How to deal with insect and plant bites on a hike

When you’re out on a nature hike, you not only encounter spectacular landscapes, but also small inhabitants that can make your walk more uncomfortable: stinging insects and plants.

Knowing how to deal with a sting is the key to continuing to enjoy your walk without a simple brushing becoming a major problem.

Insect bites: how to prevent and treat

Mosquitoes, wasps, bees and ticks are some of the insects that can sour your outdoor experience. To minimise the risk, follow these tips:

Prevention

• Dress smart: Long-sleeved clothing, long trousers and light colours are the best option to avoid attracting the attention of insects.
• Use repellent: Opt for a repellent with DEET, icaridin or essential oils such as citronella or lemon eucalyptus.
• Avoid strong perfumes: Sweet scents can attract insects, especially bees.
• Stay away from stagnant water: It is the perfect breeding ground for mosquitoes.
• Camp with caution: Use mosquito nets and check your tent before sleeping.
• Check your clothes and skin after your hike: Especially for ticks that may have attached themselves.

Treatment

• Mosquitoes: Wash the area with soap and water and apply cold to reduce swelling. You can use aloe vera or an antihistamine cream.
• Bees and wasps: If there is a sting, remove it with a card or fingernail (not with tweezers, as this could release more venom). Apply cold and an antihistamine cream.
• Ticks: Do not pull them off at once. Use fine tweezers to gently remove them and apply disinfectant to the area. Watch for a bull’s-eye rash over the next few days – this could be a symptom of Lyme disease.
• Ants and other smaller insects: Some species can cause painful bites. Wash the area and apply cold.

 

Spider bites: How to identify and treat spider bites

Not all spiders are dangerous, but some, such as the black widow or brown recluse, can cause serious reactions.

Prevention

• Check before sitting or leaning on logs or rocks.
• Keep your hands out of dark holes.
• Seal your backpack and tent tightly.

Treatment

• Wash the bite with soap and water.
• Apply cold.
• If you feel symptoms such as fever, muscle pain or necrosis in the area, seek medical attention.

 

Stinging plants: how to identify and act on them

Stinging nettles, poison ivy and some varieties of cactus can cause reactions on contact with skin. Knowing how to identify them will help you avoid them:

Prevention

• Learn to recognise them: Consult pictures before the route to know which plants to avoid.
• Wear appropriate clothing: Again, long sleeves and long trousers can be your best allies.
• Don’t touch unfamiliar plants: Some may seem harmless, but have irritating compounds.

Treatment

• Wash the affected area with soap and water as soon as possible.
• Do not scratch, as this may spread the irritation.
• Apply cold or a steroid cream to reduce swelling.
• If there are blisters or signs of severe allergic reaction, see a doctor.

 

Always be prepared

Carrying a small first aid kit with antihistamines, sting ointments and disinfectant can make the difference between a minor incident and a ruined hike. Prevention and information are your best weapons to enjoy nature without mishaps.