Difference between revisions of "Reduce the Pain of Gnat Bites"
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Gnats, also known as Biting Midges, are small flying insects that are related to mosquitos. They are present on every continent on earth including Antarctica, and can live anywhere with a body of water or damp soil. Some varieties bite, while others are simply annoying. The best way to prevent gnat bites is population control, although there are things you can do to soothe the skin if you are bitten. | Gnats, also known as Biting Midges, are small flying insects that are related to mosquitos. They are present on every continent on earth including Antarctica, and can live anywhere with a body of water or damp soil. Some varieties bite, while others are simply annoying. The best way to prevent gnat bites is population control, although there are things you can do to soothe the skin if you are bitten. | ||
| − | [[Category:Stings Bites and Burns]] | + | [[Category: Stings Bites and Burns]] |
== Steps == | == Steps == | ||
===Treating Gnat Bites=== | ===Treating Gnat Bites=== | ||
| − | #Wash the skin. A biting gnat has four razor-sharp blades in its mouth which tear your skin, leaving a small open wound. Clean on and around the affected area with mild soap and water. Use a washcloth or paper towel to remove any excess moisture.<ref>http://kidshealth.org/en/kids/gnat.html</ref> | + | #Wash the skin. A biting gnat has four razor-sharp blades in its mouth which tear your skin, leaving a small open wound. Clean on and around the affected area with mild soap and water. Use a washcloth or paper towel to remove any excess moisture.<ref name="rf1">http://kidshealth.org/en/kids/gnat.html</ref> |
| − | #Apply antiseptic. Gnats can carry bacteria from things like rotten food, so you should swab the area thoroughly with a cotton ball. Tape the cotton ball to the wound to allow the antiseptic to soak into the bite.<ref>http://www.anl.gov/education/learning-center/classroom-resources</ref> | + | #Apply antiseptic. Gnats can carry bacteria from things like rotten food, so you should swab the area thoroughly with a cotton ball. Tape the cotton ball to the wound to allow the antiseptic to soak into the bite.<ref name="rf2">http://www.anl.gov/education/learning-center/classroom-resources</ref> |
#*Common topical antiseptics include alcohol, iodine, and hydrogen peroxide | #*Common topical antiseptics include alcohol, iodine, and hydrogen peroxide | ||
| − | #Try apple cider vinegar. Vinegar is a popular natural home remedy used to relieve swelling, pain, and redness in wasp and bee stings. It may help reduce the pain and itch of gnat bites, as well. <ref>http://www.besthealthmag.ca/best-you/home-remedies/natural-home-remedies-insect-and-spider-bites/</ref> | + | #Try apple cider vinegar. Vinegar is a popular natural home remedy used to relieve swelling, pain, and redness in wasp and bee stings. It may help reduce the pain and itch of gnat bites, as well. <ref name="rf3">http://www.besthealthmag.ca/best-you/home-remedies/natural-home-remedies-insect-and-spider-bites/</ref> |
#*Soak a cotton ball in the vinegar and apply it to the affected area until it feels better. | #*Soak a cotton ball in the vinegar and apply it to the affected area until it feels better. | ||
#Try Neosporin + Pain Relief Ointment. This ointment is available over-the-counter and it has both antibacterial and pain relieving properties. Apply some to your gnat bites for relief. | #Try Neosporin + Pain Relief Ointment. This ointment is available over-the-counter and it has both antibacterial and pain relieving properties. Apply some to your gnat bites for relief. | ||
| − | #Try an aspirin paste. Aspirin reduces inflammation, and it may help reduce the swelling and itching of your bite. Crush an aspirin pill with the back of a spoon, and mix it with a small amount of water to make a paste. Rub the paste onto the affected area.<ref>http://www.rd.com/home/cleaning-organizing/extraordinary-uses-for-aspirin/</ref> | + | #Try an aspirin paste. Aspirin reduces inflammation, and it may help reduce the swelling and itching of your bite. Crush an aspirin pill with the back of a spoon, and mix it with a small amount of water to make a paste. Rub the paste onto the affected area.<ref name="rf4">http://www.rd.com/home/cleaning-organizing/extraordinary-uses-for-aspirin/</ref> |
#Apply anti-itch cream. Commercial anti-itch creams like Cortizone-10 contain hydrocortisone, a chemical agent that temporarily relieves itching. Most such creams also contain ingredients like aloe, to soothe and moisturize the skin. | #Apply anti-itch cream. Commercial anti-itch creams like Cortizone-10 contain hydrocortisone, a chemical agent that temporarily relieves itching. Most such creams also contain ingredients like aloe, to soothe and moisturize the skin. | ||
| − | #Apply ice. If there is swelling in the area, ice cubes or an ice pack will help reduce the swelling. Apply the ice to your skin and hold it in place until the swelling goes down.<ref | + | #Apply ice. If there is swelling in the area, ice cubes or an ice pack will help reduce the swelling. Apply the ice to your skin and hold it in place until the swelling goes down.<ref name="rf1" /> |
