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Insect bites and stings - Management
What self care advice should I give for someone with an insect bite or sting?

  • If a person has been stung and the stinger is still in place:
    • Remove it as soon as possible by flicking or scraping with a fingernail, piece of card, or knife blade.
    • Never squeeze the stinger or use tweezers, as this will cause more venom to go into the skin.
  • Remove ticks as soon as possible.
  • Wash the area of the bite or sting with soap and water.
  • Apply ice to reduce swelling, if present.
  • Do not scratch, as this will cause the site to swell and itch more, and will increase the chance of infection.
  • If there are signs of a severe allergic reaction (generalized symptoms, breathing difficulties, and/or hypotension) seek urgent medical help.
  • Bites from fleas, mites, and bedbugs may be due to an infestation. The source of the infestation should be confirmed and then eliminated.
Basis for recommendation
  • These recommendations are based on pragmatic advice and reviews by experts from the medical literature [Reisman, 1994; Kemp, 1998; Moffitt et al, 2004; Steen et al, 2005].
  • Honey bee stingers are barbed and usually remain in the skin after a sting. They need to be removed as quickly as possible, as the injection mechanism continues to operate even after separation from the insect.
  • Ticks need to be removed as quickly as possible, to reduce the risk of tick borne infection such as Lyme disease. See Managing a tick bite for more information.

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