8 Home Remedies For Bug Bites, Signs, Symptoms, & Risk Factors

Be it spiders, bees, ticks, mosquitoes, or chiggers, insect bites are unpleasant. The bug bites not only hurt; they may even cause skin problems. And if they wind up activating the immune system, it might have profound implications. You can try simple home remedies for minor bug bites. However, if a bug bite appears to be serious or causes other medical symptoms, see a doctor right away. In this article, we will look at the signs, types, causes, and risk factors for bug bites. Additionally, we will also explore some of the different treatment options and tips to avoid bug bites in the long run. Scroll down to read further.

Signs And Symptoms

Bites from insects like mosquitoes and bees can trigger mild symptoms. The initial contact can be painful, and this is usually followed by an allergic reaction to the substance deposited by the insect on your skin.

While most of these encounters hardly cause anything more than minor discomfort, a few cases can be quite lethal if you are extremely allergic to the deposits of the insect on your skin.

The common symptoms of an insect bite include:

• Swelling
• A rash or redness
• Pain in the affected area
• Heat on and/or around the site of the bite or sting
• Itchiness
• Tingling sensation in the bitten area
• Numbness

Other symptoms that may call for a medical emergency are:

• Fever
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Unconsciousness
• Confusion
• Muscle spasms
• Rapidly beating heart
• Swollen lips and/or throat

If you end up developing flu-like symptoms in the days following an insect bite, see your doctor immediately to rule out the possibility of any infection that you may have contracted from the insect.

The following section will give you an idea of the different types of insect bites and their allergic reactions on the skin.

Pictures Of Different Types Of Insect Bites

1. Mosquito Bite

A mosquito bite has the following characteristics:

• The bite may be small, puffy, and round.
• The bump can look red, swollen, and itchy.

There could be multiple bites in the same area.

2. Fire Ant Bite

Fire ant bites may require immediate medical attention. They

• Are swollen and red
• May develop a blister
• Can sting, burn, itch, and may last up to a week
• Can cause an allergic reaction in some individuals, which may result in swelling, itching, and breathing difficulties

3. Flea Bite

Flea bites are:

• Found in clusters in the lower legs and feet
• Itchy and red, often surrounded by a red halo

The symptoms surface almost immediately post being bitten.

4. Bedbug Bite

Bedbug bites can cause an itchy rash that may:

• Be red and swollen with a dark-red center
• Appear in a line or in groups
• Result in itchy hives or blisters

5. Tick Bite

The symptoms of a tick bite are as follows:

• It may cause swelling and pain.
• It can lead to the formation of a rash.
• Other reactions may include a burning sensation, formation of blisters, and/or difficulty in breathing.
• The tick often remains attached to the bite site for a long time.
• The bites rarely occur in groups..

6. Bee Sting

A bee sting can cause:

• Redness, swelling, and pain
• Itchiness
• A white spot at the site of the sting

Interestingly, a bee can only sting once.

7. Wasp Sting

The symptoms associated with a wasp bite are:

• Redness, swelling, burning, itching, and sharp pain at the affected site
• A raised welt around the affected site

Wasps can sting an individual multiple times.

What causes these allergic reactions from insect bites? Let’s find out.

What Causes Reactions To Bites And Stings?

When an insect bites or stings you, its venom gets injected into your body. This foreign substance causes your immune system to respond. The immediate reaction of your body to this invasion is mild redness and swelling at the affected site. It is also why bug bites itch as part of the same immune response.

In people who are extremely sensitive to an insect’s venom, the injected venom can also result in a potentially fatal condition called anaphylactic shock. This can cause your throat to tighten and may make it difficult for you to breathe.

If the venom happens to contain any infectious agents, it can also cause infections.

Let us now understand which people are at high risk of getting bug bites.

Risk Factors

Almost anybody can get an insect bite as such occurrences are very common.

Your risk may increase if you spend most of your time outdoors. Your risk also increases if you are visiting the woods or a rural village that has a lot of bugs and insects in the surroundings.

Your age is another risk factor for bug bites as older adults and children exhibit more severe reactions.

Quick Tip

If you experience a red, donut-shaped rash on your skin, then it could be a sign of Lyme disease due to a tick bite and should be treated with antibiotics.

Diagnosis For Bites And Stings

It is recommended that you preserve the insect if it happens to die after biting or stinging you. However, do not provoke an insect if it is in the attacking mode – like in the case of honey bees.

