12 Effective Home Remedies for Ant Bites

Ant bites – However not harmful to the skin but causes an intense pinching and soon result in itching and stinging sensation where they bite on the skin.

Ant (especially fire ant) will range in color from reddish brown to black and its bites can result in itching, swollen bumps, redness, and painful stings that last from 8 – 24 hours.

The way of fire ants attacking is so dangerous that each ant will sting several times till the stingers inject the venom. If you find swelling, itching, stinging and redness around the bites along with swollen red spots with a blister on the top then it will be definitely fire ant bits.

In certain cases, these ant bites can lead to severe allergic reactions which may require immediate medical attention. So, people who are allergic to the venom may develop symptoms like nausea, hives, chest tightness, abdominal cramps, difficulty swallowing, diarrhea, dizziness, trouble breathing, swelling of throat and tongue, etc. in which medical care is essential to get rid of this problem.

Always remember that prevention is better than cure. So, stay away from the ant – infested areas or simply destroy the ant beds or mound in and around your home and garden areas.

But people who don’t show any allergic reactions due to fire ant stings then you’re lucky why because there are many natural home remedies that help you in getting rid of itching, irritation, and swelling caused by the fire ant stings.

Home Remedies to Get Rid of Ant Bites:

Here are some quick natural remedies that work well in treating the painful and irritated skin and thus provide relief from the itching, irritation, and swelling of the affected skin area.

Let’s get started…

Remedy – 1: (Ice or Cold Compress)

This ice or cold compress will act as a first aid by reducing the pain and swelling caused by these ant bites. It acts as a natural anti-histamine that numb the area to relieve you from the pain and itching.

What you need:

Ice cubes
Thin towel
Plastic bag

What to do:

Take a few ice cubes and place it in a thin towel.
Wrap it to apply this icy cold compress on the ant bitten area for about 5 minutes.
Then take a break of a couple of minutes and then again place it on the affected area.
Continue placing this cold compress on the affected area as needed during the first 24 hours (a day).

Note:

Or simply place the affected skin area under cool running water for a few minutes to get a soothing effect on the skin.
Also, place frozen peas or a cloth soaked in cold water as a cold compress on the affected area for a few minutes to get relief from the pain and swelling.
Never ever place ice directly on the skin why because it causes frostbite and damage your skin nerves.

Remedy – 2: (Apple Cider Vinegar)

Apple cider vinegar (ACV) is an effective remedy that widely used to reduce your discomforts caused by fire ant bites. The venom is made of alkaloids and allergenic proteins and the use of apple cider vinegar will neutralize the effect of venom on the skin.

The antiseptic, analgesic and anti-itching properties of apple cider vinegar will help you in getting rid of pain, swelling, itching, and irritation.

What you need:

Apple cider vinegar
Cool water
Soft towel
Moisturizer

What to do:

Take raw, organic, unfiltered and unpasteurized apple cider vinegar in a small bowl.
Apply this cider vinegar to the affected area directly by using a cotton ball.
Let it sit for about 30 minutes and wash the area with cool water.
Gently dry your skin with a soft towel and apply a moisturizer to soothe the skin and also to prevent dryness.
Repeat the same process as needed till you get relief from these ant bites.

Note:

If you have dry or sensitive skin then make sure to dilute apple cider vinegar with some water before application on the skin to prevent irritation and dryness.
Or apply vinegar directly to get control over the itching and irritation on the affected skin areas.

Remedy – 3: (Baking Soda)

Baking soda is an excellent remedy that reduces the redness and itching sensation in the affected area by simply balancing your pH levels. This acid neutralizer will help to reduce the effects of the ants’ venom to prevent the risk of getting an infection.

What you need:

Baking soda – 1 teaspoon
Water

What to do:

Mix enough water in 1 teaspoon of baking soda and stir well to make a fine paste.
Spread this paste generously on the affected skin area.
Let it sit for about 10 – 15 minutes and then wash the area with lukewarm water.
Pat dry the skin and repeat the same again after a few hours till you get relief from this pain and swelling.

Remedy – 4: (Witch Hazel)

Witch hazel is another effective home remedy for treating ant bites, as it relieves your irritation, swelling and reduce the risk of getting blisters with its anti-inflammatory and anti-itching properties.

What you need:

Witch hazel
Cotton ball
Water

What to do:

Pour a small amount of witch hazel on the cotton ball.
Dab the ball on the affected area and let it sit till it evaporates.
Continue doing the same process for several times daily until the ant stings are disappeared completely.

Note: Or apply rubbing alcohol or any product or beverage containing high alcohol to suppress the histamine action and reduce swelling. So, dab some mouthwash or alcohol or vodka on the affected skin area and rinse off after a few minutes.

Remedy – 5: (Oatmeal)

The anti-irritating, anti-inflammatory and soothing properties of oatmeal will help to provide instant relief from itching, pain, swelling, and irritation.

What you need:

Colloidal oatmeal – 2 cups
Lukewarm water

What to do:

Pour oatmeal in your bathtub filled with lukewarm water.
Stir well and soak in this water for about 30 – 45 minutes.
After that, rinse your body with normal water and dry your skin gently.
Repeat this oatmeal soaking process for 2 – 3 times daily to reduce your symptoms.

Note: Or simply apply oatmeal paste (oatmeal powder mixed with water or milk) on the affected areas and rinse off with water after it dries completely.

Remedy – 6: (Toothpaste)

Toothpaste (preferably white toothpaste) will give quick relief from these pain, swelling, and irritation. The menthol cooling content in the toothpaste will help to reduce the itching and stinging sensation. But make sure to avoid using the gel-based toothpaste.

