byTricia Johnson

Even at this time of year, mosquitoes are still amazingly hungry and the angry red lumps produced by their bites can drive you mad. There are, of course, many commercial remedies on the market, but did you know that there are also many already in your home?
 Since everyone’s skin has a slightly different chemical make-up, some remedies will work better than others – and for different people. Keep experimenting until you find the right one for you.
Do remember though, if a remedy doesn’t provide fast relief, don’t despair. Give it another try, sometimes it will take two or three applications before it kicks in.


1.  Rub a bar of soap over the itch. I just tried this (ivory soap) and the relief was near instant. I used a dry bar of soap directly on the skin, but I also have notes that you can spritz a bite with water and then run bar of soap over area –or use a wet bar of soap.
2.  Place a piece of scotch tape on the bite, or dab rubbing alcohol or ammonia on the bite first, then stick on a piece of tape.
3.  Hot water: Take a hot shower, or a hot bath, or apply a hot compress, as hot as you can stand it without burning you.
4.  Ice cube, ice pack or very cold water



‘Dabbers’ for itch relief
The quicker you can apply one of the remedies below, the faster the relief. These are topical suggestions, to be applied directly to the bite area.

Nail polish
Strong tea mixed with rubbing alcohol
Toothpaste  
Mouthwash
Vinegar (apply directly to bite or take a hot bath with 2 cups of vinegar in the water)
Honey
Underarm deodorant (solid or roll-on) - apply directly to bite area
Rubbing Alcohol
Ammonia
Bleach
Tea: Use a hot tea bag or a cotton ball soaked in hot tea to dab on bite area

Paste applications
Mix these fresh, then apply to bite as soon as possible. The consistency should be nice and thick so it won’t run, yet will still stay in place on the affected area. You could also spritz a bite with water then apply grains/powders directly (generously) and rub them in.

Baking soda & water
Meat tenderizer & water
Salt & water
Epsom salts & water (you could also do this as a foot soak if it’s the ankle/foot area affected)
‘Tums’ tablets: crush and add a few drops of water
Aspirin: crush then add a few drops of water
Aspirin - crush then apply with a few drops of rubbing alcohol

Commercial remedies

Calamine lotion
Benadryl cream
Orajel
Anbesol
Caladryl
Vicks VapoRub  
Preparation H  
Lucas Papaw ointment
Tiger Balm
Bag Balm
Gold Bond medicated cream (or the Gold Bond medicated powder)
Mylanta (heartburn relief product)
After Bite

Essential Oils for itch relief
Apply full strength directly to bite area, although there are concerns about using essential oils on children and pre-teens, especially repeated use.

Tea Tree oil
Lavender oil
Witch Hazel (astringent)
Cedar oil

Leaf and fruit applications
*Crush the fresh leaves roughly then apply to bite area
Basil
Plantains (Plantago)
Fruity Applications
*Use fresh fruit & apply directly to bite

Lemon juice
Lemon slice
Lime juice
Lime slice
Banana peel (rub inside of peel on bite)

The itch from mosquito bites comes from the insect’s saliva which it injects into you as it feasts on your blood. There are several dozen different species of mosquitoes and you may react to some species’ bites more than others.
If large swelling occurs (like welts), contact a doctor or pharmacist for suggestions (especially if it’s a child with a strong reaction). It could be an allergy to the bite. It’s important to watch the throat for swelling and get treatment as quickly as possible.

Mosquito bite prevention
Vanilla extract: There are a few different recommendations for this one, each contradicting the other. Some say to dab vanilla extract on your pulse points, others say to rub it all over your skin and dab your clothes. Some say the cheap stuff is what you have to use, others say the real, pure vanilla is the only thing that will work. Some say to apply it full strength, others say you can dilute it with water and spray it on. Play around with vanilla to see what gives you best results – there are plenty of believers for this one as a mosquito deterrent so I think there’s something to it.
Garlic: This isn’t a favorite thing to do day-to-day, but if you’re going camping or hiking through heavily mosquito-infested areas, try a garlic powder and water paste. Apply to pulse points, behind knees, on shoes and ankles and a dab or two on your cheeks or somewhere on your face and neck. Remember –keep out of the eyes (and maybe stay out of public places too!)
Essential Oils: Mix your choice of essential oils with rubbing alcohol, witch hazel or distilled water and spritz on the body or directly on a cloth to rub on body (shake before each use). Or add a few drops in baby oil or olive oil then rub on the skin. You can also apply drops along a strip of fabric (cotton) and tie around your wrist. *Make sure you avoid mouth and eye areas when using essential oils.
Citronella oil
Lavender oil
Catnip oil
Eucalyptus oil
Pennyroyal oil *Seems to be strongly recommended
Tansy oil *Seems to be strongly recommended
Basil oil
Thyme oil
Cedar oil
Tea Tree oil
Peppermint oil
Lemongrass oil

Plants which repel mosquitoes
Break off leaves and crush them roughly, rub them all over your clothes and skin. Toss the bruised leaves around the perimeter of your deck or patio. Also plant these in pots and arrange them around the patio. You could also infuse these in water and then use that as a spray.

Citronella
Lavender
Basil
Catnip
Pennyroyal
Tansy
Marigolds

Commercial products to repel mosquitoes
*(other than DEET items)
Avon’s Skin So Soft (straight or mix 50/50 with rubbing alcohol)
Bounce Sheets (hanging out of a pocket or waistband)
Listerine (mixed 50/50 with household vinegar then sprayed all over body)
Vicks VapoRub
You can purchase citronella torches to stand in the ground or set on table tops
Spray garlic powder and water all over the yard and bushes. Use a fertilizer hose attachment. Will need to be done bi-weekly (approx) or after a heavy rain.