Mosquitoes, especially females, are on a mission for blood, drawn by sight, scent, or warmth. Though they could survive on nectar alone, they need the proteins and iron from blood for reproduction. After millions of years of practice, they’re experts at their craft.
Technically, mosquitoes don’t ‘bite.’ They use a sharp, thin proboscis to inject an anesthetic while they suck blood. Once they’ve had their fill, they leave behind saliva that irritates the skin, causing swelling, redness, and itching.
Despite our best efforts with repellents, mosquitoes still find us. If you get ‘bitten,’ start by cleaning the area and checking for any remaining proboscis. Then, it’s time to try various remedies to ease the discomfort.
Here are 12 common (and some not-so-common) methods for dealing with mosquito bites. Some might seem odd, but many people swear by them. What’s your go-to strategy for battling mosquito bites?
Why Do Mosquito Bites Make You Itch?
That annoying itch you feel after a mosquito bites you is your body’s response to the bite. Surprisingly, only female mosquitoes are the ones doing the biting.Technically, mosquitoes don’t really ‘bite’—they ‘suck.’ When a female mosquito selects you for her dinner, she uses her needle-like mouthpart (proboscis) to pierce your skin and locate a blood vessel.
Once she finds a good spot, she starts feeding. But before she does, she releases some saliva. This saliva acts as an anticoagulant, preventing your blood from clotting and allowing her to feed easily. Your body’s natural reaction to this anticoagulant is to release histamines, which rush to the bite area. These histamines are what cause the itching sensation. Surprisingly, it’s not the mosquito causing the swelling and itching—it’s your immune system’s response to the saliva.
As tempting as it may be, scratching at the bite only makes things worse. The more you scratch, the more histamines your body sends to the area, intensifying the itch.
So, next time you’re bitten by a mosquito, resist the urge to scratch. It’ll save you from an endless cycle of itching.
Home Remedies for Mosquito Bite Itch
1. Oatmeal
One simple solution for pesky mosquito bites might already be in your pantry: oatmeal. Oatmeal contains special compounds that can ease itching and swelling due to its anti-irritant properties.
How to use:
Create an oatmeal paste by mixing equal parts oatmeal and water. Apply this paste to the irritated skin for about 10 minutes, then gently wipe it off.
For multiple bites, consider taking an oatmeal bath. Add 1 cup of oatmeal or ground oats to a warm bath and soak in it for around 20 minutes.
2. Crushed ice
Cold temperatures can help reduce inflammation and numb the skin, providing quick but temporary relief from itching.
How to use:
Wrap a cold, damp cloth or an ice pack in a towel and apply it to the affected area. Alternatively, use a bag of crushed ice, ensuring there’s a cloth barrier between the ice and your skin.
Apply the cold pack for 5 to 10 minutes several times a day to alleviate itching.
3. Heat
Applying heat to a mosquito bite can also provide relief.
How to use:
You can use a specialized tool like BiteAway for targeted heat treatment on the bite area. Alternatively, soak a cloth in warm water and apply it to the bite for up to 10 minutes. Avoid using heat therapy on open wounds.
4. Honey
Honey, known for its sweet taste, is also praised for its healing properties. It’s been used for centuries to treat various ailments due to its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.
How to use:
Place a small drop of honey on the itchy bite. This may help reduce inflammation and discourage scratching, as honey creates a sticky layer on the skin.
Give these remedies a try to find relief from those annoying mosquito bites.
5. Aloe vera
You might have this handy plant sitting on your windowsill for decoration, but its gel has some remarkable healing properties. Aloe vera gel is known to soothe burns and speed up their healing process, making it a promising option for bug bites as well.
How to use:
Cut a small section of the aloe vera plant and extract the gel.
Apply the gel directly to the irritated area and let it dry. Reapply as needed for relief.
6. Baking soda
This kitchen staple has more uses than you might think. Baking soda, or sodium bicarbonate, can also bring relief from mosquito bites.
How to use:
Mix 1 tablespoon of baking soda with a little water to make a paste.
