When applied to the affected area, which one of the following will relieve the pain due to ant-bite or bee-sting?

Ant bites and bee stings cause pain and irritation because they inject an acidic liquid into the skin [2]. Specifically, ants inject formic acid (methanoic acid), while honey-bee stings also leave behind an acidic venom [3]. To relieve the resulting pain and irritation, the acidic effect must be neutralized using a mild base [1]. Baking soda (sodium hydrogencarbonate) is a mild alkaline substance that effectively neutralizes these acids when applied as a moist paste to the affected area [4]. In contrast, lemon juice and vinegar are acidic and would not neutralize the venom [5]. Caustic soda (sodium hydroxide) is a very strong, corrosive base that causes chemical burns and deep-tissue injuries, making it dangerous for skin application [7]. Therefore, baking soda is the appropriate and safe home remedy for neutralizing the acidity of these stings.

Sources

1. [1] Science , class X (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 2: Acids, Bases and Salts > Self defence by animals and plants through chemical warfare > p. 27
2. [2] Science-Class VII . NCERT(Revised ed 2025) > Chapter 2: Exploring Substances: Acidic, Basic, and Neutral > 2.3 Neutralisation in Daily Life > p. 18
3. [3] Science , class X (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 2: Acids, Bases and Salts > Nature provides neutralisation options > p. 28
4. [4] Science , class X (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 2: Acids, Bases and Salts > Uses of Baking soda > p. 31
5. [5] Science-Class VII . NCERT(Revised ed 2025) > Chapter 5: Changes Around Us: Physical and Chemical > Activity 5.4: Let us experiment > p. 61
6. [6] https://wwwn.cdc.gov/TSP/MMG/MMGDetails.aspx?mmgid=246&toxid=45
7. [7] https://nj.gov/health/eoh/rtkweb/documents/fs/1706.pdf