While there are tons of effective mosquito repellent options on the market to help you avoid getting bitten when you’re outside, including sprays, clothing stickers, and bracelets, we never seem to have these items on hand when we really need them. Am I right?! As prepared as we like to be, we don’t always know when we’ll find ourselves in a situation where we might be eaten alive by mosquitos. And once we start scratching, it can be really hard to stop, making it difficult to concentrate, and next to impossible to sleep. If you’re looking for natural mosquito bite remedies to get rid of the itching, swelling, and general discomfort they cause, we’ve got 9 ideas to help!
9 Natural Mosquito Bite Remedies that Work
1. ICE
If you’re looking for natural mosquito bite remedies that are safe for babies and toddlers, ice is a great, soothing option to try. Throw a few ice cubes in an ice pack – or wrap them in a wash cloth or towel – and apply to the bite(s) to reduce inflammation and relieve heat from swelling.
2. ALCOHOL
Applying rubbing alcohol to a mosquito bite can help relieve itching, and can also prevent an infection from occurring if the bite has already been scratched. Use sparingly so as not to dry out the skin, and remember that application may be painful if you’re applying it to an open wound.
3. WITCH HAZEL
Witch hazel is another one of my favorite natural mosquito bite remedies as it helps soothe the skin and reduce swelling while also keeping the bite clean to prevent infection.
4. COLD TEA BAGS
Green and black tea bags are a great idea if you’re looking for natural mosquito bite remedies that relieve swelling and itchiness. Simply pour hot water over the tea bag and allow it to steep for a few minutes, then remove the tea bag from the water and pop it into the fridge or freezer until it’s cool, ensuring most of the water has been squeezed out. Once it’s cool enough, apply the tea bag directly to the mosquito bite for relief!
5. SALT
Salt is a fabulous natural antiseptic that can be used to clean open wounds and reduce inflammation, making it a great natural remedy for mosquito bites. Mix with water to create a soothing salt water soak, and them submerge the affected area for a few minutes for relief.
6. HONEY
The antibacterial properties of honey make it another great idea for those in need of natural mosquito bite remedies. You can apply a little bit directly to the bite to help ward off infection, and many report that it helps decrease itching as well. Raw, local honey is best, but any honey will do!
7. OATMEAL
If you suffer from eczema, you probably already know that colloidal oatmeal can be extremely soothing to inflamed and itchy skin. You can add it to a bath, or create a paste with water and apply it directly to your mosquito bites. Aveeno sells a bath treatment with 100% natural colloidal oatmeal (you can buy it here) which is extremely soothing.
8. ALOE VERA
If you have an aloe vera plant handy, cut open one of the leaves, scoop out the gel, and apply it directly to your mosquito bite for natural relief. Aloe will help clean the bite, and its anti-inflammatory properties will help reduce swelling and itching.
9. ESSENTIAL OILS
My final idea for those who are looking for natural mosquito bite remedies is to try essential oils. Keep in mind that when you apply essential oils topically to the skin, a carrier oil such as coconut oil or grape seed oil must be used to dilute the oil as direct application to the skin can be dangerous. Also, a person’s height, weight, and age should be taken into consideration when determining how much oil to apply to the skin, so do your research and/or consult an aromatherapist.
Here are 4 essential oils that can help treat mosquito bites and the misery they bring along with them!
- Tea Tree Oil. The antibacterial properties of tea tree oil make it one of the most popular natural mosquito bite remedies as it can help prevent infection in children who can’t resist the temptation to scratch their bug bites. Tea tree oil also contains natural antihistamines, which can help reduce swelling and inflammation and other allergic reactions to mosquito bites.
- Peppermint Oil. Peppermint oil is good for relieving the burning, stinging, and itching sensations that accompany bug bites, and can also help ward off infection. Peppermint oil should not be applied to broken skin, so if you’ve itched and/or picked at your mosquito bites, choose some of the other natural mosquito bite remedies included in this post.
- Camomile Oil. Camomile is known for its soothing properties, making it a great natural remedy to reduce itching, and since camomile oil also contains mild anti-inflammatory properties, it can also help with mild allergic reactions to mosquito bites.
- Lavender Oil. If mosquito bites cause you mild pain, lavender oil is extremely soothing and can give your mood a boost to boot!
If you’re looking for natural mosquito bite remedies to help alleviate the itchiness, swelling, inflammation, and general discomfort they bring along with them, I hope these ideas prove useful to you!