13 Proven Ways to Stop Mosquito Bites from Itching
Mosquito bites are never pleasant, especially when they start to itch. The itching can be so intense that it's hard to resist scratching, which can lead to further irritation and even infection. If you're tired of dealing with the constant itching and scratching, here are some tips on how to stop mosquito bites from itching.
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Apply Garlic
Garlic has natural anti-inflammatory properties that can help to reduce swelling and itching from mosquito bites. To use garlic as a remedy, simply crush a clove of garlic and apply it directly to the bite. Alternatively, you can mix a small amount of crushed garlic with a carrier oil, such as coconut oil, and apply it to the bite.
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Use Chamomile Tea
Chamomile tea has natural calming and anti-inflammatory properties that can help to soothe the itching of mosquito bites. To use chamomile tea as a remedy, steep a tea bag in hot water for a few minutes, then allow it to cool. Once the tea has cooled, you can apply it to the bite using a cotton ball or cloth. Alternatively, you can place the cooled tea bag directly on the bite.
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Use Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar has natural astringent and anti-inflammatory properties that can help to reduce swelling and itching from mosquito bites. To use apple cider vinegar as a remedy, simply apply a small amount of vinegar to the bite using a cotton ball or directly with a dropper. You can also mix a small amount of vinegar with water and apply it to the bite using a cloth or cotton ball.
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Use Oatmeal
The anti-inflammatory properties that can help to reduce swelling and itching from mosquito bites. To use oatmeal as a remedy, you can create a paste by mixing a small amount of oatmeal with water. Then, apply the paste to the bite and allow it to sit for a few minutes before rinsing it off. Alternatively, you can add a small amount of oatmeal to your bathwater and soak in the tub to help relieve the itching of multiple mosquito bites.
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Apply Calamine Lotion
Calamine lotion is a popular over-the-counter medication that can be used to relieve the itching of mosquito bites. It works by drying out the blisters and providing a cool, soothing sensation. To use calamine lotion as a remedy, simply apply a small amount of lotion to the bite and allow it to dry. Be sure to follow the instructions on the package, as some calamine lotions can cause further irritation if used too frequently.
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Use a cold compress
If you do end up getting bitten by a mosquito, one of the quickest ways to stop the itching is to use a cold compress. This can help to reduce swelling and numb the affected area, making it less itchy. You can also try using a cold spoon or a bag of frozen vegetables.
Using a cold compress |
Description |
Cold compress |
Soak a cloth in cold water, wring it out, and apply it to the bite |
Cold spoon |
Place a spoon in the freezer for a few minutes, then apply it to the bite |
Frozen vegetables |
Use a bag of frozen vegetables, such as peas or corn, as a cold compress |
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Apply an anti-itch cream
There are many over-the-counter creams and ointments that can help to relieve the itching of mosquito bites. Some popular options include hydrocortisone cream, calamine lotion, and topical antihistamines. Be sure to follow the instructions on the packaging, as some creams can cause further irritation if used too frequently.
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Use a mosquito repellent
The first step in preventing mosquito bites is to use a mosquito repellent. There are many different options available, including sprays, lotions, and even wristbands. Some popular ingredients to look for in a mosquito repellent include DEET, picaridin, and lemon eucalyptus oil.
Mosquito repellents
Repellent type |
Active ingredients |
Spray |
DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus |
Lotion |
DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus |
Wristbands |
DEET, citronella |
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Avoid scratching
It can be tempting to scratch a mosquito bite as soon as it starts to itch, but this can actually make the itching worse. Scratching can also cause the bite to become infected, so it's important to resist the urge. If you find it hard to stop scratching, you can try wearing gloves or using a rubber band around your wrist to snap whenever you feel the urge to scratch.
Tips for avoiding scratching
Tip |
Description |
Wear gloves |
Cover your hands with gloves to prevent scratching |
Use a rubber band |
Place a rubber band around your wrist and snap it every time you feel the urge to scratch |
Trim your nails |
Keep your nails trimmed short to prevent accidental scratching |
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Take an antihistamine
If the itching is severe or doesn't go away after a few days, you may want to try taking an antihistamine. These medications can help to reduce inflammation and relieve itching. Be sure to follow the instructions on the package, as some antihistamines can cause drowsiness.