Apply the paste to the bug bite and leave it on for 10 minutes before rinsing it off. If you experience any skin irritation, discontinue use.
7. Basil
Beyond adding flavor to your pasta, basil has been used in herbal remedies for skin infections. The antioxidants in basil leaves can also help reduce inflammation from mosquito bites.
How to use:
Boil 2 cups of water and half an ounce of dried basil leaves. Let it cool, then use a washcloth to gently apply it to the mosquito bites. Alternatively, finely chop fresh basil leaves and rub them directly onto the skin. Stop if you experience any irritation.
8. Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar has been a go-to natural remedy for various ailments for centuries. When it comes to mosquito bites, vinegar can help alleviate stinging and burning sensations while also acting as a natural disinfectant.
How to use:
Soak a washcloth in cold water and vinegar, then apply it to the bite. If you have multiple bites, dilute 2 cups of vinegar.
9. Onion
Onions, notorious for making you cry, can also offer relief for mosquito bites. The juices from a freshly cut onion can help reduce the sting and irritation of the bite. Plus, onions have natural properties that can fight off fungus and bacteria, lowering the risk of infection.
How to use:
Slice a piece of onion, any type will do, and place it directly on the bite for a few minutes. Afterward, make sure to rinse the area thoroughly.
10. Thyme
Those tiny thyme leaves you sprinkle on your dishes can do more than just add flavor. They’re also known for their ability to relieve mosquito bite itching.
How to use:
Finely chop fresh thyme leaves and apply them directly to the bites for about 10 minutes. Alternatively, steep thyme sprigs in boiling water to create a thyme-infused liquid. Soak a washcloth in this liquid and apply it to the bites, or wrap it around an ice cube for extra relief.
11. Peppermint oil
Peppermint oil, a traditional remedy for itching, has been used for centuries. Some research even suggests it can alleviate itching from various conditions, including insect bites.
How to use:
Mix peppermint oil with a carrier oil and apply it to the affected area. You can also add a few drops of peppermint oil to a warm bath for added relief. Remember to consult with a doctor before using this remedy, especially for children.
12. Lemon balm
Lemon balm, a close relative of mint, has been studied for its potential to reduce itching and discomfort associated with various skin conditions. While there’s no specific evidence for its effectiveness against insect bites, its natural compounds can help ease inflammation and promote healing.
How to use:
Apply finely chopped lemon balm leaves directly to the bite or try a lemon balm cream for relief.
13. Witch hazel
You can easily find witch hazel in pharmacies or grocery stores, and it’s known for its natural astringent properties. Similar to lemon balm, witch hazel contains tannins, which can help reduce inflammation when applied to the skin.
How to use:
Dab a small amount of witch hazel onto a cotton ball and gently apply it to the bite. Let it dry, and repeat as necessary to soothe inflammation and irritation.
14. Arnica
Arnica is a natural product available in various forms like creams and gels, often used to treat minor skin issues. While scientific evidence on its effectiveness is mixed, many people find it helpful for reducing bruising, pain, swelling, and inflammation.
How to use:
Simply apply a small amount of arnica cream or gel to the bite area. Consult with a healthcare professional to ensure you choose a high-quality product.
15. Chamomile tea
Chamomile, a member of the daisy family, is a popular natural remedy for various ailments. When applied topically, the oils in chamomile can help relieve itching and inflammation.
How to use:
Steep a chamomile tea bag filled with crushed flowers in water for 30 minutes in the fridge. Afterward, apply the cooled tea bag to the bite for 10 minutes. Wipe the area clean with a damp cloth. Note that chamomile can cause allergic reactions in some individuals, although this is rare.
16. Garlic
Garlic, known for its many health benefits, is also a simple home remedy for mosquito bites. While it’s usually recommended for conditions like heart disease and high blood pressure, it can also provide relief for irritating bug bites.
How to use:
Avoid applying garlic directly to the skin, as it may cause burning or stinging. Instead, mix finely minced garlic with an unscented lotion or petroleum jelly. Let it sit for 10 minutes before wiping it off and applying a cool washcloth. Repeat as needed for relief.
