While most mosquito bites are mild or harmless, they can still be quite itchy and bothersome until they heal. In addition to over-the-counter (OTC) treatments like oralantihistaminesor anti-itch lotions, experts recommend several remedies you likely have at home, such as ice, heat, aloe vera, honey, and more.
Tatiana Cheremukhina / Getty Images
Some common household items found in your kitchen, bathroom, or pantry may be worth trying for relieving mosquito bite irritation.
For Fast Relief
The following can provide quick relief from mosquito bite itch:
What Attracts Mosquitoes Near Your Home?Mosquitoes are attracted to water. This includes bodies of water like lakes and ponds, but it can also include containers that hold water (like a flower pot) or temporary standing water around your home from rain or melted snow.
What Attracts Mosquitoes Near Your Home?
Mosquitoes are attracted to water. This includes bodies of water like lakes and ponds, but it can also include containers that hold water (like a flower pot) or temporary standing water around your home from rain or melted snow.
Kitchen Ingredients
Kitchen ingredients that can help with mosquito bites include:
Why Do Mosquitoss Bite Me So Much?Research suggests that factors like blood type, clothing color (black and red), breathing pattern, sweat, and natural skin bacteria can makemosquitoesmore likely to be attracted to certain people.Researchers theorize that this is likely due to how mosquitoes use scent to scan for a potential human host.Darker (more pigmented) colors are more likely to retain heat and cause sweating, releasing a carbon dioxide emission and scent that mosquitoes may be drawn to.
Why Do Mosquitoss Bite Me So Much?
Research suggests that factors like blood type, clothing color (black and red), breathing pattern, sweat, and natural skin bacteria can makemosquitoesmore likely to be attracted to certain people.Researchers theorize that this is likely due to how mosquitoes use scent to scan for a potential human host.Darker (more pigmented) colors are more likely to retain heat and cause sweating, releasing a carbon dioxide emission and scent that mosquitoes may be drawn to.
Bathroom Products
Some products found in your bathroom to try are:
Because mosquitoes use scent to find humans, certain fragrances such as those found in common mosquito-repellent ingredients can deter them. These include citronella, pine, andlavender, helps repel these bugs.
Other Herbs
Other natural ingredients that may help treat mosquito bites are:
How to Make Your Own Bug SprayTo make anatural mosquito repellentat home, all you need is a spray bottle,witch hazel, and one of the following essential oils:CedarCitronellaCloveOil of lemoneucalyptusPatchouli oilPeppermintRose geraniumThymeMix one part of your preferred oil with roughly 10 parts of the base (witch hazel), shake, and spray to apply. Consider testing for irritation or an allergic reaction on a small part of your skin first. Check with a healthcare provider to be sure a natural mosquito repellent is right for you.
How to Make Your Own Bug Spray
To make anatural mosquito repellentat home, all you need is a spray bottle,witch hazel, and one of the following essential oils:CedarCitronellaCloveOil of lemoneucalyptusPatchouli oilPeppermintRose geraniumThymeMix one part of your preferred oil with roughly 10 parts of the base (witch hazel), shake, and spray to apply. Consider testing for irritation or an allergic reaction on a small part of your skin first. Check with a healthcare provider to be sure a natural mosquito repellent is right for you.
To make anatural mosquito repellentat home, all you need is a spray bottle,witch hazel, and one of the following essential oils:
Mix one part of your preferred oil with roughly 10 parts of the base (witch hazel), shake, and spray to apply. Consider testing for irritation or an allergic reaction on a small part of your skin first. Check with a healthcare provider to be sure a natural mosquito repellent is right for you.
A Word From VerywellConsidering the increase in mosquito-borne diseases, I recommend people wear long-sleeved shirts and pants (especially during dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active). If traveling to areas with high mosquito populations, consider staying in air-conditioned accommodations.—ARNO KRONER, DAOM, MEDICAL EXPERT BOARD
A Word From Verywell
Considering the increase in mosquito-borne diseases, I recommend people wear long-sleeved shirts and pants (especially during dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active). If traveling to areas with high mosquito populations, consider staying in air-conditioned accommodations.—ARNO KRONER, DAOM, MEDICAL EXPERT BOARD
Considering the increase in mosquito-borne diseases, I recommend people wear long-sleeved shirts and pants (especially during dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active). If traveling to areas with high mosquito populations, consider staying in air-conditioned accommodations.
—ARNO KRONER, DAOM, MEDICAL EXPERT BOARD
Ways to Keep Yourself From Scratching
While scratching may feel good in the moment, it can be damaging to the skin and its healing process, resulting in:
To keep yourself fromscratching too much, experts recommend:
Summary
Mosquito bites are itchy and can become inflamed. In addition to OTC topical and oral remedies, several common at-home ingredients may help relieve this irritation. Experts recommend applying cold, heat, oatmeal, baking soda, and other household items. Check with a healthcare provider first if you have any allergies or questions about home remedies for the skin.
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