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Use natural remedies
There are a number of natural remedies that can help to stop mosquito bites from itching. Some popular options include applying a paste made from baking soda and water, using a mixture of vinegar and water, or rubbing a slice of raw onion on the bite.
Natural remedies for mosquito bites
Remedy |
Description |
Baking soda paste |
Mix baking soda and water to create a paste, apply to bite |
Vinegar |
Apply vinegar to bite using a cotton ball or directly with a dropper |
Raw onion |
Rub a slice of raw onion on the bite |
Essential oils |
Apply a small amount of tea tree or eucalyptus oil to the bite, or mix with a carrier oil |
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Use essential oils
Certain essential oils, such as tea tree oil and eucalyptus oil, have anti-inflammatory properties that can help to reduce swelling and itching. You can apply a small amount of the oil directly to the bite or mix it with a carrier oil, such as coconut oil, before applying.
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Avoid heat and sweating
Finally, it's important to avoid activities that can cause you to sweat or get hot, as this can make mosquito bites itchier. Try to stay in a cool, dry place and avoid exercising or doing other activitiesthat may cause you to sweat.
How to avoid mosquitos
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Wear protective clothing
In addition to using a mosquito repellent, you can also protect yourself from bites by wearing long sleeves and pants. This can help to reduce the amount of skin that is exposed to mosquitoes. You can also try wearing light-colored clothing, as mosquitoes are attracted to dark colors.
Protective clothing for mosquito prevention
Clothing type |
Description |
Long sleeves and pants |
Cover exposed skin to reduce amount of skin available for mosquito bites |
Light-colored clothing |
Mosquitoes are attracted to dark colors, so wear light-colored clothing to blend in with surroundings |
Mosquito netting |
Cover beds or patios with mosquito netting to keep mosquitoes out |
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Fix screens and doors
Fixing screens and doors is an important prevention measure when it comes to stopping mosquitoes from biting, as mosquitoes can easily enter homes through small openings or holes in screens or doors. Here are some tips for fixing screens and doors to prevent mosquito bites:
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Inspect screens regularly: To prevent mosquitoes from getting through your screens, it is important to inspect them regularly for holes or tears. Look for any damage or wear and tear and be sure to fix any issues as soon as possible.
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Repair holes and tears: If you find holes or tears in your screens, they can usually be repaired fairly easily with a screen repair kit or a small patch of screen material. Simply cut a patch of screen material slightly larger than the hole and use the included adhesive or a small amount of rubber cement to attach the patch to the screen.
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Replace damaged screens: If your screens are severely damaged or beyond repair, it may be necessary to replace them. Measure the dimensions of your screen frames and purchase new screens that will fit properly. Use a spline tool to attach the new screens to the frame, making sure that the screens are taut and free of wrinkles or sags.
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Check door and window seals: Mosquitoes can also enter through gaps around doors and windows, so it is important to check the seals around these openings and fix any issues. Use a sealant or weatherstripping to fill in any gaps or cracks, and make sure that doors and windows close tightly.
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Use mosquito netting: If you have screens that are in good condition but still want an extra layer of protection, consider using mosquito netting over your doors and windows. Mosquito netting is a fine mesh fabric that prevents mosquitoes from getting through, and it can be easily attached to door and window frames using hooks or clips.
Fixing screens and doors is an effective way to prevent mosquitoes from entering your home and biting you. Regularly inspecting your screens and repairing any holes or tears, as well as checking the seals around doors and windows, can help keep mosquitoes out and reduce the risk of bites. Using mosquito netting is another option that can provide an extra layer of protection.
Materials needed for this job
Task |
Materials needed |
Inspect screens regularly |
None |
Repair holes and tears in screens |
Screen repair kit or patch of screen material |
Replace damaged screens |
New screens, spline tool |
Check door and window seals |
Sealant or weatherstripping |
Use mosquito netting over doors and windows |
Mosquito netting, hooks or clips |
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Get mosquito-repellent plants
Using mosquito-repellent plants is a natural and effective way to prevent mosquitoes from biting, as these plants produce oils that can help repel mosquitoes. Here are some tips for using mosquito-repellent plants to prevent bites:
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Plant mosquito-repellent plants around outdoor living areas: Some of the most effective mosquito-repellent plants include citronella, lemongrass, marigolds, and catnip. These plants can be planted around outdoor living areas such as patios, decks, and porches to create a natural barrier against mosquitoes.