| − | #Take a cold shower. Cold water can help reduce the itching and swelling of bug bites. If you have multiple bites, taking a cool shower for ten minutes or so may make you feel better.<ref>http://www.healthdirect.gov.au/insect-bites-and-stings</ref> | + | #Take a cold shower. Cold water can help reduce the itching and swelling of bug bites. If you have multiple bites, taking a cool shower for ten minutes or so may make you feel better.<ref name="rf5">http://www.healthdirect.gov.au/insect-bites-and-stings</ref> |
| − | #Avoid scratching. Scratching certain types of stings and bites can spread venom through your skin, causing a more pain and itching. Scratching also opens the wound, which can lead to infection.<ref | + | #Avoid scratching. Scratching certain types of stings and bites can spread venom through your skin, causing a more pain and itching. Scratching also opens the wound, which can lead to infection.<ref name="rf5" /> |
| − | #Monitor the wound for changes. If you see pus forming in the bite, this is a sign of bacterial infection. See a doctor as soon as possible.<ref>http://www.pestnet.com/flies/gnats/gnat-bites/</ref> | + | #Monitor the wound for changes. If you see pus forming in the bite, this is a sign of bacterial infection. See a doctor as soon as possible.<ref name="rf6">http://www.pestnet.com/flies/gnats/gnat-bites/</ref> |
| − | #Watch for symptoms of anaphylactic shock. In rare cases, insect bites can cause a severe allergic reaction that can be dangerous or even fatal. If you have known insect allergies, or if you experience symptoms of anaphylactic shock, seek medical treatment immediately.<ref | + | #Watch for symptoms of anaphylactic shock. In rare cases, insect bites can cause a severe allergic reaction that can be dangerous or even fatal. If you have known insect allergies, or if you experience symptoms of anaphylactic shock, seek medical treatment immediately.<ref name="rf5" /> |
#*Swelling of the throat, tongue, or mouth. | #*Swelling of the throat, tongue, or mouth. | ||
#*Difficulty swallowing or talking. | #*Difficulty swallowing or talking. | ||
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#*Collapsing or passing out. | #*Collapsing or passing out. | ||
===Preventing Gnat Bites=== | ===Preventing Gnat Bites=== | ||
| − | #Try a commercial bug repellant spray. Bug sprays and topical creams containing certain active ingredients will repel many types of biting insects, including mosquitos and gnats. Reduce painful bites by avoiding them in the first place.<ref>http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/yellowbook/2016/the-pre-travel-consultation/protection-against-mosquitoes-ticks-other-arthropods</ref> | + | #Try a commercial bug repellant spray. Bug sprays and topical creams containing certain active ingredients will repel many types of biting insects, including mosquitos and gnats. Reduce painful bites by avoiding them in the first place.<ref name="rf7">http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/yellowbook/2016/the-pre-travel-consultation/protection-against-mosquitoes-ticks-other-arthropods</ref> |
#*When traveling out of the country, bring your own insect repellant. Sprays sold in other countries may contain potentially hazardous chemicals not approved for use in the states. | #*When traveling out of the country, bring your own insect repellant. Sprays sold in other countries may contain potentially hazardous chemicals not approved for use in the states. | ||
#*Look for DEET in Off!, Cutter, Sawyer, and Ultrathon. | #*Look for DEET in Off!, Cutter, Sawyer, and Ultrathon. | ||
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#*Look for OLE (Oil of lemon eucalyptus) or PMD (para-menthane-3, 8-diol) in Repel! and Off! Botanicals lines. | #*Look for OLE (Oil of lemon eucalyptus) or PMD (para-menthane-3, 8-diol) in Repel! and Off! Botanicals lines. | ||
#*Look for IR3535 in Soft Bug Guard Plus Expedition and SkinSmart. | #*Look for IR3535 in Soft Bug Guard Plus Expedition and SkinSmart. | ||
| − | #Avoid peak biting times. Gnats and mosquitos are often most active around pools and ponds during daylight hours, or near porch lights during twilight hours and early evening.<ref | + | #Avoid peak biting times. Gnats and mosquitos are often most active around pools and ponds during daylight hours, or near porch lights during twilight hours and early evening.<ref name="rf7" /> |
| − | #Wear protective clothing. If you will be outdoors in an area with a lot of gnats, wear socks, long-sleeved shirts and long pants. Gnats can't bite through clothing, and generally bite only exposed flesh.<ref | + | #Wear protective clothing. If you will be outdoors in an area with a lot of gnats, wear socks, long-sleeved shirts and long pants. Gnats can't bite through clothing, and generally bite only exposed flesh.<ref name="rf7" /> |
#*Spray clothing with insect repellant when you go outside. | #*Spray clothing with insect repellant when you go outside. | ||
#*Buy hiking socks and hats that have been pre-treated to repel biting insects. | #*Buy hiking socks and hats that have been pre-treated to repel biting insects. | ||
===Getting Rid of Gnats=== | ===Getting Rid of Gnats=== | ||
