Sure they’re harmless, but that doesn’t make them any less annoying. What are we talking about? Mosquito bites, of course! And when the warmer weather arrives, the insects are out in full force. Of course, the best way to stop mosquito bites from occurring is to prevent them in the first place with an effective insect repellent. But if you do suffer from a mosquito bite, it can be uncomfortable and the goal is to reduce the swelling and irritation as quickly as possible. Especially when there are cranky kids involved!
While there are plenty of brands that make kid-safe bug repellents now, like Murphy’s Naturals with their best-selling Lemon Eucalyptus Oil Insect Repellent Spray and Mosquito Repellent Balm, sometimes even if you spray yourself and the kids from head-to-toe some bites sneak in. It’s hard for anyone to resist the urge to itch, which is why we love the truly innovative Bug Bite Thing (a Shark Tank favorite), but there are actually plenty of easy and cheap home remedies for mosquito bites as well.
Witch Hazel
Most women first become familiar with this miracle worker after they give birth. Witch hazel works wonders when you’re making postpartum padiscles. It really should be a staple in everyone’s medicine cabinet as it works wonders on a long list of minor things including skin irritations (even breakouts), cuts and, yes, mosquito bites.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple Cider Vinegar is having a major moment right now in the health and wellness space. People swear that drinking it helps with everything from digestion to lowering diabetes to better sleep. Another thing it’s good for? An itchy bite – what’s better is you don’t need to drink it for it to help with that! Simply take a cotton ball and dab some apple cider vinegar on it. This will also work as a natural disinfectant and will calm any irritation if you’ve been itching.
Thyme
Here’s one you probably didn’t see coming: thyme. Thyme has antibacterial properties which work to lower irritation. Simple mince a few leaves in boiling water and let them soak for a few minutes. Let the water cool a bit and then take a washcloth and apply the infused water to your bite, leaving it directly on the bite for a few minutes.
Aloe Vera
Thanks to its potent anti-inflammatory properties, aloe vera isn’t just a sunburn essential, it’s great for bites as well. Make sure, however, that whatever product you’re buying is pure, filler-free aloe vera. Or, better yet, try to find an aloe vera plant and just cut open a leaf and squeeze the contained aloe gel directly on your bite.
Honey
Like aloe vera, honey is a common option for home remedies because of its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. You’ll also want to make sure, like with aloe vera, that you’re opting for a filler-free honey. Once you have your honey in hand, put a drop directly on your bite to help with itching and inflammation.
Baking Soda
Mix baking soda with a little water—just enough to form a paste. Apply that to your bites, and you should experience itch relief, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Share some of your home remedies for mosquito bites.
