your bare hands. Once the tick is removed, flush it down the toilet or place it in a container of alcohol. Do not try to burn the tick off with a match or heated instrument, the risk of causing injury is high.”

Dr. Allison also said any insect bite, much like a bee sting, can trigger serious allergic reaction.

“If an individual is known to be allergic to any bites, seek medical assistance immediately,” he said.

Anyone who has questions about the corrected treatment of insect stings and bites should contact their family physician or the hospital Emergency Department.