How to Get Rid of Bug Bites

PDF download Download Article
PDF download Download Article

All types of bugs bite — mosquitoes, black flies, horse flies, fleas, mites, chiggers, bedbugs, ticks, etc. — and not a single one of them is any fun. While the bite or sting itself may not be too bad, the swelling and itching afterwards can be extremely annoying. Thankfully, there are a lot of things you can do, with and without medical supplies, to help relieve the pain and itching of a bug bite and eventually get rid of the bite altogether.

Method 1
Method 1 of 4:

Treating a Bug Bite

PDF download Download Article
  1. Before doing anything else, thoroughly clean the area where the bite occurred. Use soap and warm water to do this. If there’s swelling in the area of the bug bite, you can put a cold compress or ice pack on the bite to help reduce the swelling. The cold will also temporarily help relieve the pain and itching. [1]
    • Apply a cold compress or ice pack for a maximum of 10 minutes at a time.
      After the 10 minutes of application, leave it off for another 10 minutes. Do this rotation for up to an hour.
  2. The bite area will most likely be itchy and you will be tempted to scratch — don’t.
    Do your absolute best to resist the urge to scratch.
    Unfortunately, scratching a bug bite can make things worse by causing an infection. [2]
    Advertisement
  3. If the bite continues to be itchy, you can apply
    calamine lotion, a topical antihistamine, or a corticosteroid cream
    to help relieve it. All of these lotions and creams are available as over-the-counter medications at your local pharmacy. If you aren’t sure which one might work best for you, talk to your pharmacist. [3]
  4. You can take acetaminophen (e.g. Tylenol), ibuprofen (i.e. Advil), or an antihistamine (e.g. Claritin) orally if you need to relieve the pain or itching. [4]
    • If you take a daily allergy medication, be careful if you want to take an additional antihistamine. Check with your doctor or pharmacist if you can increase the dose, or combine it safely with another type of medication.
  5. Applying a homemade baking soda paste to your bite can help to draw out toxins and relieve itching. [5] It has been said that it can also speed up the healing process.

    Making a Baking Soda and Salt Paste
    Mix 2 parts baking soda with 1 part salt.
    Then, mix with just enough water to stir into a thick paste. [6]
    Apply the paste with a cotton swab directly to the insect bite.
    Wash the paste off after 15 to 20 minutes.

  6. Yes, you read that right! Mix a non-seasoned meat tenderizer with warm water until it forms a paste. Apply that paste directly to the insect bite to help ease the itching. Wash the paste off after 15 to 20 minutes. [7]
  7. Steep a tea bag for a short time in warm water, then apply the wet tea bag to the insect bite to help relieve the itching. If you used the tea bag for an actual cup of tea first, make sure it’s cooled down enough before putting it on your skin. Leave the tea bag on your skin for 15 to 20 minutes. [8]
  8. There are several fruits and vegetables that contain enzymes that may help reduce swelling and itching. Try one of the following options: [9]
    • Papaya — Lay a slice on the bug bite for an hour.
    • Onion — Rub a slice of onion on the bug bite.
    • Garlic — Crush a clove of garlic and apply the garlic to the bug bite.
  9. Immediately after the bite has happened, soak the area in apple cider vinegar (if possible) for a few minutes. When the bite is still bothering you, pour apple cider vinegar on a cotton ball, and tape the cotton ball on top of the bug bite with a bandaid. [10]
  10. Use a spoon or a mortar and pestle to crush a pill of aspirin. Add some water to turn the powder into a paste, then apply the paste to the bite. You can leave the paste on your skin (similar to what you would do with calamine lotion) and wash it off when you have your next shower or bath. [11]
  11. Put one drop of tea tree oil onto the bite once day. This may not help with the itching, but it may help reduce and eliminate the swelling. [12]
    • As an alternative, use one to two drops of lavender or peppermint oil to help stop the itching.
    12. Advertisement
Method 2
Method 2 of 4:

