Insect Bites (Spiders, Ticks & Fleas)
Symptoms
Insect bites leave venom in the skin and cause a usually mild but itchy skin reaction. Scratching may infect the wound and leave lasting scars. Infection becomes obvious if the bite swells and reddens on the second day or after the initial skin reaction seemed to improve. Some people react to bites with allergic rashes, which can be dangerous if the swelling blocks air passages. Insect bites are also a serious problem if the insect carries disease. In several tropical regions, mosquitoes carrying malaria cause dangerously high fevers. In some wild areas of North America, tick bites may cause Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever. Since tick bites are not painful, they can easily be overlooked. Lyme disease causes flu-like symptoms to develop within one month of the tick bite, often with a rash.
Weeks later, it can cause lingering arthritis, heart problems, neuritis and other nervous system disorders, which usually go away after several months. In rare cases, symptoms last indefinitely. Rocky Mountain spotted fever causes a dangerously high fever, headaches, muscle pains and a rash. These symptoms develop within two weeks of a tick bite. Other biting insects are horseflies, ants, fleas, lice and scabies mites. None of these carry diseases, though they can be troublesome.
Insect Bites (Spiders, Ticks & Fleas) Causes
Mosquito and tick bites can be prevented with sufficient clothing. Insects prefer dark clothing and bright floral designs to pastel colors and whites. Sweet, flowery perfumes, hairsprays and sun-screens also attract mosquitoes and other insects. In hot climates, mosquito nets help, especially near water and after sunset, when mosquitoes are most prevalent. Natural insect repellents including garlic and cider vinegar (diluted chlorine) will help. Alcohol dilates the blood vessels in the skin, which attracts insects, including mosquitoes and horseflies. Ticks thrive in wooded areas, so wearing adequate clothing helps to repel them. Since the bites are painless, checking for ticks after a day in the woods can help prevent infection.
Household pets are often a source of fleas and ticks, and can also carry worms. Head lice are passed on among children very quickly regardless of hygiene, so head lice are difficult to avoid. Body and pubic lice are less easily contracted, since they are spread through contaminated clothing and sexual contact.
Insect Bites (Spiders, Ticks & Fleas) Nutrition
To prevent bites from mosquitoes and horseflies, avoid alcohol. Alcohol causes the skin to flush and the blood vessels to dilate, attracting insects. Eating garlic or rubbing it on the skin helps repel insects. Yeast also helps reduce susceptibility to bites. Eat nutritional yeast daily for three weeks before going into the woods to discourage mosquitoes and black flies from biting. After a severe insect bite, drink plenty of pure spring water, light soups and diluted juices to flush out residual toxins.
Insect Bites (Spiders, Ticks & Fleas) Nutritional Supplements
As a prevention for insect bites, garlic and vitamin B1 (thiamine) supplements are effective, as they give off an unfavorable scent to the insect. A vitamin B complex can be added to B1 for several weeks to prevent imbalances. Use brewer's yeast supplements for pets, or nutritional yeast for humans. Garlic is more effective against ticks. Take these supplements several days before and throughout a trip to wooded, damp areas.
Very high doses of vitamin C, taken together with calcium, can be used effectively to combat the allergic and toxic effects of all kinds of bites, even against venomous spiders and snakes. The calcium also seems to markedly reduce the pain.
Daily dosages:
Most Important
Vitamin C, with bioflavonoids, 4,000–10,000 mg immediately following a bite and 1,000 mg every few hours
Vitamin B1, 50 mg twice daily
Garlic, 2 capsules three times daily
Vitamin B complex, 50 mg daily
Helpful
Calcium, 1,200 mg
Insect Bites (Spiders, Ticks & Fleas) Herbal Remedies
Herbal remedies can promote healing of the skin, decrease inflammation, help the body cleanse residual toxins from the blood and boost the immune system.
Yarrow reduces the itching and swelling, while lemon balm, plantain and ivy leaves soothe and heal. Crush or gently rub leaves on the bite.
Aloe vera gel is excellent to soothe and heal the affected skin.
Citronella oil is a natural insect repellent that should be rubbed on the skin and is safe for children and pregnant women. Keep away from eyes.
Intense swellings should be treated with hot hay seed compresses.
Spider bites:
Spiders inject a toxin into the blood and lymph system that affects internal organs and can cause the formation of harmful free radicals in the body.
To boost the immune system and purify the blood, take 10–20 drops of echinacea tincture in liquid or 1–2 capsules or tablets three times daily for up to a week.
After the venom is removed and the bite thoroughly cleaned and disinfected, apply
comfrey and plaintain salve to speed healing. Make sure all traces of venom have been removed from the area before applying comfrey, as this herb almost instantly rebuilds tissue over the area.
Insect Bites (Spiders, Ticks & Fleas) Homeopathy
Homeopathic remedies are excellent for insect stings and bite reactions or pain. The recommended dosage is 2 tablets under the tongue in a 6c strength, repeating every fifteen minutes for three doses. If symptoms persist, repeat every four hours for an extra day or two. Stop once symptoms improve.
For any stings or bites, Ledum can be used immediately. Typical symptoms include a cold feeling to the skin around the bite and cold applications to the skin provide relief.
For swelling, heat and stinging pain, use Apis.
Hypericum should be chosen in those cases where shooting pains develop along a nerve, common in horsefly bites.
Insect Bites (Spiders, Ticks & Fleas) Tissue Salts
The tissue salt Nat mur can be made into a paste by adding a little water, and applied directly to the bite to soothe the irritation.
Insect Bites (Spiders, Ticks & Fleas) External/Physical Therapies
Place a slice of fresh onion on the sting.
To disinfect, dab the spot with alcohol.
Apply ice to the area to slow absorption of the venom.
For first aid, if nothing else is at hand, rub saliva into the bite.
If stung inside the mouth, gargle with liquid whey or, if not available, with salt water
(2 tbsp. salt to 3 cups of water).
A cabbage leaf poultice applied to the neck will further help in reducing the poison's effect.
For ant, mosquito, tick and chigger bites, wash the area thoroughly with soap and water. Usea brush and scrub chigger bites, then apply damp baking soda.
Once a tick is found on the skin, it should be removed with tweez-ers by pulling the head, which is closest to the skin. Once removed,the tick must be burned. Trying to remove the tick with the hands can cause the head to embed even more firmly in the skin.
A capsule of vitamin E emptied onto the skin supports healing and alleviates pain.
Spider bites:
Rattlesnake and black widow venom are almost the same, so they should be treated similarly. Remain as still as possible to avoid the venom spreading to other parts of the body. Encourage bleeding at the bite to rid the body of the poison.
To cool and draw out toxins, mix 1 tbsp. of medicinal clay with 1/2 cup of water. Dab on the affected area every two hours on the first day and apply a clay compress for the night. On the following days, alternate with aloe vera.
Insect Bites (Spiders, Ticks & Fleas) Other Suggestions
Mosquitoes are attracted by sour sweat.
Wasp stings can become infected. If the inflammation seems to worsen on the second day, consult a physician.
Insect Bites (Spiders, Ticks & Fleas) Available Brand Name Products
Nutritional Supplements
E 400 IU Mixed Tocopherol 100% Natural (Natural Factors)
Other Nutritional Supplements
Aloe Vera Gel (The Real Aloe Co.)
Herbal Remedies
Echinacea Fresh Herb Tincture
(Natural Factors)
Echinacea Angustifolia Extract
(Nature's Herbs)
Homeopathy
Apis (Nelsons Homeopathy)
External Therapies
Molkosan (Bioforce)
Bentonite Clay, Hydrated (Inno-Vite)
Basil Oil (Karooch Essential Oils)
Lavender Oil (Karooch Essential Oils)
Patchouli Oil (Karooch Essential Oils)
Sandalwood Oil (Karooch Essential Oils)
Sting Gel (Nelsons Homeopathy)
