As a devout summer camper I have already experienced all kinds of different bug bites starting with mosquitoes and biting flies and ending up with bed bugs and spiders. In all the years I have tried a myriad of different home remedies and of those who have worked best for me I made a TOP 10 list of how to get rid of bug bites:
1. Aspirin mix
Aspirin can be used on more than just a summer headache. Crushing the aspirin and mixing with water to form a paste will coat the bug bites with the anti-inflammatory properties of the aspirin and apply it right into the bug bite. Cover the bite overnight with a band aid and in the morning the bug bite should be reduced and pain free. Try to avoid scratching after you put on the paste. Itching is a sign of healing and it is a normal part of the healing process. You can also snap the aspirin tablets in the middle, moisten them with a little of water and rub them over the spots. It worked for me on mosquito and fly bites.
2. Salt water
Salt water is a reliable home remedy for all kind of bug bites. I tried it on bed bug and mosquito bites and it worked very effective.First you have to create a paste of water and tab salt. You can also use garlic, seasoning salt and Epson or kosher salt. I used to take 3-4 Tbsp. of salt and few drops of cold water. Then take a clean cloth, water it with the mixture and apply it on to the affected area. You can also rub the salt directly over the bites or soak it into the mixture. Initially it will cause a strong burning for few moments but then you will feel a great relief from itchiness and swelling.
3. Aloe Vera
The aloe vera plant works wonder for any kind of insect bites and skin irritation. It is a natural antiseptic and it is working anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory and it encourage your body to heal faster.
Just snap off a piece of the stem and cut it to take out the juice. Keep the juice in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes till it gets a cold sense. Now rub the fresh Aloe Vera gel over the affected area and it will shortly reduce the swell, pain and itching. You can reapply as often as needed. If you do not have an aloe vera plant at hand you can also use the gel available at departmental stores. Aloe vera is one of my favorite home remedies, because it is working very fast and it provides a very soothing touch.
4. Banana peels
Peel the banana and apply the inside of the peel into the bump. After 90 seconds remove the peel and wash the area and then apply hand sanitizer. Banana peels can make take away the itch, but it won’t accelerate the healing process. I tried it on a mosquito bites and it worked very well for me.
5. Saliva
A common belief is that saliva contained in the mouth has natural disinfectants why it should be beneficial to “lick your wounds”. I tried saliva on mosquito bites and bee stings. In my experience saliva does not heal the inflammation but it stops the itching very fast. I spread the bites with saliva every time it started to itch (2-3 times). I know it is hard, but it is important to keep the scratching after you put on saliva. It should start working after 3-5 minutes. I often use it when I am camping outside.
6. Baking soda paste
Another option is to make a paste out of baking soda mixed with water. Mix the two ingredients in a ratio 2:1 so that you get a tick paste. Cover all your bug bites with the paste for about 5 minutes. Wash of the past with cold water.This concept can be used on a larger scale if the person is covered with a lot of bites. Just add some paste to a warm bath. Its working for all kinds of bites and skin irritations.
7. Ice
Cold ice is a good method to control the swelling. Cold temperatures accelerate the spread of anti-inflammatory substances to the affected area and inhibit the swelling.You can take an icepack or put some crashed ice into a clean towel and hold it over the affected area for about 5-10 minutes. This will give you quick relief from the swelling as well as itchiness. I always use ice before applying another method. Just ice wont take away the swell and itching.
8. Soap
One of the most affective and easiest ways to get rid of bug bites is to rub the affected area with a dry soap bar. The relief from this method is super-fast and works faster than you can mix up other household remedies. It is recommended to use a high quality organic and mild soap. After covering the bites with soap, clean it with cold water and apply some antiseptic cream. It hasn’t worked for me on bug bites and stings!
9. Toothpaste
A very simple way to get rid of a bug bite is to cover the bite with tooth paste. You have to apply toothpaste right on the bite and spread it around the bite till the toothpaste dries. The paste will start to fall of piece by piece and you will soon feel a great relief. When the bite is gone you can wash the remaining toothpaste.
10. Onion
The last but not the least home remedy of how to get rid of bug bites is onion. Onions contain a powerful healing enzyme that can relieve the discomfort and promote healing. Rub the juice from a piece of cut onion on your mosquito bite. It will stop itching immediately and if you apply the onion juice two or three times a day the bite will disappear within a few days. I have tried this method many times and I highly recommend it for mosquito bites and stings.
Special TIP for campers!
If you are out camping in the wilderness and don’t have access to the household methods there is something for you as well. Mud is the most natural way of everything to get rid of bug bites. If you apply wet mud to the affected area and let it completely dry it will release the pain of the bites. This concept has been used for as long as documented history. Making a mask of mud will also prevent bugs from stinging in the first place.
