First Aid for Bug Bites and Stings: Step-by-Step

Leave the area where stinging insects are active. Brush off any remaining insects on clothing without crushing them against skin when possible.

For bee stings: scrape the stinger sideways with a fingernail or card — avoid pinching the venom sac.

For ticks: use fine-tipped tweezers, grasp close to skin, pull upward steadily. Clean the site afterward. Do not use hot matches or petroleum jelly.

Wash with soap and water. Pat dry. Avoid aggressive scrubbing that breaks irritated skin.

Apply a cool compress or ice wrapped in cloth for 10–15 minutes to reduce swelling and itch. Elevate limbs if swelling is noticeable.

Oral antihistamines per package directions can reduce itch. Topical 1% hydrocortisone sparingly on small areas may help short term.

Avoid scratching — it increases infection risk and scarring. Trim nails if bites are on children.

Call emergency services for difficulty breathing, throat tightness, facial swelling, dizziness, or widespread hives soon after a sting.

People with known severe allergy should use their prescribed epinephrine auto-injector as directed and seek emergency care.

Increasing redness, warmth, pus, red streaks, fever, or severe pain may signal infection — contact a clinician.

After tick bites in Lyme-endemic areas, watch for expanding rash or flu-like illness over the following weeks.

Photograph the bite in good light with a coin for scale. Note date and activity (hiking, hotel stay, pets). Use BiteSight or our symptom quiz if you need help narrowing the cause.

Do not pop blisters unnecessarily. Avoid unverified home remedies that irritate skin (concentrated essential oils, toothpaste as primary treatment). Do not delay emergency care for systemic allergic symptoms.