Preserving the insect becomes important if it is poisonous, like some species of spiders. Some spider bites may release a dangerously potent venom that can cause severe symptoms. In such situations, preserving the bug can help your doctor diagnose your symptoms faster.

Once the cause of your symptoms is established, your doctor may then move on to prescribing suitable treatment options.

Treatment

Most bug or insect bites can be easily treated at home if the symptoms are mild and manageable. If a stinger is lodged in your skin, remove it and apply an ice pack to the stung area.

In some cases, your doctor may also prescribe a topical anti-itch cream, pain relievers, or antihistamine to manage the symptoms.

If the symptoms are severe, or if they are triggered by bites of poisonous insects like a scorpion or spiders like the black widow or brown recluse, contact emergency services immediately.

Bites or stings with milder symptoms can be treated right at home. The following are some home remedies that can help with the swelling, itching, and pain associated with most bug bites.

How To Get Rid Of Bug Bites Naturally

1. Essential Oils
2. Baking Soda
3. Apple Cider Vinegar
4. Aloe Vera
5. Honey
6. Rubbing Alcohol
7. Turmeric

Home Remedies To Treat Bug Bites

1. Essential Oils

a. Tea Tree Oil

You Will Need

• 2 drops of tea tree oil
• 1 teaspoon of coconut oil or any other carrier oil

What You Have To Do

1. Mix two drops of tea tree oil with a teaspoon of any carrier oil.
2. Apply the mixture to the affected area and leave it on.

How Often You Should Do This

You can do this 1-2 times daily.

Why This Works

The anti-inflammatory nature of tea tree oil can help soothe the swelling and pain in the bug-bitten area (1). Its insect repellent properties can also prevent further bites or stings (2).

b. Neem Oil

You Will Need

• 1-2 drops of neem oil
• 1 teaspoon of coconut oil or any other carrier oil

What You Have To Do

1. Add one to two drops of neem oil to a teaspoon of any carrier oil.
2. Mix well and apply it to the affected area.
3. Leave it on until it dries.

How Often You Should Do This

You may do this 1-2 times daily.

Why This Works

Neem oil and other neem formulations are quite popular insect repellents, especially in the case of mosquitoes (3). Its anti-inflammatory properties can also soothe the swelling and inflammation caused by insect bites (4).

In addition to these essential oils, you may also try lavender, chamomile, calendula, witch hazel, peppermint, and eucalyptus to help treat bug bites (5), (6), (7), (8), (9).

2. Baking Soda

You Will Need

• 1 teaspoon of baking soda
• 3 teaspoons of water
• Cotton balls

What You Have To Do

1. Mix a teaspoon of baking soda with three teaspoons of water.
2. Dip a cotton ball into this solution and apply it to the affected area.
3. Leave it on until it dries completely.

How Often You Should Do This

You can do this 2-3 times daily.

Why This Works

Baking soda or sodium bicarbonate is an age-old home remedy to relieve insect bites (10). Its alkaline nature can help relieve the itchiness and inflammation in the affected area.

3. Apple Cider Vinegar

You Will Need

• 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon of water
• Cotton balls

What You Have To Do

1. Mix a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar with a tablespoon of water.
2. Dip a cotton ball into the mixture.
3. Apply the mixture to the affected area.
4. Leave it on for at least 20-30 minutes before rinsing it off with water.

How Often You Should Do This

You may do this 2-3 times daily.

Why This Works

The anti-inflammatory nature of apple cider vinegar can help reduce swelling in the affected area, and its antimicrobial activities can prevent further infection (11), (12).

4. Aloe Vera

You Will Need

• Freshly extracted aloe vera gel (as required)
• Cotton swabs

What You Have To Do

1. Using a cotton swab, apply some aloe vera gel directly to the affected area.
2. Leave it on for at least 30 minutes before rinsing it off.

How Often You Should Do This

You may do this 2-3 times daily.

Why This Works

The soothing and anti-inflammatory nature of aloe vera gel (herbal remedy) can help in alleviating inflammation, swelling, and pain associated with bug or insect bites (13).

5. Honey

You Will Need

• 1 teaspoon of organic honey
• Cotton swabs

What You Have To Do

1. Dip a cotton swab into a teaspoon of organic honey.
2. Apply it to the affected area. Leave it on for 30 minutes.
3. Rinse it off with water.