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Use mosquito-repellent plant oils: If you don't have room to plant mosquito-repellent plants, you can also use essential oils made from these plants to repel mosquitoes. Citronella, lemongrass, and peppermint oils can be used in DIY mosquito repellent sprays, or you can use oil burners or diffusers to release the oils into the air.
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Crush and rub mosquito-repellent plants: Some mosquito-repellent plants, such as basil and rosemary, can be crushed and rubbed on the skin to help repel mosquitoes. Simply crush a few leaves of the plant and rub them on your skin, or mix the crushed leaves with a carrier oil such as coconut oil to make a natural insect repellent.
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Keep plants well-watered and healthy: To ensure that your mosquito-repellent plants are effective at repelling mosquitoes, it is important to keep them well-watered and healthy. Water plants regularly, and fertilize them as needed to keep them strong and vigorous.
In summary, using mosquito-repellent plants is a natural and effective way to prevent mosquito bites. Planting these types of plants around outdoor living areas, using essential oils made from these plants, or crushing and rubbing the plants on your skin can all help repel mosquitoes and reduce the risk of bites. Be sure to keep the plants well-watered and healthy to maximize their effectiveness.
Task |
Materials needed |
Plant mosquito-repellent plants around outdoor living areas |
Mosquito-repellent plants, soil, pots or garden bed |
Use mosquito-repellent plant oils |
Essential oils, oil burners or diffusers |
Crush and rub mosquito-repellent plants on skin |
Mosquito-repellent plants, carrier oil (optional) |
Keep plants well-watered and healthy |
Water, fertilizer (optional) |
Keep your environment mosquito-free
There are a few things you can do to reduce the number of mosquitoes in your environment. First, get rid of any standing water around your home, as this is where mosquitoes lay their eggs. You can also use mosquito netting over your bed or patio to keep mosquitoes out.
Tips for staying cool and avoiding sweating
Tip |
Description |
Stay in a cool, dry place |
Avoid being outside in hot, humid conditions, or stay in an air-conditioned environment |
Wear loose, lightweight clothing |
Tight, synthetic clothing can trap heat and cause sweating, so opt for loose, natural fabrics |
Avoid strenuous activity |
Exercising or doing other activities that cause sweating can make mosquito bites itchier, so take it easy during the hottest part of the day |
The link between diet and mosquito bites
Did you know that what you eat and drink can affect how attractive you are to mosquitoes? There are certain foods and drinks that can make you more attractive to these pesky insects, including sweet and sugary foods, alcohol, and even certain types of fruit. On the other hand, there are also foods that can help to repel mosquitoes, such as garlic, basil, and peppermint.
Attractive to mosquitoes |
Repels mosquitoes |
Sweet and sugary foods |
Garlic |
Alcohol |
Basil |
Certain types of fruit |
Peppermint |
The role of allergies in mosquito bite reactions
For some people, mosquito bites can lead to a more severe reaction due to allergies. Symptoms of an allergic reaction to a mosquito bite may include redness, swelling, and hives at the bite site, as well as difficulty breathing and a rash on other parts of the body. If you experience any of these symptoms after a mosquito bite, it's important to seek medical attention as soon as possible.
Symptoms of an allergic reaction |
Redness and swelling at bite site |
Hives at bite site |
Difficulty breathing |
Rash on other parts of body |
The importance of proper mosquito bite treatment
Proper treatment of mosquito bites is important for a number of reasons. First and foremost, it can help to prevent infection. When you scratch a mosquito bite, you risk breaking the skin and introducing bacteria, which can lead to an infection.
Proper treatment can also help to reduce inflammation and alleviate the itching, making it easier to resist the urge to scratch. Additionally, proper treatment can help to prevent the spread of diseases such as malaria and Zika virus, which are transmitted by mosquitoes.
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Conclusion
There are many ways to stop mosquito bites from itching. The key is to take preventive measures, such as using a mosquito repellent and wearing protective clothing, to avoid getting bitten in the first place. If you do get bitten, try using a cold compress, applying an anti-itch cream, or taking an antihistamine to relieve the itching. You can also try natural remedies, such as baking soda paste or essential oils, or simply avoid scratching and activities that may cause sweating. With these tips, you can enjoy a mosquito-free summer without the constant irritation of itchy bites.