Friday, July 5, 2019

6 Home Remedies for Bug Bites by Donna Fasano


Help! A mosquito bit my arm. Twice! And the red bumps that were left behind itch like the dickens! What to do? Here are some home remedies for bug bites.

1. Baking soda – Mix a bit of baking soda with water and coat the bite. Sodium bicarbonate will relieve itching. (I have some smeared on my bites right now!)

2. Toothpaste – Yes, toothpaste! Most brands of toothpaste contain menthol which alleviates itch and swelling. Toothpaste also contains astringent ingredients that draw out fluid from beneath the skin which helps with swelling.

3. Basil – Mince up some fresh basil and rub it on the mosquito bites. Basil contains eugenol which relieves itchy skin. Don’t have fresh basil? Simmer some dried basil in water (as if you were making tea). Let the basil water cool, and then dip a cloth in the water and apply to the bites.

4. Ice – Apply ice to the bites to help relieve itching and swelling. Only apply ice for about 10 minutes at a time. And never fall asleep with ice on your skin.

5. Garlic – There are compounds in garlic that relieve itching and swelling. Place a slice of garlic and put it on the bite. This might not be the best remedy to use with children as garlic can sting.

6. Aloe – Keep a bottle of aloe vera gel in your fridge. The gel will cool and help heal red, itchy skin.

Did you know you can make your own mosquito repellent? It’s easy!

Insect Repellent

2 Tablespoons apple cider vinegar
2 Tablespoon rubbing alcohol
2 Tablespoon water
25 drops citronella oil
25 drops eucalyptus oil
40 drops peppermint oil

Pour all ingredients into a small spray bottle and shake. Make sure you shake before each application.

What’s your best home remedy for bug bites?

6 comments:

  1. Toothpaste and baking soda, Donna? I never knew that. Thanks for sharing.

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  2. My son who is an outdoorsman says to put a warm spoon on the bite. That's a new one to me lol. But I guess it works.

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  3. Mosquitoes love me. I can use this repellant. Thanks.

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  4. Thanks for all the great suggestions. Thankfully, we seldom have mosquitoes here in the desert.

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  5. Iodine--it dries up and fights infection from scratching.

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  6. Here in the south, we have fire ants. Stings bad when they bite. Rubbing alcohol or vinegar... white works fine.... either will relieve the pain/sting, and the bite will heal quicker if applied.

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