When summer rolls around we spend more time out doors and that makes mosquitos and other bugs a definite problem. Not only do they bite, but they can carry diseases such as West Nile virus or malaria.
Some people have no trouble handling a mosquito bite and after a few days the bite will disappear without any trouble. Others may have a serious reaction including hives, infection and in severe cases may suffer from anaphylactic shock.
How can I prevent a Mosquito Bite?
- Stay indoors during dawn and dusk when mosquitos are most prevalent.
- Avoid thick shrubs and standing water
- Frequently empty pet bowls, bird baths, etc. Mosquito’s lay their eggs in water that is not freshly changed on a regular basis.
- Dress in light colored and loose fitting clothing.
- Use an insect repellent. Cinnamon leaf oil, vanilla extract with olive oil, citronella oil, and catnip oil are all excellent repellants.
- Eat lots of garlic! It will make you less appetizing.
- Supplement with vitamin B1 to make yourself less appetizing.
What are the symptoms of a Mosquito Bite?
- Swelling and redness at the site of the bite
- Low grade fever
- Swelling in the lymph nodes
- Hives
How Do I Treat a Mosquito Bite?
- Use an ice pack. While heat also helps to fight off the itching, when you step out of the shower or remove a heat pack it will cause a second histamine reaction that might actually make the itching worse.
- Tea tree oil helps to combat itching and swelling and is antibacterial and antiviral so it helps to combat mosquito bite related illnesses too.
- Don’t have tea tree oil? Lavender oil works just as well.
- Use a cotton ball and wipe apple cider vinegar over a bite or use two to three cups of it in a bath for bites all over the body.
- Honey helps to reduce the itching and is naturally antibacterial which means it helps fight off disease! Spread it over a bite and let set before rinsing off.
- Tannin in tea bags helps to ease swelling by drawing out fluid. So make yourself a cup of tea and then use the lightly cooled tea bag against the bite.
- Make a paste of baking soda and water and apply to the bite. It will help rebalance your pH and get ride of the soreness.
- Mix baking soda and witch hazel into a paste for the best results.
- Use crushed up fresh basil leaves or basil essential oil to relieve itching from a mosquito bite.
- You can use lemon or orange juice to help combat a bite but be careful. Only use citrus remedies indoors as they can cause blisters on your skin when exposed to sunlight.
- Mint, whether in a dab of toothpaste or crushed fresh from the plant, when applied to a bite provides a gentle cooling feeling that helps to get ride of pain and itch.
- Skim milk and water applied with a clean rag will help to soothe and relieve itching.
- Aloe vera is also great for treating itching and swelling. Plus it’s soothing so it will take any burn out of the bite as well.
- Calendula helps to soothe and rejuvenate after a bite.
- Chamomile helps to soothe, plus you can have it in a tea and use the tea bag against your skin!
