Bug Bites

Household ammonia is dilute ammonium hydroxide, which is also an ingredient of numerous other cleaning agents, including many window cleaning formulas. Ammonia is a base, or alkali, and alkalies neutralize acids. Most bug stings are acid based, like wasp and ant venom. So dabbing ammonia on the sting (or baking soda) will help neutralize the acid. But contrary to popular belief, honeybee stings will not be helped by this method. Honeybee venom is a protein, and amazingly, meat tenderizer works for this. The itch from mosquito bites is caused by histamine, the body's chemical reaction to the bug's saliva. Best remedy for this is hydrocortisone cream. Many natural remedy websites call for simple table sugar.  Sugar pastes, or honey help facilitate wound healing by reducing the amount of water within the wound, which significantly retards bacterial growth.  This can reduce scarring from scratching.  Wash all bite area with soapy water first.  Apply a cold compress if you need to reduce swelling. Take an allergy tablet and then apply one of the methods above.