However, if a person has a known severe reaction to a sting or begins to show signs of having difficulty breathing, medical help must be sought immediately. Also, if a person is stung in the mouth or throat area, the swelling may impair breathing and medical attention may be required. Most stings can be treated without medical evaluation, but treatment should start immediately. The stinger and venom sac of a bee should be removed by scraping it out rather than pulling on it. If you have an ant sting, rinse it out with ammonia.
Household ammonia is strongly alkaline and helps to neutralize the formic acid produced by ants.
Wasps and hornets have an alkaline poison, so household acids such as vinegar or lemon juice help to remove their toxins and reduce pain. Wash the sting area with soap and water and apply an antiseptic to kill germs. To reduce pain and swelling use an ice pack, a cortisone cream, or a paste of sodium bicarbonate for bee stings especially. Meat tenderizer can also be useful, since it breaks down the proteins in the toxins. Taking antihistamines also reduces swelling.