Home Remedies for Yellow Jacket Stings

1. Cold Compresses

To reduce pain and itching, apply cold compresses on the affected area before you put anything else on it. Cold compresses will reduce swelling and inflammation by numbing the nerves.

A 2006 study published in the Clinical Techniques in Small Animal Practice reports that ice or cool compresses along with topical lidocaine or corticosteroid lotions are critical in successful management of yellow jacket stings.

• In a bowl of cold water, add a few ice cubes.
• Put a piece of cloth in it.
• Wring out the excess water, then place the cloth directly on the affected area.
• Leave it on for 10 minutes.
• Repeat 2 or 3 times, waiting 15 minutes between applications. If needed, repeat a few more times during the first 24 hours.

You can also hold a cold bottle of water or a bag of frozen vegetables (wrapped in a thin cloth) on the affected area.

Note: Never put ice directly on the skin, which can cause frostbite.

2. Baking Soda

Baking soda is an effective natural cure for yellow jacket stings. The alkaline nature of baking soda helps neutralize the sting. This provides instant relief from pain and itching.

Plus, being an anti-inflammatory agent, it helps reduce swelling, inflammation and redness.

• Mix 1 teaspoon of baking soda with a little water to make a paste.
• Apply the paste on the affected area for 5 to 10 minutes.
• Rinse it off with lukewarm water.
• If needed, repeat after a few hours.