How Often You Should Do This

You can do this multiple times daily.

Why This Works

Honey possesses significant anti-inflammatory properties and is a popular home remedy that can help in soothing insect bites (14), (10).

6. Rubbing Alcohol

You Will Need

• Rubbing alcohol (as required)
• Cotton balls

What You Have To Do

1. Soak a cotton ball in rubbing alcohol.
2. Apply it to the affected area.
3. Leave it on.

How Often You Should Do This

You can do this 1-2 times daily.

Why This Works

Rubbing alcohol is used topically to relieve the itching caused by insect bites and prevent any further microbial infections at the affected site (10).

7. Turmeric

You Will Need

• 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder
• A little water

What You Have To Do

1. Add a little water to a teaspoon of turmeric powder.
2. Mix well to form a thick paste.
3. Apply the paste to the affected area and leave it on for 20-30 minutes.
4. Rinse it off.

How Often You Should Do This

You can do this 1 to 2 times daily.

Why This Works

The active component of turmeric is curcumin. Curcumin possesses anti-inflammatory and soothing properties that can relieve the symptoms of an insect bite (15). Additionally, it also has insect-repellent properties (16).

8. Oatmeal

You Will Need

• 1 tablespoon of powdered oatmeal
• 1 tablespoon of warm water
• A clean washcloth

What You Have To Do

1. Make a paste by mixing the oatmeal and water in a bowl. If you need more paste, just ensure you add an equal ratio of oatmeal and water.
2. Apply the paste on the affected areas and press down with the washcloth for 5-10 minutes.
3. Wipe the area clean.

How Often You Should Do This

You can do this as many times as required.

Why This Works

Oatmeal contains phenolic compounds that have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-itching properties (17). This makes oatmeal a popular soothing, anti-irritant ingredient for relieving the discomfort caused by bug bites.

These remedies can definitely help alleviate the symptoms of bug bites.

However, if you want to steer clear of bug bites altogether, listed below are some prevention tips that may help.

Tips To Avoid Bug Bites And Stings

When you are outdoors, consider the following:

• Be cautious when you are near nests or hives and hire professionals to get rid of them.
• Wear clothing that covers your body fully.
• Avoid floral patterns. Wear neutral colors.
• Avoid using perfumes and scented lotions.
• Keep all the eatables and drinks covered.
• Use an insect repellent.

Quick Tip

If you sleep outdoors, use bed nets. They form a protective barrier and help avoid mosquito and insect bites.

Did this post address all your queries about insect bites? Share your thoughts and feedback with us in the comments section below.

Infographic: How To Prevent Bug Bites – A Few Tips

Bugs and insects carry all sorts of germs and diseases with them. Not to mention the constant itchiness you feel when bit.

Follow simple steps to avoid getting bug bites, like practicing good hygiene. Check out the infographic below to learn a few tips on preventing bug bites.

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Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

Get the high-quality PDF version of this infographic.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take for bedbug bites to show?

While some people may develop a reaction within a few days of being bitten by bedbugs, for some, the symptoms may not develop for as long as 14 days.

What insect bites cause swelling?

The reaction of insect bites usually depends on the type of insects and an individual’s sensitivity to the bite. Bites from insects like mosquitoes, fire ants, bedbugs, ticks, horseflies, wasps, and bees are known to cause swelling.

What is the best ointment for insect bites?

Over-the-counter antihistamines like diphenhydramine (Benadryl) and the popular Calamine lotion are often used to soothe the reaction from an insect bite.

Does toothpaste help bug bites?

Anecdotal evidence suggests using toothpaste can help soothe bug bites. The antiseptic properties of toothpaste may provide quick relief from bug bites.

Does Listerine help bug bites?

No. Listerine does not help treat bug bites.

Does hydrogen peroxide help bug bites?

Hydrogen peroxide has antiseptic and disinfectant properties (18). Therefore, it may help treat bug bites and soothe itching.

Does deodorant help bug bites?

No, deodorants cannot help treat bug bites. However, applying them may repel some insects.

How long does an infected bug bite take to heal?

Usually, bug bites take only a few days to heal. But the infected ones may take around 1-2 weeks.

Image: Stable Diffusion/StyleCraze Design Team

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Learn cool tips to deal with bug bite itch! Get relief from pesky bug bites with the easy and effective tips provided in the following video.

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