14 DIY Remedies for Treating Bug Bites

Applying a small dab of rubbing alcohol to a bug bite should help get rid of the skin irritation. Use a cotton swab to apply a small amount of rubbing alcohol to the infected area. Do not rub it into the skin.

Nail Polish

Nail polish can also help relieve itchy skin. Use clear nail polish on a bug bit to prevent scratching. This will also seal the bite, keeping it from opening up or becoming infected – making a good option for spider bites.

Aloe Vera has anti-inflammatory properties that will help to relieve itchy skin. Apply topically to the bug bit to relieve skin irritation. For added relief, store your Aloe Vera in your fridge.

Make your own baking soda paste to relieve skin irritation. Combine a small amount of baking soda with just enough water to create a paste. The mixture should be thick and not runny. Apply the paste to the bug bite and allow to dry.

Basil can help deal with itchy skin, providing minor relief from skin irritation. Basil has anti-inflammatory properties that can limit the skin irritation and may even help repel mosquitos.

Use a small strip of tape to cover the bug bite. This is similar to using a bandage to cove the bite, but more affordable. Before taping the skin, use one of the other remedies to help relieve the skin irritation. This will keep fingers from itching the bite, limiting the chances of infection. 

Witch hazel is an oil with anti-inflammatory properties that can help to reduce swelling. Soak a cotton ball in witch hazel and then apply it to the bug bite. This should help with both skin irritation and swelling – shrinking the bug bite and allowing the skin to heal quicker.

Applying ice to the skin is always a good way to reduce swelling. Fill a sealable plastic bag with ice. Wrap the bag in a towel and apply it to the skin for ten minutes or more to reduce swelling. This will also help numb the skin, relieving skin irritation.

Essential oils can be used to relieve skin irritation and limit swelling. Oils, such as tea tree oil and peppermint oil, both contain anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. Not only will they provide relief from skin irritation, they can help prevent infections and reduce swelling.

Raw Honey

Using raw honey, you can gain relief from both swelling and itching, but at the risk of attracting more bugs – especially bees. If you use honey for your bug bites, avoid going outdoors until you have rinsed the honey off your skin.

The popular hemorrhoid cream can be used to relieve skin irritation and prevent swelling. Place a dab of cream on the bite and massage. This should provide instant relief from the pain, irritation, and swelling.  

The active compounds in apple cider vinegar can help remove the sting by neutralizing the venom from a bee or wasp sting. Soak a towel in the vinegar and wring dry. Apply the towel to the skin and leave on for twenty minutes.

The banana peel contains a high level of antimicrobial compounds. These compounds, combined with beneficial antioxidants, can help neutralize any venom and limit the chances of an infection occurring.

If you need to remove a stinger, try applying mud to the skin and allowing it to dry. After the mud dries, you may be able to simply pull the stinger out with the mud. If the idea of putting mud on your skin or the skin of your children does not sound appealing, you could also use a beauty mud mask. Use the same process – allow it to dry and then see if you can pull the stinger out while removing the dried substance.