Wasp stings are quite common in hot summer days. They are painful and may result in swelling or redness. Fortunately, there are a few essential oils for wasp sting treatment. You can use them to reduce the pain and itching instantly.
Insect bites are pretty common. Everyone experiences insect bites at least once in their lifetime. Most of the time, we ignore the bite until we see an itchy bump on our skin.
But wasps sting have a different story. Most people think of them as bees by mistake. But they have a sleek body and fewer hairs than the bees.
Wasp are predatory insects. They sting, especially if you threaten them. Female wasps inject a poisonous substance at the time of biting. It creates immediate inflammation at the site. It causes extreme pain and, in worst cases, may be life-threatening if you are allergic to the venom.
However, whenever you apply some essential oils on the site, it creates an immediate cooling effect.
Common Stinging Wasps
There are 20,000 species of wasps. But female ones can sting the human body. They don’t lose their stinger like bees. So you have the chance of getting stung again and again by the same wasp.
However, I am listing three common stinging wasps below.
1. Bald Faced Hornet
Bald-faced hornets are not hornets. They belong to the Wasp family. They got its name because they are large and are a bit aggressive. They are usually black and white color wasps. They grow almost ½ to ⅝ inches long.
Bald-faced hornets build a grey, sphere-shaped hornet nest on shrubs or trees. The nest can even attach to the house or poles.
2. Yellow Jacket
You can easily recognise a yellow jacket. The insects have short legs and black and yellow stripes on their abdomen. These wasps are pretty aggressive and usually sting in comparison to other wasps.
You will mainly find them in spring and summertime. They build their nests on hollow logs or between the walls.
3. Paper Wasp
These wasps are prevalent almost everywhere in the United States. They are even quite popular for stinging. They sting, especially when they feel that their colony is in danger.
Paper wasps are usually 0.5 to almost 1.5 inches long. The color varies from orange to reddish brown. Some species can have yellow rings on their abdomen, which look nearly similar to the yellow jacket.
You will find these paper wasps in summer, spring, and fall.
Symptoms Of Wasp Sting
If a wasp stings you, then the area will become immediately red and may swell. It may even turn into itchiness within one or two hours. But if you are allergic to the venom, you will experience the symptoms below.
- Itching
- Stomach cramps
- Rapid heart rate
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Difficulty to breathe
- A quick drop in blood pressure
Essential Oil For Wasp Sting Treatment
1. Lavender Essential Oil
Lavender is a plant that originates from the Mediterranean region. Lavender essential oil is extracted from this plant. You can take it orally or apply it to the skin to reap benefits.
The lavender essential oil has antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties, which help to reduce relief from pain caused by a wasp sting.
You can dilute it with water and spray it near your windows or areas of your home to deter waps. You can even use lavender essential oil to reduce anxiety, stress, and depression.
2. Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil is an essential oil derived from the Melaleuca alternifolia. The plant is native to Australia. This essential oil contains compounds like terpinen-4-ol, which can instantly kill germs and bacteria.
Terpinen-4-ol can enhance the activity of white blood cells in your body, and thus, they can fight germs effectively.
Tea tree oil has antimicrobial and antiseptic properties that help treat wasp stings effectively. You can even use it to treat acne, pimples, and wounds on your skin. But never use it on open wounds, as it can cause more harm to your skin.
You can easily make a wasp repellant at home by using tea tree oil. Simply dilute it with water and spray on wasp-infested areas.
3. Lemon Essential Oil
Lemon essential oil can kill viruses and harmful bacteria on your skin. It helps to reduce inflammation and acne. You can even use it to treat wounds and cuts.
The lemon essential oil has a strong smell compared to lavender oil. So, it’s better to dilute it with carrier oil and apply it to your skin.
4. Eucalyptus Oil
The eucalyptus plant is native to Australia. But now they are grown all over the World. The tree is quite famous for its medicinal properties.
Eucalyptus oil is extracted from the oval leaves of the plant. The oil consists of a compound known as cineole, which helps to provide immediate pain relief from wasp stings and other insect bites.
Eucalyptus oil helps treat wounds, prevent infection, and promote healing. Additionally, it has soothing properties. Hence, you can use this oil to treat coughs. The oil reduces the phlegm in the chest. Eucalyptus oil even helps to treat respiratory problems like asthma and sinusitis.
5. Basil Essential Oil
The Basil tree originates from Asia and Africa. But today, you can find this tree in almost all parts of the World. There are nearly 70 species of Basil trees.
The oil is extracted from the leaves and stems of the basil plant. It has antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties, which help to reduce pain and redness caused by wasp stings. But never apply it to open wounds as it damages the skin.
How Should I Apply Essential Oil For Wasp Sting?
Essential oils are a natural remedy for curing wasp stings. But if you are applying any essential oil for the first time, I recommend using it along with carrier oil. You can use either olive oil or coconut oil as carrier oil.
You can take one or two tablespoons of carrier oil. Put ten drops of essential oil into it. You can then apply it to the infected areas.
What Other Methods Can Provide Relief After Wasp Sting?
1. Ice pack
You need to wash the site immediately with soap and water. You can then wrap some ice in a towel and apply it to the affected area. It will help to reduce redness and selling.
2. Apple cider Vinegar And Water
You can mix apple cider vinegar and water in a ratio of 1:1 and apply it to the affected area. It helps to neutralise your skin PH and reduce itching.
Conclusion
A wasp sting is quite painful. You can have redness and itching. So it’s better to opt immediately for some natural remedies. We have listed a few essential oils for wasp sting.
You can use any of them to get instant relief. Simultaneously, I have discussed a few other home remedies that will even help to reduce itchiness, redness, and swelling caused by the wasps.
