First Aid for Insect Bites

Symptoms of a Scorpion Sting

  • Immediate pain or burning sensation.
  • Often no sting site is seen and very little if any swelling.
  • Sting site is usually very tender or sensitive to heat/cold/touch.
  • Numbness/tingling sensation follows and is often described as “a shot of novocaine from the dentist.”
  • Bark scorpion stings: Numbness/tingling sensation in face (or other extremities), blurring vision, muscle twitching, “thick tongue” sensation, children may have roving eye movements and exhibit hyperactivity.
  • Difficulty in breathing is possible.

First Aid for a Scorpion Sting

  • Wash area with soap and water.
  • Apply a cool compress on area.
  • Elevate area on pillow.
  • Call your nearest Poison Control Center. They will monitor your condition and advise you to seek medical care if necessary.
  • Try to capture the scorpion for identification, if possible. Be very careful.
  • If Bark Scorpion symptoms develop, go to a health care facility for treatment.
  • Make sure tetanus booster is up-to-date.

Symptoms of Bee, Wasp, Ant and Velvet Ant Bites

  • Redness, swelling, itching, and pain at the site.
  • Allergic reaction: Anaphylactic reaction including facial swelling, rash, hives, shortness of breath, nausea, vomiting

First Aid for Bee, Wasp, Ant and Velvet Ant Bites

  • Wash area with soap and water.
  • Apply a cool compress on area.
  • Elevate area on pillow.
  • Make a paste of baking soda and water for itching.
  • Call your nearest Poison Control Center to monitor your condition and advice if medical help is needed.
  • Make sure tetanus booster is up to date.

Symptoms of Black Widow Spider Bite

  • Sharp stabbing pain.
  • Muscle pain in the abdomen, back, and limbs begins within two hours and may become severe. Pain may spread to other parts of the body and increase in severity for up to 24 hours.
  • Hypertension, nausea, sweating may occur.

First Aid for Black Widow Spider Bite

  • Wash area with soap and water.
  • Apply cool compress to site.
  • Elevate area on pillow.
  • Call nearest Poison Control Center to monitor your condition and advise if medical attention is needed.
  • Make sure tetanus booster is up-to-date

Symptoms of Brown (Recluse) Spider / Violin Spider Bite

  • Small red spot at site of bite within 2 to 10 hours
  • Flu-like symptoms may develop 12-24 hours after bite
  • Site may develop into a bulls eye lesion with a blister in the center
  • Rash is possible

First Aid for Brown (Recluse) Spider / Violin Spider Bite

  • Wash area with soap and water
  • Apply a cool compress on site
  • Elevate area on a pillow
  • Call nearest Poison Control Center. They will monitor and advise if medical care is needed.
  • Make sure tetanus booster is up to date