Mosquito bite relief always works most effectively when applied fast.
So the best way to stop mosquito bites itching is to apply any natural mosquito bite relief you have handy.
And luckily a bunch of basic kitchen and bathroom supplies work as an instant mosquito bite remedy and for longer term mozzie bite relief.
In this guide I'll explain exactly:
- What to put on mosquito bites
- PLUS what helps with mosquito bites when they are swelling up.
I do hope the DIY mosquito relief helps. Let me know what works.
Table of Contents
What To Put On Mosquito Bites For Fast Relief
Effective DIY relief to put on mosquito bites needs to include ingredients that are naturally :
- Antiseptic and
- Anti-inflammatory
- PH neutralising
- Itch preventing.
The antiseptic kill the anti-clotting saliva mosquitos pump into us to suck blood out more easily!!
The anti-inflammatory balances our allergic response to the saliva.
The neutralisers stop the saliva working by changing its acidity.
Scratching bites reactivates saliva which increases itching. So we need to break the itch-scratch cycle.
Luckily quick DIY mosquito bite remedies can help with all of these.
Natural Mosquito Bite Relief In Your Kitchen
If you need mosquito bite relief from home or garden mosquitoes reach for any of these in your kitchen :
- Ice Cubes
- Hot Spoon
- Honey
- Banana Peel
- Oats
- Lemon Juice
- Raw Potato
- Apple Cider Vinegar
- Raw Onion
- Garlic
- Salt
- Baking Soda
- Common Kitchen Herbs
Ice Cubes
The cold of an ice cube lowers the temperature of the mosquito's saliva which stops it working.
To put ice cubes on mosquito bites:
- Wash bite area in soapy water
- Wrap handful of ice cubes in cloth
- Hold onto bite area for 10 minutes
- Reapply ice at any sign of itching.
Hot Spoon For Mosquito Bites Relief
You can simply use a hot spoon for natural mosquito bite relief.
The metal of the spoon transmits heat quickly to bites which can't function at higher temperatures.
Raising skin temperature also stops us from feeling an itch, so we don't scratch which cuts itching.
To use a hot spoon for bite relief :
- Run hot tap until water hot
- Hold spoon under tap for 1 minute
- Apply back of spoon to bite
- Hold on bite for a few minutes.
Raw Honey
Raw honey is a powerful natural antiseptic and anti-inflammatory to put on mosquito bites for fast relief.
Apply a pea sized blob to each bite and leave on as long as practical.
Banana Peel
Surprisingly the inside of banana peel is both antiseptic & anti-inflammatory and may prevent transmission of bacteria into a bite.
The peel is also very alkaline and neutralises saliva for fast relief.
Lemon Juice
Lemon juice is antiseptic and anti-inflammatory but can also break the itch-scratch-itch cycle of mozzie bites as it numb pain signals.
However it hurts when applied!!
It shows it is doing its job and it can heal bites very well but be sure you are brave enough before using.
Oats
Oats contain avenanthramides which very potently prevent itching.
For fast mosquito bite relief for lots of bites I always have an oat bath.
To whip up this natural remedy :
- Blend a cup of oats
- With a few cups of water
- Add to a tepid bath
- Which is deep enough to completely submerge bitten areas
- Lie in bath for 15 minutes.
For face bites, blend oats with a little water and coconut oil to form paste, apply to face for 10 minutes. You could also add honey.
It also works for sunburn.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar (ACV) can help with mosquito bites as another anti-inflammatory antiseptic.
It changes the ph of the mosquito saliva which stops it working.
ACV products do vary and can sting used for mosquito relief so you need to apply with care. I would usually:
- Dilute a teaspoon of ACV with a teaspoon of water
- Soak cotton ball in it
- Dab on one bite first
If sting is OK, I up the ACV and keep dabbing but don't use on my face.
Raw Potato
Potato for mosquito relief. Really?
Yep really. The anti-inflammatory potato soaks up the acidity of the mosquito saliva neutralising it.
The potato prevents swollen blisters and unlike some natural mosquito bite remedies won't sting.
And unlike some of these natural mosquito bite remedies the raw potato won't make the bite sting.
For fast mosquito bite relief :
- Hold a slice of raw potato on bite
- Or grate potato and apply to bitten area under a dressing.
I discovered - after pouring hot oil on my hand!!! - potato also works brilliantly to relieve and heal burns.
Raw Onion
A simple onion can give mosquito bite relief as again it is an anti-inflammatory antiseptic.
