Local Exterminator
Learn How To Get Rid Of Mosquito Bites
Sara M. George

Have you ever come back from a trip and been covered in mosquito bites? Mosquito bites can be very annoying and turn into an itching war with your body. When you come into contact with mosquitoes, it’s inevitable that they will latch onto you and bite your skin. After you obtain a mosquito bite, figuring out how to get rid of them is the next step. The itching and swelling can last for a few days depending on how your immune system handles the bites. Here, Local Exterminator Services discusses mosquito prevention and ways to get rid of mosquito bites in 2022.

Why Do Mosquito Bites Itch?

Mosquito bites are allergic reactions to the mosquito’s saliva (anticoagulant). Most humans are allergic to mosquitos and their saliva, which is why mosquito bites exist. When our bodies are confronted with an allergen, they produce a histamine, an inflammatory protein. Your body sends red and white blood cells to fight the potential infection, which results in a bit of swelling and itching. A big reason why mosquito bites can be itchy is how we respond to the bites themselves. When you have a mosquito bite, it’s best to avoid rubbing or scratching it. Doing this only makes the itch worse. It’s important to follow steps and tips to reduce a mosquito bite itch.

How Long Do Mosquito Bites Last?

Most mosquito bites will heal within 7-10 days, but with proper care, people have been able to reduce that time. Once bitten, it’s crucial to wash and cool the mosquito bites immediately. Resist the urge to scratch them as much as possible. If they start getting itchy, cool them or apply hydrocortisone and soothing topicals for relief. Whatever you do, keep them clean.

Learn How To Get Rid Of Mosquito Bites

Get Rid Of Mosquito Bites

Mosquitoes and flying insects can put a damper on outdoor fun. While it’s almost impossible to avoid these pesky pests altogether, knowing how to treat mosquito bites at home can help alleviate the itch and make you feel more comfortable. Here are a few effective treatments and home remedies for mosquito bites:

  • Antihistamine Cream – Antihistamine cream is available at most drug stores. They are used to relieve mosquito bite itching. Antihistamine cream blocks histamines with its key ingredient, diphenhydramine. CAUTION: Check with your doctor to make sure you are not allergic to certain key ingredients.
  • Rubbing Alcohol – Another quick trick to stop mosquito bites from itching is to apply rubbing alcohol to your bug bite as soon as you feel it. When the alcohol dries, it feels cool on your skin, giving you a bit of relief in seconds.
  • Ice Packs & Cold Compresses – Holding ice packs or cold compresses against your bites can help reduce swelling and minimize discomfort. Apply them to your mosquito bite for 10 to 15 minutes at a time to stop the itch before it starts.
  • Toothpaste – Using toothpaste on mosquito bites can actually works! The menthol in toothpaste can calm the itchiness, and this home remedy for bug bites can help people who can tolerate it.
  • Aloe Vera – Aloe vera is a natural antiseptic that can soothe the itch and calm the sting of bites. For extra-special soothing properties, put the aloe vera in the refrigerator before use; that coolness takes some of the heat out of mosquito bites.
  • Baking Soda Paste – Create a paste with baking soda and water, and apply it to your bite. The mixture produces an alkaline that neutralizes the pH on your skin, thereby relieving the itch response.
  • Lemon Juice & Vinegar – Lemon juice or vinegar can also feel soothing when applied to bites. Be careful around open cuts or wounds; dabbing these acidic compounds onto broken skin may sting and likely feel worse than the itching.
  • Essential Oils – Tea tree oil, a natural antiseptic, is fantastic to put on bug bites. Lavender is another calming oil that can help reduce inflammation.
  • Honey – Honey serves as a natural antiseptic and antibacterial ointment to prevent infected mosquito bites.
  • Oatmeal Bath – Soaking in a cool or lukewarm tub with oatmeal can also stop the itching and irritation of mosquito bites and other causes of skin irritation. You can also make a paste of oatmeal similar to the one with baking soda.

Mosquito Bite Prevention

Mosquito bites can spread dangerous diseases like Zika virus, dengue, Lyme disease, and malaria. Particularly if you’re visiting areas with known insect-borne diseases, it’s important to take steps to reduce your risk. To help prevent mosquito bites:

  1. Use insect repellent.  To protect against mosquitoes, use insect repellent that contains 20 to 30 percent DEET on exposed skin and clothing. Always follow the instructions on the repellent and reapply as directed.
  2. Wear appropriate clothing.  If you know you’re going to be out at night or hiking in a densely-wooded area, dress appropriately to prevent bug bites. Cover exposed skin as much as possible by wearing long-sleeved shirts, pants, socks and closed shoes instead of sandals.
  3. Use mosquito nets.  If sleeping in the great outdoors, use bed nets to protect against mosquitoes. Look for one that has been pre-treated with pyrethroid insecticide. If it doesn’t reach the floor, tuck it under the mattress for maximum protection.
  4. Pay attention to outbreaks.  Check the  CDC Travel Health Notices  website and heed travel warnings and recommendations.

Need Mosquito Control? Call Us Today!

Depending on seasonal temperatures, mosquito activity can last into October. We can help with professional mosquito service control treatments tailored to your home or business. Our botanical treatments are applied to bushes, shrubs, trees and all common natural surfaces around your home where mosquitoes are most likely to land. Natural water sources where mosquitoes breed can also be treated for prevention. If you do have a mosquito infestation, be sure to contact Local Exterminator to perform a mosquito treatment on your home or commercial property. Local Exterminator. can inspect, identify, and treat the problem. Give us a call today!

5 Real Ways to Eat Bugs

5 Real Ways to Eat Bugs

by Gian K • 13 November 2023
Like many people, you’ve probably seen one too many episodes of Fear Factor. Watching someone uneasily crunch down on a cockroach while immersed in a tank of them is enough to put anyone off the idea of eating insects… as if you needed a reason to avoid eating them in the first place. Despite what… Read More » The post 5 Real Ways to Eat Bugs first appeared on Local Exterminator.
5 Pointers for Defeating Rodents

5 Pointers for Defeating Rodents

by Mac W • 12 November 2023
When you hear “mice and rats,” what words come to mind? Annoying? Filthy? Scary? Disgusting? How about dangerous? As it turns out, your fear of rodents isn’t irrational—they are dangerous. Rodents are common vectors for diseases, fleas, germs, and other filth. There’s a reason restaurants are required to be rodent-free: these vermin can pose a… Read More » The post 5 Pointers for Defeating Rodents first appeared on Local Exterminator.
Share by: