Mosquito season starts slowly in the spring, when warm weather brings out the first of the bugs, peaks in summer, and tapers off into fall, when humans and animals finally get a break from the annoying and sometimes dangerous bites of these little critters.
For us here in Northwest Indiana, mosquito season has already started bugging residents! Those pesky mosquitoes – they bite you and then you try everything to stop the itching but it sets in and it drives us crazy! Fortunately, there are some great home remedies that are both effective and relieving for treating painful and itchy mosquito bites.
Here’s a list of 13 ways to help stop the mosquito bite madness!
Vinegar
When you first notice the itchy bite, try applying a small amount of vinegar (apple cider vinegar is great) directly to the bump. If you have many bites, you may want to take a very hot bath in a tub filled with water and 2 ½ cups of vinegar.
Aloe
Aloe vera not only eases the itching and swelling from the bite but it will also aide in healing the wound. You can use fresh gel directly from an aloe plant or organic aloe juice. Experts recommend stashing your aloe vera gel in the fridge, since the cold will also help with the itchiness.
A Dry Bar of Soap
Rubbing a bar of dry soap directly on the bite will help provide temporary relief to the itching. You do have to wash it off thoroughly after the itch fades away.
Baking Soda and Water
A simple remedy is to make a thick paste of baking soda and water. Apply generously to the affected area. The swelling and itching should subside shortly afterwards.
Onion
A fresh slice of onion can also help take the sting out of a bite. Simply place a fresh slice on the affected area for several minutes until the itching subsides. Be sure to wash the area thoroughly afterwards.
Toothpaste
For quick relief, try applying a small amount of all-natural peppermint or neem-based toothpaste. Allow the paste to dry and leave for as long as desired.
Raw Honey
Take a small amount of honey and apply directly to the bite. Honey also has anti-microbial properties that can help prevent infection. Local raw honey is a great choice!
Lime and/or Lemons
Apply a small amount of lime juice directly to the bites – lemon juice works well also. You can also try rubbing the bite with lemon or lime peel.
Essential Oils
There are many essential oils that can help provide temporary relief for mosquito bites. Some favorites include tea tree, rosemary, neem, lavender, witch hazel and cedar oil Take a small amount and dilute it with water, then apply directly to the bite.
Rubbing Alcohol
Rubbing alcohol takes the itch away and the bite too! That’s because it has antiseptic properties so it prevents the bite from getting infected. The stinging sensation of the rubbing alcohol helps distract you from the itch. Hand sanitizers with alcohol will act in the same way.
Salt Paste
Take finely ground salt and mix with a small amount of water until you have a thick paste – then apply the paste directly to the bite.
Garlic
Try rubbing a piece of raw garlic on the bite. It is possible that you will feel a small amount of mild burning; you should feel some major relief afterwards. An interesting side note – the smell of garlic will also help repel the mosquitoes from biting you more later.
Basil Leaf
Rubbing a basil leaf on mosquito bites can stop the itching sensation. Basil does have anti-inflammatory properties which could help the swelling. Basil has also been shown to repel mosquitos.
So the next time you are bitten by a mosquito, raid your refrigerator, kitchen pantry or medicine cabinet for a quick and easy DIY remedy that requires no extra trip to the pharmacy!
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