When you live in the woods of northern Minnesota, you’re definitely no stranger to itchy insect bites.  In fact, we even joke that the mosquito is Minnesota’s state bird.

There are plenty of projects out there that claim to help relieve the itch from these summer pests, but sometimes it’s those easy home remedies for itchy insect bites that work the best.

Easy Home Remedies for Itchy Insect Bites

Here are a few easy home remedies for you to try the next time you find yourself bug bitten and itching.  These remedies are easily accessible and don’t cost much.

Apple cider vinegar.  Just a few dabs of apple cider vinegar can help stop the itch from mosquito bites.

Honey.  Honey’s antibacterial properties can do wonders for insect bites.  Just put a dab on the bite.  Keep in mind that if you’re planning to spend more time outside you may attract more insects to yourself, so you may want to try this only if you’re planning to stay indoors.

Alcohol.  The antiseptic quality of rubbing alcohol can help reduce the itch and prevent infection of most insect bites.  In a pinch, you can use hand sanitizer, too!

Lemon Juice.  Just a little bit on a bug bite can help cut the itch.  Just don’t use too much as the acidity of the juice can burn your skin (especially if you’re out in the sun.)

Baking soda.  Make a paste out of baking soda and water and put it on your bug bites and let it dry.  It will take the sting out of the bites.  Just wash it off when the itching goes away.

Milk.  Mix equal parts of milk and water, then dip a washcloth into the mix and put it on the affected area of your skin.  It will have a cooling effect that takes away the itch.

Ice.  This is definitely the cheapest option and feels great on a hot day!  The ice cools the bite, takes away the sting and reduces the inflammation.

Distraction.  Another cheap way to relieve the itch from mosquito and other insect bites is to distract yourself from thinking about them.  You can do this by simply keeping busy or you can even trick your pain receptors by drawing an “X” across the insect bite with your fingernail.

Meat tenderizer.  Make a paste of meat tenderizer and water and rub it on your bug bites to reduce the itchiness of those insect bites.  This remedy can also help with bee stings.

Oatmeal.  Oatmeal is great for anti-itch remedies.  Just make a paste with water and apply it to your bites and then wash it off after it’s dried.  If you’re really itchy and bitten up, take a bath in oatmeal for some itch relief.

Essential oils.  If you use essential oils, you’ll find that some types of oils like eucalytpis, winter green, peppermint, tea tree, lavender or witch hazel can help relieve itchy insect bites.  You can try this homemade anti-itch recipe.

Basil.  This perennial garden herb can help keep the bugs away and help the itch, too.  Just crush a few fresh basil lives and apply it to your insect bites.  Basil has anti-inflammatory properties and can help cool your skin to relieve the itch.

Toothpaste.  I’ve mentioned before that a little dab of toothpaste can help your complexion, but it’s also good for itchy bug bites.  Just a tiny dab works to relieve the swelling and itching.

Aloe Vera. If you’ve got an aloe vera plant in your house, you’ve got a great home remedy for itchy insect bites!  Just scrape the aloe directly from the plant and put it on your bug bites to reduce inflammation and itching.

These are just a few easy home remedies that can help you deal with those itchy bug bites this summer.  Just keep in mind that if you’ve scratched your bug bites to the point that you’ve broken the skin, to use caution when applying any of these remedies.  They can cause some stinging or increase the risk for infection if your skin is broken.

Bonus tip:  When using liquid home remedies like apple cider vinegar or diluted essential oils, you can use a cheap envelope sealer to apply your home remedy to your bug bites.  Of course, one of the best ways to deal with itchy insect bites is to avoid them in the first place!  You can try this easy homemade natural insect repellent to keep those pesky bugs from biting!

Now it’s your turn:  What’s your favorite easy home remedy for itchy insect bites?

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