Mosquitoes are the real nuisance creatures. They are a natural vector of several infections and diseases. Mosquitoes feed on the blood of animals and humans leaving itchy and redness swelling on the skin. These creatures must be avoided and eliminated from your surroundings.
People around the world if united with a sheer determination to eradicate these disease vectors, it is not very difficult to achieve success. Well, let's start this trend with a comprehensive guide on natural and easy home remedies to keep mosquito bites at bay.
1. Apply Baking Soda
Baking soda, sodium bicarbonate is a white solid that often appears to be a fine whitish powder. It is essentially found in most of the kitchen and we're pretty sure, you've got it as well. Well, you might've been using it for several purposes in your life, but have you used it to get rid of mosquito bites?
Yes, baking soda can be used to provide relief from the mosquito bites. It has been found to soothe the itching, stinging, and swelling associated with mosquito bites. It has been suggested to mix a tablespoon of baking soda with water to create a thick paste and apply it to the bite area. Leave it for around 10 minutes to dry and see the result.
2. Make Use of Sweet Honey
You must have known several remedies of the honey. People have been using it for various purposes for ages. If you ask home-remedy enthusiasts to prepare a list of items, honey is more likely to fall on the top tier and it is one of the common elements of your household as well that can be used to treat mosquito bites.
The sugary sweet substance, honey has been found to possess antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that can help to prevent the affected area from severe inflammation and bacterial infection. You can use a drop of honey and spread it around the site where mosquitoes have bitten. You can see the result immediately.
3. Use Aloe Vera Gel
Aloe vera is a very useful plant that has been helping to treat several skin-related problems. Its use has a long history associated with human civilization. You must have been using it to cure pain from burns, most of the time. Well, from now on, you can use it to treat the mosquito bites as well.
The anti-inflammatory properties of aloe vera have been proven to get rid of itchiness and redness resulting from bug bites. You need to extract the gel of the aloe vera by gently cutting its leaves. Then, apply the gel to the affected area properly so that it covers the entire bite site, and make sure to leave it for some minutes to dry. You will be rewarded with amazing healing results.
4. Try Oatmeal
Who would've told you that your favorite breakfast can help you to soothe the discomfort caused by mosquito bites? Well, it is true, oatmeal can relieve itchiness and swelling caused by bug bites. If mosquito bites have been causing problems after you wake from your sleep, before having breakfast, use your oatmeal to treat them.
You need to mix oatmeal with an equal amount of water to prepare a thick paste. This paste should be applied to the affected area, leaving for about 10 minutes to dry. This homemade solution is certain to help you achieve good relief that has been hindered by the nuisance bug.
The ice pack often comes ahead when the situation of inflammation arises. It has been found that the cold temperatures of ice can reduce inflammation quite significantly. In addition to that, ice packs can help to neutralize the itchiness associated with mosquito bites.
It has been recommended to apply the cold compress on the affected site by wrapping the ice cubes with a soft cloth as a covering. Similarly, a bag of crushed ice can also work well but keep in mind not to directly apply the chilled ice to your naked skin, it might burn your skin. Repeat the process of cold compress every 5-10 minutes on and off.
6. Try Providing Heat
Another method to neutralize the mosquito bite's after-reaction might be achieved through heat. If you apply heat to the affected site, the proteins delivered by the mosquito saliva white biting are more likely to vanish. In fact, the proteins are the major cause of the allergic reaction in the victim.
You can try soaking a soft cotton cloth in warm water and gently press on the affected site, or try your way to slightly heat any of your soft cloth. You should keep in mind that this method is not proven to work for everybody because of its temporary effect, however, you can still practice doing and redoing it.
7. Use Peppermint Oil
Peppermint oil is an essential oil that has been found to possess anti-inflammatory properties. People have been using this oil as a home remedy for ages and you might as well use it to get rid of mosquito bites and finally relieve from the itching. The menthol constitute of peppermint oil is what makes it useful in promoting the remedial solution.
You need to gently apply a few drops of peppermint oil to the affected area to achieve the result of minimized redness and swelling associated with the mosquito bites. A study conducted in 2016 by the National Library of Medicine has also suggested the use of peppermint oil to relieve itching.
