When Bugs Bite

Summer is here. The bright, steamy days give way to humid nights, filled with the cadences of sounds associated with the Lowcountry-but with the beach, picnics and bar-b-ques come the evils of the outdoors in the form of things that fly, crawl and bite. Use these quick tips with items that you probably already have at home to take care of the pain and itchiness they leave behind that puts a damper on your summer fun!

MOSQUITOS:
Here are a few options to quell the pain and itch-
. Apply a lemon slice directly to affected area
. Crush aspirin and add water to form anti-itching paste
. Rub apple cider vinegar directly on bite
. Rub peppermint or spearment toothpaste directly on bite
. After moistening bite area, rub table salt onto the area
. Rub itchy area with pulpy inside surface of a banana peel
. Make a paste with baking soda and water and apply on bite
. Dab ammonia onto itching area
. Mix together essential oil of lavender and tea tree oil

TICKS:
. Tweezers are a tried and true way to get rid of ticks. It's important to remove the whole tick, as disease can be transferred into your bloodstream. Don't twist or jerk.
. Spray some bug spray onto a Q-tip and apply it directly onto a tick that is in the skin. It will back out on it's own.
. Put a dab of dish detergent on a cotton ball and put the cotton ball directly on the tick. It will start to back out and you can use tweezers to remove it the rest of the way.
. Light a match, blow it out and hold the hot end close to the tick. The tick will release and back out.
. After you get the tick out of your skin, make sure that you rub the area with soapy water or rubbing alcohol.

ANTS:
. Cinnamon Sticks & Garlic Cloves: Place cinnamon sticks or garlic in areas where you have seen ants enter, such as in window tracks, by doors and in corners around your home.
. Vinegar: Put white or apple cider vinegar in a spray bottle and spray on areas where you have seen ants.
. Black Pepper: Sprinkle black pepper where you see ants. The ants will immediately scatter.
. Boiling Water: For serious anthill problems in your yard or walkway, pour boiling water over the anthills.
. Mint: Mint destroys the smelling capabilities of ants and prevents them from entering your home.
. Other Plants: Here is a list of other plants that have been known to be effective at warding off ants. The idea is the stronger the smell, the more likely the plant is to keep the ants away.       
-Basil   
- Chili peppers    - Eucalyptus        -Garlic
- Lavender          - Peppermint
- Rosemary
- Thyme

What About the ANT BITES?

- Ice Cubes: this is the quickest way to prevent swelling. Apply the ice cube directly on the bite and it will act as a natural anti-histamine and numb the itching and pain as well.

- Vinegar: Vinegar is antibacterial in nature and helps in preventing bacterial action on the skin if it is scratched. By instantly applying, it will help to control the itch.

- Toothpaste: This product has a cooling affect on the skin due to the peppermint or menthol in most brands and will soothe the pain.

- Aspirin: These tablets are anti-inflammatory and can be crushed and mixed with water to make a paste. Apply on the bite and leave it on over night.

- Tea bags: Cool tea bags after moistening them and press onto the bite. This will suppress swelling and itching and the pressing will help with the pain and prevent any scarring.

More things that help:
- Tea Tree Oil        - Calamine
- Salt                     - Apple Cider Vinegar
- Soap Bar            - Baking Soda   
- Aloe Vera            - Benadryl
- Rubbing Alcohol/Beverage with high alcohol content