How to Treat Mosquito Bites

All winter long, we look forward to summer and the highly anticipated longer days, balmy temperatures and outdoor activities that we love. It's easy to forget about summer's least appreciated variables: mosquitoes and flying insects. These pests can make enjoying the outdoors a lot less comfortable than our winter fantasies suggest.

Even with the best-laid plans to avoid mosquitoes and other biting insects, you'll probably still end up with an itchy bite or two. Those little suckers are insistent! When a red, itchy, swollen bump appears on your skin, you want to feel better as quickly as possible. What can you do to stop mosquito bites from itching? Here are top 10 tips for mosquito bite relief from the experts at MosquitoNix® that can stop bites from itching in seconds.

WHEN IS A MOSQUITO BITE MORE THAN A NUISANCE?

Aside from some small segments of the population, such as those with compromised immune systems or specific allergies, mosquito bites are generally not life-threatening. However, with the increased rates of mosquito-borne illnesses like West Nile and Zika viruses, it's more important than ever that all individuals - particularly those with challenged immune systems - take note and prepare themselves during the height of mosquito season. That said, most of us just want mosquito bite relief to stop the itching and irritation.

HOW TO TREAT MOSQUITO BITES

Mosquitoes and flying insects can put a damper on summer fun and make enjoying the outdoors, well, less enjoyable. While it's almost impossible to avoid these pesky pests altogether, knowing how to treat mosquito bites at home can help alleviate the itch and make you feel more comfortable. Here are 10 effective treatments and home remedies for mosquito bites from the pest control experts at MosquitoNix®.

1. Antihistamine Cream

Readily available over the counter at drugstores, antihistamine creams are great for relieving mosquito bite itch. When you get a mosquito bite, a protein in the bug's saliva can make your body produce histamines, which are hormones that trigger an immune response.

Histamines cause that itchy reaction, but antihistamine cream blocks histamines with its key ingredient, diphenhydramine. However, diphenhydramine can cause allergic reactions in some people, so you may want to check with your doctor before trying products containing this ingredient.

2. Rubbing Alcohol

Another quick trick to stop mosquito bites from itching is to apply rubbing alcohol to your bug bite as soon as you feel it. When the alcohol dries, it feels cool on your skin, giving you a bit of relief in seconds. If you reapply alcohol, you may dry out your skin, so only use it when you first feel the itch and irritation. Take care on any broken skin as alcohol can burn.

3. Ice Packs & Cold Compresses

Holding ice packs or cold compresses against your bites can help reduce swelling and minimize discomfort. Apply them to your mosquito bite for 10 to 15 minutes at a time to stop the itch before it starts.

4. Toothpaste

Using toothpaste on mosquito bites really works! The menthol in toothpaste can calm the itchiness, and this home remedy for bug bites can help people who can tolerate it. Some folks, however, may find toothpaste as irritating as the bite. For children who may pick at the dried toothpaste, consider covering the area with a bandage or piece of tape to ensure it has time to work.

5. Baking Soda Paste

Most of us have baking soda readily available in our kitchens, making this a cheap and easy remedy for a mosquito bite. Create a paste with baking soda and water, and apply it to your bite. The mixture produces an alkaline that neutralizes the pH on your skin, thereby relieving the itch response.

6. Lemon Juice & Vinegar

Lemon juice or vinegar are also common household items. These ingredients can also feel soothing when applied to bites. Just make sure you don't use them on already scratched or painful mosquito bites; dabbing these acidic compounds onto broken skin may sting and likely feel worse than the itching!

7. Essential Oils

The popularity of essential oils has been increasing in recent years for use in all applications, including bug bites. Tea tree oil, a natural antiseptic, is fantastic to put on bug bites. Lavender is another calming oil that can help reduce inflammation. Just be sure to follow your chosen essential oil's specific usage guidelines, especially when considering use on pets or children. Some essential oils can be toxic so it is important to use proper guidelines and heed safety warnings.

8. Aloe Vera

It's not just for sunburns! Aloe vera is a natural antiseptic that can soothe the itch and calm the sting of bites. For extra-special soothing properties, put the aloe vera in the refrigerator before use; that coolness takes some of the heat out of mosquito bites. An aloe vera plant can act as an aesthetic addition to your décor and help soothe mosquito bites and burns.

9. Honey

For centuries, people have used honey for all sorts of reasons, from skin care to wound care. It serves as a natural antiseptic and antibacterial ointment to prevent infected mosquito bites. Smooth a dab of honey over the bite to help relieve itching.

10. Oatmeal Bath

Soaking in a cool or lukewarm tub with oatmeal can also stop the itching and irritation of mosquito bites and other causes of skin irritation. You can also make a paste of oatmeal and water to put on your bites if you do not have time for a bath. You may find that an oatmeal bath leaves your skin feeling soft and smooth-an added benefit for using it as a solution for itchy bug bites.

Mosquito Bite Prevention

The best way to treat a mosquito bite is to prevent it from happening in the first place. Mosquitoes can carry nasty diseases and transmit them to humans when they bite. People who are immune-compromised are even more likely to experience adverse effects from a mosquito bite.

MosquitoNix has a variety of services and products that can significantly reduce the chances of you or a loved one contracting a disease from a mosquito. We treat outdoor areas and interrupt the life cycles of mosquitoes that keep them coming back for more.

And a Bonus Tip: Call MosquitoNix

The best way to treat bites is to avoid them altogether. The trained and licensed professionals at MosquitoNix provide a wide range of innovative and customized solutions to ensure your property is free from these pesky pests, including fogging treatments and a mosquito misting system. With over 30 years of dedicated service and highly skilled and qualified technicians, we are ready to help you protect your outdoor spaces from mosquitoes. Call today for a free estimate!