Mosquitoes are worse than flies at a picnic. Not only are they worrisome, but they are almost impossible to see. But when they bite you know it immediately.
The bloodsucking pests not only cause painful irritation, they can sometimes cause serious illness or even death. The list of diseases you can contract from a mosquito bite includes encephalitis, West Nile Virus, and the Zika virus.
There are plenty of products on the market claiming to rid your yard of the pesky creatures, but few really work. Aside from removing standing water and awaiting the public mosquito control truck to visit your neighborhood, bites can and will occur.
If you are suffering from a mosquito invasion, continue reading to learn about home remedies for mosquito bites.
1. Witch Hazel
It’s the catchall for all things skin-related. Witch Hazel is an astringent produced from the bark of a shrub by the same name.
Often used to help clear blemishes caused by acne, it also can reduce the swelling and stinging aftermath of mosquito bites.
If you can get your hands on a witch hazel shrub extract, it is high in anti-inflammatory properties of tannins that work well for reducing swelling. Mix it with baking soda to create one of many home remedies for mosquito bites.
2. Garlic
We may not like the smell, but garlic makes the list of home remedies for mosquito bites. It is also a natural repellent for mosquitoes that can make their way inside your home.
Slice a garlic clove and rub it over the mosquito bite to reduce swelling. Some people have experienced stinging from this home remedy. However, mincing the garlic reduces its potency.
The juice from an onion also works as a home remedy.
3. Plantain
No one wants weeds growing on their lawn. If you haven’t killed them off with pesticides, look for the plantain, which is actually a useful herb.
Home remedies for mosquito bites come in different forms. For a quick remedy, pluck a leaf off a plant and tape it to the bite.
You can also be proactive and use the plantain to make a tea that can be sprayed directly onto mosquito bites.
4. Oatmeal
It’s great as a breakfast cereal, but oatmeal is also packed with essential minerals that are good for the skin.
Two home remedies for mosquito bites that use oatmeal are oatmeal baths and oatmeal salve.
Creating an oatmeal bath requires the use of organic oatmeal. You will need to grind it down into a powdery substance. For best distribution, pour under warm running water.
For best results, soak in the warm oatmeal bath for about 20 minutes.
To create an oatmeal salve, grind the oats into a fine powder and mix with cold water. Apply the salve directly to the mosquito bites.
5. Basil, Lemon Balm, and Thyme Are the Perfect Home Remedies for Mosquito Bites
Herbs cure many ailments. If you are growing an herb garden, you have everything you need to treat mosquito bites.
Whichever one you choose, simply mince the fresh leaves into fine pieces. Apply directly to the mosquito bites.
If you have dried basil leaves, mince and place them in boiling water. After the tea cools, use a cloth or cotton ball to treat the bites.
6. Lemon or Lime
It’s your choice; both are proven home remedies for mosquito bites. The citric acid from these fruits helps numb the itch.
They also work as anti-bacterial to reduce the chance of infection.
The key to this treatment is to apply the juice before you scratch the area where the bite occurred. Citric acid on broken skin is prone to sting.
7. Aloe Vera
Every garden needs a healthy Aloe Vera plant. Aloe is a popular treatment for minor burns. It can also be used to treat mosquito bites.
All you need to do for this easy home remedy is break open a leaf and apply the gel directly to the bite.
Aloe Vera’s vitamins and minerals provide immediate relief. If you do not have a plant, Aloe Vera is also sold in most vitamin and health food stores.
8. Toothpaste
This is surely a remedy that every home should have a ready supply of. Dab a small amount of toothpaste onto your bites for quick relief.
The ingredients in toothpaste, mainly menthol and baking soda, work fast to relieve itching and swelling.
Don’t worry about the brand. Any type of toothpaste containing those two ingredients should do the trick.
You can also use baking soda to create a salve. Simply mix a small amount with enough water to create a thick paste.
9. Raw Honey
Honey is another everyday product that contains anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties. Dab a bit of raw honey to your mosquito bites, and both the itching and swelling should dissipate.
One quick tip: if you use honey to treat your insect bites, be mindful of touching items around you. Honey is sweet, but it is also sticky and can stain fabrics.
10. Crushed Ice or Ice Packs
Last on our list of home remedies for mosquito bites is good old-fashioned crushed ice.
Take some crushed ice, wrap it in a paper towel, or place it in a plastic bag. Gently press against the mosquito bite. You can also use reusable ice packs for temporary relief.
Ice has no healing powers when it comes to the itching you experience after a mosquito bite. Its ability to numb reduces swelling and minimizes the itching sensation.
Did You Find Our List Useful?
Mosquito bites are a pain, literally. Unfortunately, they can spot you from as far away as 50 yards.
There are varying factors that attract mosquitoes to one person and not the next. The most any homeowner can do is try to get rid of mosquitoes before they bite.
At Bug Zapperz, we have taken the guesswork out of products to rid your lawn and home of mosquitoes.
If you are tired of being bitten by mosquitoes, check out our Bug Zapper Advice page. We have all the information you need to get rid of those pesky mosquitoes and more.
