For those of us that live in cold climates; we need not fear about insects and spiders. However; the tropics are full of such creepy crawlies and it can be quite a task to keep them from stinging and buzzing around you. There are a few natural remedies that one can try if you have been bitten or stung by an insect.

The first thing that you need to keep in mind is that you should not poke the area or pinch it in order to get rid of the venom; pinching it will send the venom deep within your skin. What you need to do is clear the surface of the skin with a hard plastic substance or a butter knife.

Wash the area but take care not to apply pressure near it. Wipe it dry. Soak a cotton ball in apple cider vinegar and apply it to the area. This will help to disinfect the area and reduce the redness as well as prevent the area from swelling. Keep the cotton ball on the area for a few minutes; you can also try taping it to the region with surgical tape.

Break an aspirin and add a few drops of water in order to form a paste. Apply this to the stung area; this will neutralize the venom and reduce the effect of the poison.

Use an ice pack on the area. This will help to reduce the swelling; it makes the area numb and hence reduces stinging sensation and the pain as well.

In order to control the stinging you must treat the area with enzymes. For this you can try rubbing the area with a fruit like papaya. You can mash the fruit and apply it to the skin for an hour or so to reduce the effect of the venom. Another way to reduce the stinging sensation is to rub a slice of onion on the area. This helps as onion has anti inflammatory properties that reduce the swelling and stinging. Garlic works in the same way as onion does.

If you have trouble breathing after the bite or if you notice your body swelling up then it is time to call the doctor.