Dealing With a Tick Bite

PDF download Download Article
  1. Ticks live outdoors and are very small. Unlike other bugs, they don’t just bite and leave. They embed themselves into the skin and continue to feed off their human host. They like small, hairy areas like: the scalp, behind the ear, in the armpit or groin, between fingers and toes. When checking for ticks, start in these areas, but check your whole body just to be sure. [13]
  2. The tick must be removed from its human host. The person who has been bitten will likely need assistance from another person, especially if the tick is someplace hard to reach. Do not touch the tick with bare hands. [14]

    How to Remove a Tick
    If you are alone, nervous, unsure, or do not have the proper tools, go to a health care practitioner to have the tick removed. Unless a serious allergic reaction is involved, you do not need to go to the ER.
    Grab the tick , by its mouth or head, with a pair of tweezers. Try to grab the tick as close to the skin as you possibly can.Do not squeeze the tick with the tweezers.
    Pull up on the tick slowly and gently in a straight direction — do not twist.
    Remove any remaining parts from the skin if the tick breaks apart.
    Do not discard the tick , even if it breaks apart.
    Do not use things like: petroleum jelly, solvents, knives, or matches.

  3. Yes, you should keep the tick temporarily. Because ticks can carry diseases like Lyme disease, you may wish to have the tick tested if you show signs of Lyme disease, or even if you don't. If it tests positive for anything, you may need additional medical treatment. [15]
    • Place the tick in a plastic baggie or small container (e.g. empty pill bottle, etc.).
    • If the tick is still alive, store it in the fridge for up to 10 days. [16]
    • If the tick is dead, store it in the freezer for up to 10 days.
    • If you aren’t able to submit the tick within 10 days, throw it out. Even frozen or refrigerated ticks won’t be viable for testing after 10 days.
  4. If the tick is embedded deep in the skin, or someone was only able to remove a portion of the tick, you’ll need to go to the doctor and have it removed. You should also go to your doctor if you have any of the symptoms of Lyme disease. [17]

    Signs of Lyme Disease
    Initial sign: a bulls-eye pattern rash.
    Common symptoms: fatigue, fever or chills, headaches, spasms or weakness, numbness or tingling, swollen lymph nodes. [18]
    More severe symptoms: impaired cognitive function, nervous system disorders, arthritic symptoms, and/or an abnormal heartbeat.

  5. Use soap and water to wash the area of the tick bite. Apply some type of antiseptic to the area to disinfect the bite. You can use
    rubbing alcohol, hand sanitizer, etc.
    Make sure to wash your hands after you’ve completed this step. [19]
  6. Testing is usually done by your local public health authority. Check with your health department to see if testing is available in your area. The public health lab will start by checking what type of tick it is, as only some carry diseases. If the tick is of concern, they may then perform tests, or send it to a national lab for further tests. [20]
    • If you live in Canada in a province that does not have a provincial lab that tests ticks, you can submit the tick directly to the National Microbiology Laboratory (NML) for testing. Follow the instructions on the Government of Canada website to submit a tick to the NML.
    • If you live in the United States, each state’s public health department will have a procedure on how to submit a tick for testing. Check your state’s public health website for detailed instructions.
    • If you show signs of infection
      but are still waiting on the results of the tick test,
      do not delay treatment,
      and remember that false negatives are possible, or you may even have been bitten by another tick and not be aware.
    7. Advertisement
Method 3
Method 3 of 4:

