Topical tobacco paste is sometimes recommended as a treatment for wasp, hornet, fire ant, scorpion or bee stings.[1] An amount equivalent to It is claimed that if applied immediately, complete remission is common within 20–30 minutes. There is no scientific evidence that this home remedy works to relieve pain.[2] For about 2 percent of people, allergic reactions can be life-threatening and require emergency treatment. For more on this, see bee stings.