| − | #Eliminate standing water. Gnats collect in bodies of still water. If you locate the source of your gnat problem, you can keep them from breeding and swarming and thereby reduce the chances of a painful bite.<ref | + | #Eliminate standing water. Gnats collect in bodies of still water. If you locate the source of your gnat problem, you can keep them from breeding and swarming and thereby reduce the chances of a painful bite.<ref name="rf6" /> |
#*Remove gardening items that can collect rainwater, like buckets or flowerpots. | #*Remove gardening items that can collect rainwater, like buckets or flowerpots. | ||
#*Clogged gutters and storm drains also attract gnats. | #*Clogged gutters and storm drains also attract gnats. | ||
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#Use bleach. Bleach kills gnats, so pour a small amount of household bleach into the water pans under your refrigerator or freezer. Check and empty the pans regularly, remove the dead gnats, and add more bleach. | #Use bleach. Bleach kills gnats, so pour a small amount of household bleach into the water pans under your refrigerator or freezer. Check and empty the pans regularly, remove the dead gnats, and add more bleach. | ||
#*Pour a quarter cup of bleach down your drains, especially garbage disposal drains, to discourage gnats from collecting there. | #*Pour a quarter cup of bleach down your drains, especially garbage disposal drains, to discourage gnats from collecting there. | ||
| − | #Check windows and doors. Close any gaps in the insulating seals around your doors and windows, so gnats can't get in from outside. This will help prevent gnat bites.<ref>http://expertbeacon.com/protect-and-seal-your-home-insects-and-pests-winter/#.V0yLvWZyQzE</ref> | + | #Check windows and doors. Close any gaps in the insulating seals around your doors and windows, so gnats can't get in from outside. This will help prevent gnat bites.<ref name="rf8">http://expertbeacon.com/protect-and-seal-your-home-insects-and-pests-winter/#.V0yLvWZyQzE</ref> |
#*Pay special attention to the sealant around window-mounted air conditioner units, which produce moisture that attracts gnats. | #*Pay special attention to the sealant around window-mounted air conditioner units, which produce moisture that attracts gnats. | ||
#Pick up towels. Don't leave wet towels on the floor of the bathroom, or leave damp dish cloths on the kitchen counter or bar. Eliminating damp areas in your house will keep gnats from colonizing. | #Pick up towels. Don't leave wet towels on the floor of the bathroom, or leave damp dish cloths on the kitchen counter or bar. Eliminating damp areas in your house will keep gnats from colonizing. | ||
| − | #Make a natural gnat-trap. Instead of using dangerous pesticides that can harm you or your pets, create a trap for gnats instead. Empty the traps regularly and refill the traps – this will help keep you and your family from getting gnat bites.<ref>http://knowledgeweighsnothing.com/get-rid-of-gnats-quickly-gnat-trap/</ref> | + | #Make a natural gnat-trap. Instead of using dangerous pesticides that can harm you or your pets, create a trap for gnats instead. Empty the traps regularly and refill the traps – this will help keep you and your family from getting gnat bites.<ref name="rf9">http://knowledgeweighsnothing.com/get-rid-of-gnats-quickly-gnat-trap/</ref> |
#*Fill a mason jar (or any jar of similar size) with apple cider vinegar. The jar doesn't need to be completely full – half full works just as well. | #*Fill a mason jar (or any jar of similar size) with apple cider vinegar. The jar doesn't need to be completely full – half full works just as well. | ||
#*Close the lid and poke 5 or 6 holes in the lid. If you don't have the lid, cover the top of the jar with cling wrap and poke holes in that. | #*Close the lid and poke 5 or 6 holes in the lid. If you don't have the lid, cover the top of the jar with cling wrap and poke holes in that. | ||
#*The gnats will be attracted to the vinegar and will enter the jar, but won't be able to get out of the jar. | #*The gnats will be attracted to the vinegar and will enter the jar, but won't be able to get out of the jar. | ||
#*If you don't have apple cider vinegar, use regular vinegar with a few squirts of dishwashing liquid. Gnats are especially drawn to lemon scents. | #*If you don't have apple cider vinegar, use regular vinegar with a few squirts of dishwashing liquid. Gnats are especially drawn to lemon scents. | ||
| − | #Make a sticky trap. The gnats will be drawn to the yellow color and will get stuck in the honey. This will help prevent a build-up of biting gnats.<ref | + | #Make a sticky trap. The gnats will be drawn to the yellow color and will get stuck in the honey. This will help prevent a build-up of biting gnats.<ref name="rf9" /> |
#*Attach a yellow index card to a popsicle stick, so it looks like a little sign. Gnats are attracted to the yellow color – plain index cards won't work as well. | #*Attach a yellow index card to a popsicle stick, so it looks like a little sign. Gnats are attracted to the yellow color – plain index cards won't work as well. | ||
#*Coat the index card with honey, and stick the popsicle stick into the dirt near plants where gnats tend to collect. | #*Coat the index card with honey, and stick the popsicle stick into the dirt near plants where gnats tend to collect. | ||