8. Basil Oil
Basil plant has been used in many of the Italian recipes, being one of the key ingredients. Apart from its use in the kitchen for preparing several amazing dishes, it can also be used in herbal remedies for skin infections. The antioxidants found in basil leaves are more active in reducing inflammation caused by mosquito bites.
You need to make a solution of water and basil oil. This solution should be rubbed against the affected area. Once applied, it has been suggested to leave the site for some minutes to cool down. You can make use of the washcloth to gently rub on the affected area. You might as well try rubbing fresh basil leaves by chopping them into fine pieces.
9. Use Vinegar
You must be aware of vinegar and its several natural remedies to treat different medical conditions. For centuries, vinegar has been used by people against infections and blood-related issues. Similarly, to treat mosquito bites, vinegar can be used which is certain to reward you with reduced irritation and burning sensation.
You need to prepare a solution of vinegar and water. Pick a washcloth, soak it in the solution, and then apply it to the affected area. Keep in mind to use cold water since a hot bath may worsen the itching. The vinegar is also found to act as a natural disinfectant.
Onion is one of the favorite elements of your kitchen items and dishes. We are pretty sure, it gets chopped off when you decide to prepare anything to neutralize your hunger. While chopping the onions, you might experience tearful eyes, but you should know it not only brings tears to your eyes but also, can bring relief to the mosquito bites.
The onions are found to have antifungal and antibacterial properties that can minimize the possibility of infection on your wound. You need to make slices of the onions and extract juices out of it. Try to apply the juice directly to the bite area and leave it for some minutes. You will experience a reduction in irritation right away!
11. Chamomile Tea
Herbal tea like chamomile has been found to soothe itchiness and redness caused by mosquito bites, making it an excellent wound healer. The essential blue oil present in chamomile which possesses anti-inflammatory properties is the vital reason for using it as a natural remedial solution against mosquito bites.
You can use the tea bag or simply tea after cooling it down to apply on the affected area for about 10 minutes. After the application, make sure to wipe out the tea and then wait for the rewarding result.
12. Garlic Cloves Juice
Garlic just like the onion is another commonly available key kitchen element. Apart from its beneficial uses in preparing several tasty dishes, garlic is also a well-known natural remedy for several medical conditions. It can be very effective in getting rid of mosquito bites as well.
One of the easiest natural home remedies is to simply extract the juices out of the garlic cloves and apply them directly to the affected area where the mosquitoes have bitten. This can relieve the irritation to a great extent while causing the wound to heal more quickly.
13. Try Using Lemon Balm
Lemon balm is a leafy plant, closely related to mint. It has been a popular natural remedy to treat skin conditions as it is rich in anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial elements. This plant is more likely to help in the reduction of swelling and skin redness resulting from bug bites.
More particularly, lemon balm contains a natural astringent, tannin which is primarily responsible for speeding up the anti-inflammation process and reducing the risk of an infection in the wound. You need to finely chop the leaves of the plant and gently rub them directly into the affected area.
14. Make Use of Thyme Leaves
Thyme is a culinary herb, more commonly used in the dishes of potatoes and fish. Apart from its use on kitchen items, the leaves of the thyme are found to help soothe the itching generated by mosquito bites. The antibacterial properties of the plant are what make it one of the fine natural remedies for skin issues.
You can simply mince the fresh leaves and apply them directly to the bite area on your skin. It has been suggested to rub them on the affected area for about 10 minutes to get the best result. Alternatively, you can boil the thyme leaves and with the help of a washcloth, you can gently press on the bite area. People are found wrapping the ice cube in the same cloth for extra relief.
Tea tree oil is a favorite essential oil of many home-remedy enthusiasts. The antiseptic properties of the oil are found to treat insect and bug bites, helping the wound to heal quickly. Many professionals have also suggested the use of tea tree oil in the mosquito bite area to work very effectively, ensuring 100% results.
You need to carefully dilute the tea tree oil before applying it to your wounded skin. Make sure to mix a few drops of tea tree oil with 10ml almond or olive oil and gently rub this diluted solution on the affected area. You can see the result right away!
Signs and Symptoms of Mosquito Bites
Signs of Mosquito Bites
Female mosquitoes are only the ones that are capable of biting animals and humans to get a blood meal. It has been studied that most of the females can't reproduce in the absence of blood meal. Once the female mosquitoes bite you, you are more likely to develop a small, red, raised bump on the skin.
