Thx for the reply, philippa - however "where I was walking" was usually just on the patio hard paving not in any long grass or anything. One morning I walked out to peg out some clothes on the line (on said patio) and got bitten in the 5 minutes I was out there. I wouldn't mind so much if the bites eased off quickly, like yours, however on me they last 2 weeks and disturb my sleep. Anti histamine cream is not much help. I have however, discovered a very helpful method of quelling the horrible itching - which anyone who suffers similarly might like to try. Heat a teaspoon in some hot water, and apply it to the bite, as hot as you can stand without burning yourself. Do this a few times, it seems to work. Apparently a protein is injected into your flesh by the insect and the heat breaks it down.
I hope you manage to find something to alleviate the persistent itching @indigosky63. It can drive you mad. Interesting about the hot water - I've not tried that but I do tend to use what I have to hand. Some bites seem more nagging than others and a stem of an Aloe can sometimes help to relieve it. I'm allergic to bee stings - huge swelling but the little ones tend not to be so bad. I also try to make sure I have a supply of Piriton tablets to hand for when the "biting" season arrives. Doesn't stop the bites but does make life more bearable when they occur. Here's wishing you an itch free season
pansyface - thanks for your suggestion - I have never heard of flower bugs. I haven't tried aloe vera gel - but hopefully if I get any more bites I have my spoon technique! Philippa - I was taking Piriton for a few weeks. As I said, touch wood - the biting seems to have stopped now, but I would have liked to know what was doing it.
. Heat a teaspoon in some hot water, and apply it to the bite, as hot as you can stand without burning yourself. Do this a few times, it seems to work. Apparently a protein is injected into your flesh by the insect and the heat breaks it down.
With ants the chemical is formic acid. Not a protein. Proteins unravel at 60ºC; also the pain threshold, so not advised.
location: Surrey Hills, England, ex-woodland acidic sand. "Have nothing in your garden that you don't know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful."
Does anyone one have any thoughts on relief from ant bites. The red ants are already busy this year guess it is the weather conditions. You wouldn't want to have a picnic in a park local to me.
I have worked as a Gardener for 24 years. My latest garden is a new build garden on heavy clay.
We're lucky as we don't seem to get troubled by ants - even the little black ones aren't in evidence very often, and when they are, it's in insignificant amounts.
I think it's impossible for anyone to know exactly what's biting you @indigosky63, without seeing the insect itself. We also have no idea whereabouts you are which can make a big difference. Perhaps better to get them checked out by your doctor.
It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
. Heat a teaspoon in some hot water, and apply it to the bite, as hot as you can stand without burning yourself. Do this a few times, it seems to work. Apparently a protein is injected into your flesh by the insect and the heat breaks it down.
With ants the chemical is formic acid. Not a protein. Proteins unravel at 60ºC; also the pain threshold, so not advised.
Would that apply to all insects bede ? Or at least those which are most likely to bite ?
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Interesting about the hot water - I've not tried that but I do tend to use what I have to hand. Some bites seem more nagging than others and a stem of an Aloe can sometimes help to relieve it.
I'm allergic to bee stings - huge swelling but the little ones tend not to be so bad.
I also try to make sure I have a supply of Piriton tablets to hand for when the "biting" season arrives. Doesn't stop the bites but does make life more bearable when they occur.
Here's wishing you an itch free season
I haven't tried aloe vera gel - but hopefully if I get any more bites I have my spoon technique!
Philippa - I was taking Piriton for a few weeks. As I said, touch wood - the biting seems to have stopped now, but I would have liked to know what was doing it.
"Have nothing in your garden that you don't know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful."
I think it's impossible for anyone to know exactly what's biting you @indigosky63, without seeing the insect itself. We also have no idea whereabouts you are which can make a big difference.
Perhaps better to get them checked out by your doctor.
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...