MUNDANE MYSTERIES: Does Peeing On A Jellyfish Sting Actually Work?

Getting stung by a jellyfish can ruin a nice day at the beach. But does the old wives’ tale about peeing on a jellyfish sting actually help? Or work at all?

The sting of a jellyfish comes from specialized cells in the surface of its tentacles, known as cnidocytes. Each small, bulb-shaped cell holds a nematocyst, a barbed, threadlike tube filled with venom. On the outside of each cell is a tiny hair, called a cnicocil. And when that “hair trigger” is disturbed, the cell’s toxic harpoon explodes from its capsule into the skin of the jellyfish’s prey (an unlucky swimmer). The amount & type of venom, as well as the effect that it causes, depends on the type of jellyfish, the number of nematocysts involved, and the area & thickness of the skin they strike. Whatever the variables, a jellyfish sting is never fun.

The first step in treating a jellyfish sting is to remove any tentacles parts left behind on the skin without triggering any unfired nematocysts & making things worse. But pressure triggers the cells, so you can’t just pick them off, as whoever’s doing the picking will just get their fingers stung, too. Chemical changes, like throwing off the salt balance between the outside & inside of the cell, could also cause the stingers to fire…and that’s why urine isn’t really any good. Sure, urine contains salts, but it’s just too variable. Concentrated urine might do the trick, but if the person doing the peeing is well-hydrated, the urine will be too diluted with water, which will make the stingers fire. What’s more, while urine itself is sterile, its exit pathway isn’t, and that could lead to a bacterial infection for the sting wound.

Vinegar is usually your best bet; just the plain white stuff with 5% acetic acid, to neutralize any unfired nematocysts so they can’t sting anymore (best when combined lidocaine). But since most folks don’t usually bring vinegar & lidocaine to the beach, saltwater can also be used to rinse away remaining nematocysts. Once the stinging cells are deactivated, the stuck bits of tentacle can be picked off or scraped away with a credit card. A word of caution, though: vinegar might not be the best home treatment for all jellyfish stings, since acetic acid can actually have the opposite effect on stings from jellyfish lookalikes, like the Portuguese man o’ war. If you’re not sure what stung you, your best bet is to just stick with saltwater & seek help from a lifeguard or medical professional as soon as you can.

Got a Mundane Mystery you’d like solved? Send me an email at [email protected].

House of the Week – 6/20/25


 House of the Week!

7140 Ladd Circle | Frederick, MD | $395,000
 Open House: Sunday, June 22 | 2–4 PM

Spacious, stylish & move-in ready in the sought-after Stonebridge community! 🏘️

✨ Highlights:

  • 🛏 4 bedrooms | 🛁 3.5 baths | 1,972 sq ft
  • 🛋️ Open floor plan w/ natural light & updated kitchen
  • 🛏️ Primary suite w/ vaulted ceiling, walk-in closet & private bath
  • 🔽 Finished walkout basement = extra living space
  • 🚗 2 assigned parking spots
  • 🌞 Deck + patio for outdoor lounging
  • 🏊‍♀️ Community pool just steps away!

📍 Convenient Frederick location near shopping, dining & commuter routes!
👉 Don’t miss your chance—click for details or swing by the open house!

House of the Week – 6/13/25

https://www.dayhometeam.com/property-search/detail/42/MDWA2028912/18929-geeting-rd-keedysville-md-21756/

 House of the Week!

18929 Geeting Rd | Keedysville, MD | $500,000

Craving space, views, and serious garage envy? 👀 This custom Colonial sits on 1.16 acres with mountain views and upgrades inside & out!

✨ Buyer favorites:

  • 🛏 4 bedrooms | 🛁 2.5 baths
  • 🧺 Convenient upper-level laundry
  • 🏠 Open layout w/ updated flooring + main-level office
  • 🛁 Spacious primary suite with walk-in closet
  • 📦 Unfinished walk-up basement – ready for your touch!

🌳 Outdoor perks:

  • ☀️ Above-ground heated pool + hot tub
  • 🛝 Fenced backyard with playset
  • 🚗 Huge 32×48 detached garage/workshop with loft

📍 Close to Antietam Battlefield, Potomac River & trails — enjoy small-town charm with modern convenience!

👉 Click for more details or to schedule your private tour today!

House of the Week – 6/13/25

 House of the Week!

18929 Geeting Rd | Keedysville, MD | $500,000

Craving space, views, and serious garage envy? 👀 This custom Colonial sits on 1.16 acres with mountain views and upgrades inside & out!

✨ Buyer favorites:

  • 🛏 4 bedrooms | 🛁 2.5 baths
  • 🧺 Convenient upper-level laundry
  • 🏠 Open layout w/ updated flooring + main-level office
  • 🛁 Spacious primary suite with walk-in closet
  • 📦 Unfinished walk-up basement – ready for your touch!

🌳 Outdoor perks:

  • ☀️ Above-ground heated pool + hot tub
  • 🛝 Fenced backyard with playset
  • 🚗 Huge 32×48 detached garage/workshop with loft

📍 Close to Antietam Battlefield, Potomac River & trails — enjoy small-town charm with modern convenience!

👉 Click for more details or to schedule your private tour today!

House of the Week – 6/6/25

 House of the Week!

4846 Casper Rd | Hancock, MD | $475,000

Looking for space, style, and serious garage envy? 😎 This 3-bed, 2-bath rancher sits on 7.74 acres and has it all!

✨ Features buyers will love:

  • 🛠️ Built in 2013 with beautiful crown molding & wainscoting
  • 🍽️ Gourmet kitchen with island, wall oven & upgraded finishes
  • 🛏️ Main-level primary suite with walk-in closet & walk-in shower
  • 🔥 Open floor plan + finished walkout basement

🚗 Garage goals:

  • 2-car attached garage
  • 3-car detached garage w/ lift
  • 1-car detached garage + shed = space for all your toys!

🌳 Enjoy quiet country living just minutes from the canal—perfect for biking, boating & fishing! 🚴‍♀️🎣

👉 Don’t miss out—click for more info or to schedule your tour!