6 Natural Remedies for Mosquito Bites

It’s hot, and not only is the sun biting — so are the mosquitoes.

If you are a magnet for mosquitoes, you may think that bug spray is useless.

When you do use bug spray, you smell like you’ve bathed in chemicals, and many

commercial sprays are toxic due to the ingredient DEET.

With over 3,500 species of mosquitoes, it feels like there’s no escape, but these common

household ingredients will help relieve bites and prevent them.

6 Natural Remedies for Mosquito Bites

Here are a few of my favorite natural mosquito bite remedies:

1. Mint

6 Natural Remedies for Mosquito Bites

Have you ever heard planting mint by your window and doors will prevent bugs from coming in?

It’s true.

Mint possesses natural bug-be-gone properties.

Many mint plants are effective for repelling mosquitoes and for relieving the itchiness of bites.

2. Basil

6 Natural Remedies for Mosquito Bites

 

Basil leaves can be crushed and applied directly to the skin.

The chemicals thymol and camphor in basil naturally relieve the itch, and the anti-inflammatory

properties reduce the swelling of the bite.

3. Lime and Lemon

 

6 Natural Remedies for Mosquito Bites

Most people have a lime or lemon somewhere in the home?

Take a small slice and apply directly to the bite.

Another option is to squeeze a few drops onto the bite.

The citric acid in both fruits has properties that will relieve the itchiness.

4. Aloe

6 Natural Remedies for Mosquito Bites

Aloe works wonders for sunburn, but it’s also effective on mosquito bites.

Use aloe vera gel topically on the bite, or break off a leaf from a household aloe plant to

alleviate itching.

5. Heat

6 Natural Remedies for Mosquito Bites

Heat a spoon or a cloth under hot water (not scalding) and apply to the bite until

it tingles.

Repeat the application once or twice more.

The heat releases the histamine in the skin and eases itchiness.

6. Apple Cider Vinegar

6 Natural Remedies for Mosquito Bites

The last remedy involves soaking a cotton ball in apple cider vinegar (ACV) and placing

it directly on the bite for several minutes.

To dry out the bite, mix a paste of ACV and flour.

This will also relieve the itching.

Some people may have a slight sensitivity to ACV.

Add a drop or two of water to decrease the potency.

ACV also has many other health benefits and I even take a tsp of it in water every day to

help with digestion and allergies!

If you have trouble with any of these remedies, you can always try others.

This infographic offers a handy guide to easy remedies found in your pantry.

Suggestions for Making Mosquito Bug Spray That Lasts

6 Natural Remedies for Mosquito Bites

One of the drawbacks of using natural ingredients is a shorter shelf life.

The ingredients of many essential oils and extracts evaporate quickly without the help

of something to aid with absorption into the skin.

Make your homemade bug spray last longer by including:

*Vanillin

*Soybean oil

*Coconut oil

Vanillin and soybean oil last longer than coconut oil when it comes to repellent.

Scientists took a solution of tumeric, kaffir lime, citronella grass and hairy basil oil and

added five percent of vanillin to it, and the repellency rate increased when vanillin was included.

6 Natural Remedies for Mosquito Bites

My favorite homemade mosquito repellent includes:

*lemon eucalyptus oil

*lavender essential oil

*witch hazel and

*coconut oil

However,

*a little water

*witch hazel and

*catnip essential oil …

also makes for an easy mosquito repellent recipe.

Customize your oils and pantry ingredients for a remedy that works best for you.

 

About the Author:
Ali Lawrence is a kombucha tea-sipping writer who focuses on healthy and sustainable living via her family blog . She also writes about DIY projects, home tips and organic gardening. Ali was born and raised in Alaska and dabbles in Pilates and is a princess for hire for kid’s parties. Find her on Twitter at @DIYfolks.

 

Have you ever made your own natural bug or mosquito repellents?

Share your thoughts and comments with us.

 

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