Over time, the raised bumps are found to change the colors from tiny red to dark spots. Actually, after a few minutes of the bite, a puffy and reddish bump forms on the skin, which can potentially generate hard and multiple bumps in the following days. Similarly, in some cases, small blisters might be seen instead of hard bumps.
Symptoms of Mosquito Bites
The symptoms of mosquito bites can vary from person to person. More particularly, it varies among children, adults, and individuals with immune system disorders. We've provided some of the common symptoms below, for you to follow:
The bite area on your skin, wherever the location might be, may induce itchy and irritation phenomena.
A typical slightly raised, more of a kind of circular bump may be visible on the skin where the mosquito bite has occurred.
However, if the mosquito has a disease or if you're an allergic person, the reaction might be completely different making it a more severe case.
Mosquitoes are considered vectors just like ticks, fleas, and sandflies. Vectors are responsible for transmitting pathogens, parasites, or diseases from one organism to another.
In the case of mosquitoes, they carry harmful and deadly diseases between animals and humans. They are found to carry the infection in the blood. You should be aware of the vectors and bloodsuckers.
Upon close observation of the mosquito bites, they are found to secrete saliva in addition to the blood-sucking process. This saliva contains proteins that enter your blood, creating an exchange mechanism of fluids between the mosquito and your bloodstream. This way, infection is allowed to get into your body.
How to Avoid Mosquito Bites
1. Eliminating Standing Water
You should be aware that mosquitoes require water for breeding. More particularly, they favor standing water over running water. It is surprising that even in a small quantity of standing water, they are found to breed. So primary preventive measure should be the elimination of standing water around your property.
You should regularly dump or drain the gutters, bird baths, wheelbarrows, toys, pots, and planters. In fact, every such thing that is being used to store water for some intended purpose should be drained and the water on it should be changed.
2. Make Use of a Fan
It is recommended to make use of the fans if you are facing a large population of mosquitoes swarming all around your property. This case might rise during the mosquito season which is usually in the summer months. They are highly active during the warmer seasons.
Develop the habit of staying near a fan, particularly during the night when you are asleep. Make sure not to allow the mosquitoes to have a blood feast. For your yard, it has been suggested to use a large oscillating fan that helps to keep the mosquitoes away from your place.
3. Use Camphor
The strong odor of camphor is unbearable to the mosquitoes. It is never too late to take action, make use of the camphor inside closed spaces such as your room by properly lighting it.
You should wait for around 30 minutes after the camphor has been lit and see the astonishing result. Since camphor is easily available in your home, this process is easy to achieve and certain to prove effective in keeping the mosquitoes away from your place.
4. Hang Mosquitoes Nets
Many people have been using mosquito nets on their beds and in the yard to keep the mosquitoes away from their property. The net should be properly installed on your bed so that all potential holes to reach you are sealed when are asleep.
Similarly, if your yard is not well-screened, make use of the mosquito nets surrounding all of your property. In this case, nets that are pre-treated with insecticides are found to be more effective.
We know coffee is an always-available element of your kitchen. Being a favorite beverage of most people these days, coffee can also be used as a home remedy to prevent mosquitoes from swarming into your place.
Since mosquitoes breed on stagnant water, you should make sure to pour the coffee grounds into such water. Especially in the outdoors or around your surroundings. The mixing of coffee grounds on the water will block the supply of oxygen to the eggs of mosquitoes eventually killing them.
6. Use of Essential Oils Odor
Essential oils such as peppermint oil and cinnamon oil are popular and effective natural insecticides. They can be excellent home remedies to repel the mosquitoes.
Peppermint Oil
For an effective result, mix the peppermint oil with another scent-generating element such as lemon and properly apply the solution on your skin. This will induce a fresh smell which helps to prevent the mosquitoes from biting you.
It has also been recommended to use peppermint oil with almond or canola oil before applying it to your skin. This will certainly keep the mosquitoes away from you because of the odor this mixture generates.
Cinnamon Oil
Cinnamon oil is another home remedy to prevent mosquito bites. It has been suggested to use the diluted solution of this oil for safety and effective results.
Make sure to mix 1/4 teaspoon of this oil with a considerable amount of water and spray it around your skin and clothing. You can spray it on the plants as well. The odor of this mixture is enough to keep the mosquitoes away from your place.