When an insect bites, it injects venom or other substances and bacteria into your child’s skin. Bites from bees, yellow jackets, wasps, hornets, fire ants and some spiders are usually the most problematic.

Moving on - horseflies, black flies, mosquitoes, fleas, bedbugs, and sand flies, to name a handful, are common insects that lead to those annoying bites.None of the insects listed are poisonous. A substance in the spit from their mouth is irritating to your skin.

When you get a bite from an insect it is important to known and understand what exactly an insect bite is, how it is caused, and most importantly... how you can treat it so that it does not get too inflamed or infected.

The signs and symptoms of insect bites and stings are as follows:

The stings of bees and the bites of mosquitoes, ticks, fleas and bedbugs usually cause only local irritation and pain in the region strung or bitten.

Moderate swelling and redness may occur; and some itching, burning, and pain may be present.

The most common effect when the skin gets irritated from an insect bite is itching. This can be treated with any Benadryl lotion. It helps lessen the swelling and eventually reduces irritation.

The most severe reactions to the insect's bites venom or toxin are called anaphylaxis reactions. These reactions are similar to the allergic ones, and appear only on the most sensitive humans.

Take a cotton ball and put some apple cider vinegar on it. Then sprinkle a bit of baking soda on top. This is combining a high ph and low ph together. Place the cotton ball directly on the bite for a few minutes. The combination of acid and alkaline in this way is an old remedy passed on across generations.

However, if you're not equipped with a good homeopathic home prescribing kit, which will always include Apis, then the next best thing is to put some vinegar on the site. This will greatly relieve the pain. It may take longer, but is still effective.

A good balm with tea tree oil, or some tea tree oil on the affected area is sure to help. One company that uses tea tree oil in it's products has an incredible sun-block lotion that some people report helps keep the mosquitoes away. Others have found Avon's skin-so-soft to be effective.

Patchouli can be applied neat (undiluted) on the body, directly inhaled or diffused, or taken as a dietary supplement. It mixes well with Ylang ylang, lemon, neroli, rose, bergamot, frankincense, clove, geranium, grapefruit, jasmine etc. for insect bites.

For itching try a mixture of Chamomile German, Lavender and Melissa combined together in carrier oil or alternatively make a cold compress soaked in these essential oils and apply it to the swelling.

Calendula - Calendula is an anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial herb that helps wounds heal. It can be found in many commercial preparations at your local health store. Apply directly to the sting as needed.

Infection through insect bites needs to be evaluated and treated promptly by health care provider.