There isn’t anything more annoying than getting eaten alive by midges and other creatures every time you go for a summer walk in the park and it is even worse on holidays abroad where mosquitos can plague you in the warm weather. Bites and stings can be irritating and can sometimes become very swollen, blistered and sore. We’ve come up with some simple steps to repel the critters but also to treat those pesky bites.
Repelling the Bugs
- To avoid the discomfort of insect bites it is important to try and do everything you can to try and repel the bugs in the first place. Boots have it’s own brand of insect repellant which is available over the counter for under €10.00. Visit your local health food shop and ask if they have products containing Lemon Eucalyptus Oil, which is a natural bug repellant.
- Citronella candles keep the bugs away if you’re eating outside in your garden this summer. The aromas from these candles irritate flying insects so they are the perfect tools for a seasonal barbeque. Aldi stock these candles throughout the summer months and they retail at €1.99 per candle. Littlewoods Ireland stock Bamboo Torches (6pack) with Citronella Candles (18 pack) which you can order online for €29.99.
- If you are prone to insect bites, switch to perfume-free soaps, deodorants and shower gels this season. Bugs are drawn to sweet smells and perfume is sure to attract every insect in the joint. Mitchum has a non-perfumed roll-on anti perspirant which is available in Tesco for €3.49. Simple is also great brand for those susceptible to insect bites as all of their products are non-perfumed. Four bars of Simple Soap are also available in Tesco for €2.69.
Treating Insect Bites and Stings
- Products containing tea-tree oil are great for soothing painful and itchy insect bites. Tea-tree oil, which is most commonly used to treat blemishes, is easily accessible in most pharmacy. Boots has helpful gel, containing tea-tree and witch hazel which will help calm down mild bites. Calamine lotion will also sooth inflamed stings and bites and the old Irish reliable, Sudocreme is a great way to treat painful raised bites.
- If a wasp or a bee stings you it is important that you try and remove the stinger as quickly as you can. Avoid tweezers as these could make the situation worse. Do not squeeze the skin around the sting, but instead scrape the skin with you fingernail or sterile needle until the stinger is removed. Next, wash the skin with soap and warm water and cover with a cold flannel to prevent swelling. If swelling persists take an over the counter anti-histamine such as Peritin or Anthisan which is an antihistamine cream. Mild hydrocortisone cream is also helpful in treating stings.
- Cut your nails short so that you won’t scratch the bites in your sleep. Scratching encourages infection. Disinfect the bite with a cotton pad and Dettol Disinfectant Anti-Septic twice daily. This is available in Tesco for €4.39
- Bites and stings can be painful and if you are aching it is advised that you take a painkiller like Paracetamol or an Ibrufen to sooth your pain.
- Although most insect bites and stings are not serious, some people have severe allergic reactions to bugs. A dramatic swelling or a shortness of breath should be taken seriously and medical help should be sought as soon as possible.