Preventing Bug Bites

PDF download Download Article
  1. Some bugs are attracted to certain scents, or just the fact that something smells different from what they’re used to.
    Avoid wearing any perfume or scented lotions
    and creams when outdoors.
  2. Insect repellent comes in both spray and lotion versions. Use insect repellent before going outdoors to help prevent bugs from landing on you in the first place. The spray is easier to cover your whole body, as it can also be sprayed directly onto your clothing. However, the lotion can be applied directly to your skin and can be targeted at exposed areas.
    • Read the instructions for the repellent lotion as to whether you can use it on your face. Never apply it near your eyes.
    • Insect repellent that contains
      DEET is the most effective.
    • Wait at least 30 minutes before applying the repellent if you’ve just applied sunscreen.
  3. In addition to wearing long-sleeved shirts and long pants, you can also wear clothing specifically designed to keep the bugs out. This special clothing includes a hat with thin netting that comes down to cover your face, neck, and shoulders. If you’re going to an area with a lot of bugs, this might be a better option than repellent.
    • You can also tuck your pants into your socks to keep the bugs from biting your ankles.
  4. Water that’s built up in puddles and ditches, or any water that isn’t moving with a current, can become breeding grounds for mosquito eggs. If there’s standing water on your property, remove it to help eliminate the possibility of mosquitoes. If you’re outdoors, avoid areas with standing water if you can.
  5. Candles made with
    citronella, linalool, and geraniol
    have all been shown to keep bugs, mainly mosquitoes, away. In fact, there are studies that show citronella reduces the number of female mosquitoes in the area by 35%, linalool reduces the number by 65%, and geraniol reduces the number by 82%!
    • They even make citronella-scented badges that you can wear on your clothing.
  6. There are some essential oils that are known to help repel bugs, and when combined with water can be applied to your skin to help keep the bugs away. You can also try an essential oil diffuser instead of a candle.
    • The following essential oils work to repel bugs: eucalyptus, clove, citronella, neem oil or cream, and camphor and menthol gels.
    • If you’re applying a solution directly to your skin, be careful to keep it away from your eyes.
    7. Advertisement
Method 4
Method 4 of 4:

Identifying What To Do

PDF download Download Article
  1. While this may seem quite obvious, it is important to be sure you’re treating a bug bite and not something else, like poison ivy. Plus, some symptoms may be similar to other medical conditions, especially if you are allergic to the bug that bit you. [21]

    Symptoms to Watch For
    You can experience one, some, all, or even none of these symptoms, depending on how you personally react to the specific bug and bite. [22]
    Symptoms on or near the bite wound: pain, swelling, redness, itching, warmth, hives, and/or small amounts of bleeding.
    Serious symptoms that could indicate a life-threatening allergy to the bug bite: coughing, tickling in the throat, tightness in the throat or chest, breathing problems, wheezing, nausea or vomiting, dizziness or fainting, sweating, anxiety, and/or itching and a rash somewhere else on your body other than the bite area. [23]

  2. If someone was
    stung inside the mouth, nose or throat, or is experiencing a possible severe allergic reaction, call 911 or 999 or take the person to the ER
    right away. People who are suffering in this way may need medical intervention to help them breathe, and will likely need some sort of medication in order to alleviate the symptoms (e.g. epinephrine, corticosteroids, etc.). [24]
    • If the person who was stung has a known allergy to certain bug bites, she may carry an EpiPen (a portable shot which delivers epinephrine) with her. If she has one, follow the instructions on the EpiPen to administer the medication to the person immediately.
    • The person must still see a doctor immediately, even if you have administered a shot of epinephrine.
  3. If the person who was stung is not having a serious allergic reaction (or wasn’t stung inside his airway) he may be okay temporarily. If he starts to experience any of the following symptoms, he may need to go to the doctor for further treatment. [25]
    • Secondary infections can be caused by itching and causing a break in the skin through which bacteria can enter. The skin is the first layer of defense against infection.
    • Persistent pain or itching, fever, signs of infection at the bug bite location.
    • As an example, if this person has an infection, he will most likely need antibiotics in order to fight that infection.
    4. Advertisement

Expert Q&A

Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Video

      Reader Videos

      Tips

      • If the bug that has come into contact with your skin is a flying insect like a bee or wasp, be sure to remove the stinger from your skin before performing any of the above-noted remedies. You can use tweezers to do this if your fingers don’t work. [26]
        Thanks
        Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0

