Mosquito Bite Treatments

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Almost everyone has had to deal with the unmistakable itchy red bump left behind from a mosquito bite after spending an evening outside. When a female mosquito bites you by sticking her proboscis, or beak-like mouth, into your skin, she also injects saliva which irritates the skin leaving the signature red, itchy bump. There is a wide range of both DIY and over-the-counter products to treat mosquito bites and stop the itching.

What Should You Do When You Get a Mosquito Bite?

Once bitten by a mosquito, you can experience redness and itching anywhere from a few hours to a couple of days. As hard as it may be, don’t itch. Itching can break the skin and possibly lead to an infection and prolonging of symptoms.

Only time can fully heal a mosquito bite but there are a few things you can do to alleviate symptoms. As soon as you notice mosquito bites, try applying an ice pack or ice. This will reduce inflammation.

Are There Any Home Remedies for Mosquito Bites That Work?

There are a variety of mosquito bite home remedies that you can try. Believed to minimize itchiness, the efficacy of these home remedies can vary from person to person.

Here are our top 10 mosquito bite home remedies that you can try if you’re in a pinch:

1. Apply A Heated Spoon: Believe it or not, targeted intense heat is very effective at stopping an itch. The protein that mosquitoes inject under your skin to prevent blood from clotting is the same one that causes itching, but it can’t survive at moderately high levels of heat. Heat up a spoon in hot water and press it to your bite to “cook” the protein and eliminate the itch. Hairdryers work, too!
2. Soak the Bite in Oatmeal: Oatmeal contains anti-irritant compounds and is great for relieving itching and swelling. For spot treatment, mix a paste with equal parts of oatmeal and water. Dab it on the bite and press with a washcloth for 10 minutes. If you have a lot of bites, oatmeal baths work well, too! Simply run a hot bath and sprinkle 1 cup of ground oats into your tub. Soak for 20 minutes, occasionally rubbing oatmeal clumps on your skin.
3. Apply A Cold Compress When Needed: A great way to soothe an itch quickly is to apply a cold compress to the affected area. The cold sensation numbs the itch itself, while also reducing any swelling associated with a mosquito bite.
4. Use Witch Hazel to Soothe Burning: Witch hazel is a natural astringent. It’s good for many minor skin irritations, including cuts and even hemorrhoids. For mosquito bites, it helps to calm inflammation and soothe the burning sensation of the bite. It can speed up the healing process, too! Apply a small amount to a cotton swab and gently dab or swipe it over the bite for quick relief.
5. Rub Some Aloe Vera On It: If you ever had an aloe plant growing up, you know that it’s nature’s little miracle! Simply break off part of a plant to get the gel inside and rub it on your bite. The gel from the plant has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties, so it’s great for soothing and reducing swelling. Aloe is also good for minor wounds and infections.
6. Make A Baking Soda Paste to Balance the Skin’s PH: Honestly, what can’t baking soda do? You can use it to clean drains, wash laundry, bake bread, and even relieve mosquito bites. Mixing baking soda and water creates an alkaline solution that neutralizes the skin’s PH, thereby soothing the itch. Make a baking soda paste by mixing one tablespoon of baking soda with just enough water to turn it into a thick glue-like texture.
7. Use Apple Cider Vinegar to Disinfect: We’ve probably all seen the trend of drinking diluted apple cider vinegar to help lose weight, but did you know you can use it for mosquito bites, too? Dab a drop of vinegar on a bug bite to reduce the sensation of burning or stinging. It also acts as a natural disinfectant, which is good if you’ve been scratching. For more relief, you can dilute 2 cups of vinegar in a lukewarm bath and soak the bite for 20 minutes. This option isn’t the most pleasant-smelling remedy, but it’s effective nonetheless.
8. Prevent Infection with Honey: Natural honey has many antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, so it’s great for reducing swelling and preventing infections that may be introduced by itching. Plus, it’s a deterrent for scratching – you won’t be tempted to scratch when you realize what a mess the honey will make!
9. Calm the Swelling with Garlic: I’m noticing a pattern with garlic and warding off blood-sucking creatures, are you? Garlic has natural anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, so it’s great for calming the swelling of a bite and protecting you from infection. Be mindful that rubbing garlic directly on a bite is going to sting, especially if you’ve been scratching a lot. Instead, finely mince up some garlic and mix it with an unscented lotion or coconut oil. This will dilute the garlic enough so that it doesn’t sting, but you still reap the benefits.
10. Fresh It Up with Some Toothpaste: Toothpaste has menthol in it, which gives a cooling sensation to help numb itching and calm swelling. Try Vick’s VapoRub or diluted eucalyptus or tea tree oil for a similar effect.

Can You Get Diseases from Mosquito Bites?

Most people walk away from an encounter with a mosquito with a small, itchy red bump but in some cases, they may have been infected with something more serious. In many parts of the world, mosquitoes are known to spread diseases such as malaria, yellow fever, Zika, and West Nile Virus. They spread these diseases by biting an infected animal or person and then biting an uninfected person, transmitting the disease to them. Malaria, Zika, and yellow fever are not much of a concern in America except for those traveling to areas where it is common but there have been small pockets of West Nile Virus outbreaks in the United States.

Keeping Mosquitos Away

Mosquito bites can be extremely annoying to deal with, especially since you often get more than one at a time. There are a few things you can do to deter mosquitoes from biting you such as repellent sprays, wearing loose, light-colored clothes, and passing on floral perfumes and lotions. The easiest and most effective way to keep mosquitoes away from you and your loved ones is by ensuring any areas of standing water are emptied and through preventative extermination by a trained professional. At Rocket Pest, we understand how frustrating it can be to deal with mosquitoes and their nasty bites. Our technicians are experts in eliminating any type of pests that may have invaded your living space. Contact us today to keep mosquitoes away from your home!