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 oral antihistamines or anti-itch lotions, experts recommend several remedies you likely have at home, such as ice, heat, aloe vera, honey, and more.
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Home Remedies for Mosquito Bites, Backed by Science
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:
- Cold compress: Applying ice or a cold pack to a mosquito bite not only works to visibly reduce swelling, but it can also cut down on itching by temporarily numbing nerve itch signals.
- Concentrated heat: Applying a warm compress, warm water, or even a warm spoon to the area can temporarily relieve itchiness in the same way that cold temperatures do.
- Aloe vera: The natural gel inside aloe vera plant leaves is soothing, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory when applied topically. Research shows that it can promote skin healing.
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:
- Oatmeal: Whether oats are made into a paste with water and applied to the skin or used in a warm bath, oatmeal may relieve itchy skin and swelling.
- Honey: This sweetener is also a natural antibiotic with anti-inflammatory properties, making raw or medical-grade honey helpful in reducing swelling from mosquito bites.
- Basil leaves: When rubbed onto the affected skin, fresh basil’s anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects may help treat skin conditions and irritation.
- Apple cider vinegar: This natural antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory agent soothes bothersome mosquito bites.
- Garlic: A fresh clove of garlic rubbed onto a mosquito bite might help kill bacteria in the area that’s triggering itchiness.
- Chamomile tea: Applying a wet chamomile tea bag may work on mosquito bites, with the natural astringents known as tannins that work to soothe skin and reduce itchiness.
- Onion: The antimicrobial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties found in onions help reduce skin irritation and potential infection from a mosquito bite.
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 make mosquitoes more 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:
- Witch hazel: This natural astringent is known to soothe skin, including from breakouts and bites, with active chemicals that reduce inflammation.
- Baking soda: As an anecdotal remedy for skin conditions like eczema, baking soda may help minimize skin irritation in some people.
- Toothpaste: Dabbing non-gel toothpaste on a pimple has been promoted as a potential acne remedy, but it may also help mosquito bites by drying the skin where bitten.
- Deodorant: Some deodorants containing aluminum chloride may help draw excess moisture and toxins from mosquito bites and protect against them.
- Vicks VapoRub: Some people report successfully applying Vicks to mosquito bites to combat itching. Vicks contains menthol and camphor oil, which work together to provide cooling and relief when applied to the skin and repel mosquitoes.
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, and lavender, helps repel these bugs.
Other Herbs
Other natural ingredients that may help treat mosquito bites are:
- Arnica: This herb, traditionally used to treat issues like bruising, aches, and pain, may help calm skin inflammation when applied topically. It’s available in homeopathic (alternative medicine) products, including ointment, gel, cream, and other similar forms.
- Lemon balm: Known for its antioxidant and antimicrobial properties, it could effectively treat some skin conditions. Some studies found that lemon balm relieves itching in people with psoriasis when taken orally or used in teas, making it a potential contender for mosquito bite irritation.
Because herbs and supplements aren’t regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the same way that drugs are, it’s a good idea to check with a healthcare provider before taking or using arnica, lemon balm or any other supplement.
How to Make Your Own Bug Spray
To make a natural mosquito repellent at 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 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.
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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 from scratching 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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