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. For stings on the hands be sure to remove rings immediately in case the fingers become swollen. Stings by marine animals are treated differently. If you are stung by jellyfish or sea urchins in the ocean, wash the sting area with alcohol with vinegar added to it, rather than water. Stages and progress Redness and swelling usually begin immediately but may not reach their maximum until a few hours after a sting.