What you need:

What to do:

Take a white toothpaste and dab a little on the ant stings like a mask.
Let it sit for about 10 minutes and rinse the area with cool water.
Repeat the same process as needed to get a complete relief from the problem.

Note:

Using toothpaste with peppermint will help to soothe the skin and prevent itching or irritation.
Or use Vicks Vaporub which contains menthol to get relief from the ant bites.

Remedy – 7: (Raw Honey)

Raw homey acts as a natural moisturizer and humectant that provides soothing benefits to your skin. It also reduces the itching and swelling of the affected area.

What you need:

What to do:

Take some raw and organic honey and apply it directly to the affected areas.
Leave it for about 30 minutes before rinsing with cool water.
Do the same process for a few times, if needed to get a complete relief from this problem.

Remedy – 8: (Aspirin)

To neutralize the ant’s venom, aspirin is the best choice. It contains anti-inflammatory property that helps a lot in promoting a quick relief by relieving your swelling and inflammation on the ant bitten areas of the skin.

What you need:

Aspirin tablets – 4 to 5
Water

What to do:

Crush the aspirin tablets and add enough water to make a fine paste.
Slather this aspirin paste on the affected skin areas.
Let it sit for about a few hours and finally, rinse off with lukewarm water.
Do it 2 – 3 times a day to get a quick and complete relief from this ant stings.

Remedy – 9: (Onion)

The antiseptic, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties of onion will help to reduce pain, swelling, and inflammation. The regular follow up will help to reduce the formation of blisters on the skin caused by ant bites.

What you need:

Onion
Tape or bandage
Water

What to do:

Cut an onion into pieces and crush them gently.
Place this crushed onion on the affected area and wrap a bandage or tape to secure the onion mix.
Let it sit for about 20 minutes and rinse off with water.
Dry the skin and do the same process for once or twice daily for best results of getting relief from the problem.

Remedy – 10: (Tea Bags)

The tannic acid and anti-inflammatory property of tea bags will help to reduce the itching, irritation and redness by soothing and moisturizing the area. They effectively suppress the itching and swelling and thereby controls the pain without causing any scars on the skin.

What you need:

What to do:

Prepare a tea by steeping a tea bag in hot water for about 5 – 7 minutes.
After that, take out the tea bag and let it cool down for a few minutes.
Finally, place this tea bag on the ant bites and press the bag gently.
Let it sit for a few minutes and discard the tea bag.
Repeat the same process for once or twice daily until you get a complete relief from the problem.

Remedy – 11: (Aloe Vera)

Aloe vera helps a lot in soothing the skin with its cooling effect. It relieves your itching, irritation, pain and swelling along with reducing the risk of forming blisters due to this ant bites.

What you need:

What to do:

Extract aloe vera gel freshly from an aloe leaf.
Apply it on the affected skin area.
Leave it for a few minutes to hours and rinse the area with water.
Dry the skin gently and repeat the same process until you get complete relief from this problem.

Remedy – 12: (Essential Oils)

There are many essential oils like tea tree oil, peppermint oil and eucalyptus oil that help you in getting relief from these ant bites. Have a look at some essential oils that work well in clearing the ant stings and its symptoms on the skin.

Tea Tree Oil – The antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties of tea tree oil will help to prevent scratching and pain caused by these ant bites. Dilute tea tree oil with any carrier oil and apply it on the affected skin area to prevent the infection.
Peppermint Oil – The peppermint oil soothes the irritated skin and relieves you from itching and pain caused due to ant bites. Apply peppermint oil either directly or by diluting it with carrier oils (olive oil) to reduce the symptoms suffering from ant bites.

Tips and Precautions:

Before starting the treatment for fire ant stings, you have to clear the ants from the body or clothes and clean the affected area by using a soapy water to clear off the venom or any dirt from the skin. Use a mild antiseptic soap and pat dry the skin by using a soft towel.
The very next step after cleaning the area is to apply some soothing natural oils (olive oil) or creams on the affected area to soothe the pain, irritation and to keep the skin moisturized.
Also, keep the affected area elevated why because this will help a lot in reducing the swelling and thereby irritation and itching.
Whenever you going out, take some protective steps like wearing socks and shoes, long sleeve clothes, etc. Also, use insect repellents which are designed to deter fire ants.
Consult your doctor before taking an antihistamine to prevent an allergic reaction.
Apply liquid hand sanitizer, calamine lotion or hydrocortisone cream to the ant bitten areas, as it helps to reduce the itching and inflammation.
If unfortunately, blisters appear on the ant bitten skin areas then make sure that not to pop them, as it increases the risk of infection and makes it heal slowly.
If you found that the blister breaks up (opened) then cleanse the area with soapy water and pat dry the area gently. Watch the signs of infection and consult your doctor.
Resist the urge to scratch the ant bitten area, especially if you have blisters on that particular area.
Salt will prevent the itching and swelling of the affected skin area. So, apply salt paste (salt mixed with a little water) on the affected area and leave a coat on the skin to prevent scratching.
Apply a soap bar on the ant bitten affected areas will provide a protective coating on the surface. So, simply rub an antibacterial soap bar for several times daily to clear the itching and irritation soon.
Also, use other natural remedies like lemon juice to neutralize the poison from ant bites, cucumber for cooling effect, milk to soothe the irritation and itching, raw potato to reduce swelling, hot water rinse to reduce itching or burning sensation, ammonia to reduce swelling or pain, etc.

Final Word:

Follow these natural remedies for treating ant bites. Do you know any other successful natural home remedies for ant bites? Then share your experience with us in the below comments box.

Source link wallx.net