To use as a DIY remedy :
- Cut onion in half
- Dab bites with cut half
- Rinse off afterwards.
Or mix up slice of chopped onion with coconut oil or honey.
Remember onions are strong!
Just think what they do to our eyes, so dab cautiously and stop if stings.
Garlic
Garlic works in the same way as onion for mosquito bite relief.
Again you can apply it cut or mashed with honey or coconut. But again, dab cautiously neat. It's strong.
Salt
You can put ordinary salt on mozzie bites for DIY relief. It neutralises stings and is anti-inflammatory.
Apply as a paste to single bites or if you have lots add ½ cup to a tepid bath and soak for 15 minutes.
It is not the best relief but helps.
Baking Soda
A baking soda paste can quickly neutralise mosquito bite saliva and may actually draw out the bite.
To use bicarb on mosquito bites:
- Mix a teaspoon of baking soda
- With a little water into a paste
- Apply to bite
- Leave on for 10-20 minutes
- Rinse off.
In my experience baking soda is not the best of these DIY mosquito bite remedies but does give relief.
And it is worth stocking as it also helps with bee stings, athlete's foot, heartburn and brightening whites!!
Common Herbs
You can use common kitchen herbs for mosquito bites including:
To put on mosquito bites:
- Mash into a poultice
- A spoon of dried or fresh herbs
- With a little water or honey
- Put on bites with a clean cloth
- Hold on for 5 to 15 minutes.
Alternatively add a pot of herb tea to a tepid bath. Soak for 15 minutes.
All the herbs are super easy to grow in pots on a patio or balcony.
DIY Mosquito Bite Relief In Your Bathroom
All sorts of products in your bathroom cupboard can be put on mosquito bites for quick DIY relief:
- Toothpaste
- Vicks Vaporub
- Tea Tree Oil
- Aloe Vera Gel
- Witch Hazel
- Epsom Salts
- Lemon Balm
- Neem Oil
- Arnica
- Best Essential Oils
Toothpaste
Toothpaste can be used for super quick DIY mosquito bite relief.
It is alkaline and antibacterial so neutralises the bite and the menthol stops itching. It is also possible toothpaste kills mosquito bites in a similar way to cold sores.
To use toothpaste for mozzie relief:
- Apply pea sized blobs to bites
- Leave to dry for 10-15 minutes
- Rinse off.
Tea Tree Oil
If you have tea tree oil in your bathroom cupboard you can use it for instant mosquito bite relief.
Do dilute it with e.g. olive or coconut oil before applying according to the instructions on your product.
It also works as a natural remedy for plantar warts, cold sores, head lice, dandruff, blackheads and athlete's foot.
Vicks Vaporub
You can also put Vicks Vaporub on mosquito bites for fast relief.
Again the menthol stops itching.
Aloe Vera Gel
Aloe vera gel is a traditional remedy for bug bites and is a good product to keep in the bathroom as it relieves other bites & stings, cold sores, sunburn and athlete's foot.
It is very handy on holiday and trips especially camping and hiking.
Product quality varies greatly so shop around & always spot test first.
Witch Hazel
If you have witch hazel for acne or blackheads you can also put it on mosquito bites.
Dab bites with the witch hazel or ¼-1/2 a cup to a tepid bath.
Epsom Salts
Epsom salt baths can stop swelling and itching if you have lots of bites.
They are also great for relieving lower back pain fast easily.
Lemon Balm
If you have any lemon balm cream, salve or lip balm in your home, you can put it on mosquito bites.
Neem Oil
Neem oil is often used to repel mosquitos but can also be put on mosquito bites.
Follow the dilution advice on your product, spot testing first.
Arnica
Arnica is great for bruises, swelling and pain and if you have any can also be put on mosquito bites.
The Best Essential Oils For Mosquito Bites
I'm not a big fan of essential oils but if you have them the best essential oils to put on mosquito bites are:
- Lavender
- Peppermint
- Patchouli
- Rosemary
Follow the dilution advice on your product, spot testing first.
So there you go, lots of easy ways to get mosquito bite relief with natural & DIY remedies you already have.
Let me know what works best for you.
For more simple natural remedies check out these other guides :
And use these clever hacks to see off more summer pests :
Original image sources: boy, mosquito, lemon balm, Vicks vapor rub
Jemstone says
Best thing I ever found for mosquito bites was to put a little plaster (band aid) on it. Miraculous!