      Tips from our Readers

      The advice in this section is based on the lived experiences of wikiHow readers like you. If you have a helpful tip you’d like to share on wikiHow, please submit it in the field below.
      • Rubbing alcohol prevents the big bites from getting worse, and also dries them out. Apply rubbing alcohol to the part of a bandage that is used to hold blood from a cut. Now put the bandage on the bite with the alcohol-soaked part directly on the bite.
      • A hot spoon will help make the bite itch less. Use hot water to warm a metal spoon, dry it off, and set the back of the spoon against the bite.
      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
      Advertisement

      You Might Also Like

      Something Bit Me! Common Insect Bites (with Pictures)
      How to
      Treat Bed Bug Bites
      How to
      Identify a Spider Bite
      How to
      Identify and Treat Recluse (Fiddleback) Spider Bites
      How to
      Heal a Bitten Tongue Fast: Expert Advice
      How to
      Know if a Pet Bite Is Serious
      Treating No-See-Um Bites: Simple Home Remedies to Try
      How to
      Treat a Caterpillar Sting
      Sand Flea Bites: Treatment, Prevention, & More
      How to
      Identify Bed Bug Bites
      How to
      Survive a Lion Attack
      How to
      Treat a Cat Bite
      How to
      Treat a Fire Ant Sting
      Effective Ways to Kill & Repel No-See-Ums In Your House & Yard
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/injured-skin/bites/prevent-treat-bug-bites
      2. ↑ http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Bites-insect/Pages/Treatment.aspx
      3. ↑ https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/insect-bites-and-stings/treatment/
      4. ↑ http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/healthlibrary/conditions/adult/pediatrics/bites_and_stings_insects_85,p01032/
      5. ↑ https://www.seattlechildrens.org/conditions/a-z/insect-bite/
      6. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wXM1iFXS1eQ&feature=youtu.be&t=41s
      7. ↑ http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/healthlibrary/conditions/adult/pediatrics/bites_and_stings_insects_85,p01032/
      8. ↑ http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/healthlibrary/conditions/adult/pediatrics/bites_and_stings_insects_85,p01032/
      9. ↑ http://www.besthealthmag.ca/best-you/home-remedies/natural-home-remedies-insect-and-spider-bites
      1. ↑ http://www.besthealthmag.ca/best-you/home-remedies/natural-home-remedies-insect-and-spider-bites
      2. ↑ http://www.besthealthmag.ca/best-you/home-remedies/natural-home-remedies-insect-and-spider-bites
      3. ↑ http://www.besthealthmag.ca/best-you/home-remedies/natural-home-remedies-insect-and-spider-bites
      4. ↑ https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/insect-bites-and-stings/treatment
      5. ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/7234-tick-bites#management-and-treatment
      6. ↑ http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/healthlibrary/conditions/adult/pediatrics/bites_and_stings_insects_85,p01032/
      7. ↑ https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/lyme-disease/removing-submitting-ticks-testing.html
      8. ↑ https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/lyme-disease/removing-submitting-ticks-testing.html
      9. ↑ https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/lyme-disease.html
      10. ↑ https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/lyme-disease/removing-submitting-ticks-testing.html
      11. ↑ https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/lyme-disease/removing-submitting-ticks-testing.html
      12. ↑ http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/healthlibrary/conditions/adult/pediatrics/bites_and_stings_insects_85,p01032/
      13. ↑ http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/healthlibrary/conditions/adult/pediatrics/bites_and_stings_insects_85,p01032/
      14. ↑ http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/healthlibrary/conditions/adult/pediatrics/bites_and_stings_insects_85,p01032/
      15. ↑ http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/healthlibrary/conditions/adult/pediatrics/bites_and_stings_insects_85,p01032/
      16. ↑ http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/healthlibrary/conditions/adult/pediatrics/bites_and_stings_insects_85,p01032/
      17. ↑ http://www.medicinenet.com/bug_bite_treatment-page2/views.htm

      About This Article

      In other languages
      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 789,995 times.

      Reader Success Stories

      • Scarlett Marquez

        Jun 17, 2017

        "This whole article has helped me and my bug bites. I may have gotten a disease from the big bite, but all the ..." more
      More reader stories Hide reader stories
      Share your story

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement