As native New Englanders, we know that mosquito bites are as much a part of summer as swimming, fireworks and cookouts. We’ve all been there, you’re enjoying some time outside and you suddenly realize (if you are lucky) that something is biting you. For the next 2-4 days, you will now be the proud owner of a pesky, itchy mosquito bite. Below we have 5 all-natural treatments that we hope help alleviate your discomfort.
Only female mosquitoes bite to suck blood. Mosquitoes inject a proboscis, similar to a tiny needle, which sucks up small amounts of blood while releasing an anti-clotting agent. Your body then releases histamine, which creates that painfully itchy bump.
The data behind why some people are more attractive to mosquitoes than others is still being researched but all of the following seem to have an increased risk of a mosquito bite:
- Children
- Pregnant Women
- People with Type O blood (studies show they get bitten twice as frequently as people with type A)
- People wearing some deodorants, perfumes, soaps, and other applied fragrances
- Smelly Feet
- Beer Drinkers
- Wearing Bright Colors
- Sweat (Lactic Acid)
The best way to prevent mosquito bites naturally is to avoid the bugs themselves and know your own risk. However, at Pure Solutions, we know as well as anyone that no matter how many precautions you take – mosquito bites are somewhat inevitable. This is why we offer organic tick and mosquito spray treatments for properties around New England, to help eliminate mosquitoes from your property before you get bit.
When a bite does happen, an all-natural mosquito bite treatment can really help to settle the swelling and itchiness from the bite. Below we put together a list of our top 5 all-natural mosquito bite treatments.
1. Essential Oils
Given that we utilize essential oils in our organic mosquito spray, we know how effective and helpful essential oils can be. Tea Tree oil in particular has antiseptic properties that help treat a variety of skin-related issues. According to the Mayo Clinic “When used topically, tea tree oil is believed to be antibacterial. Tea tree oil is commonly used to treat acne, athlete's foot, lice, nail fungus and insect bites.”
Simply dab some on to a cotton ball and rub it over the area of the mosquito bite to provide some relief. People also have success with Lavender and Peppermint essential oils.
2. Ice
Ice, the all-around injury treatment - after you receive a mosquito bite, many times it feels hot, itchy and uncomfortable. In general, you do NOT want to scratch the bite, you risk opening a wound up on your body and that can invite infection. Your best bet is to quickly grab an ice pack and apply it to the bite – not only will this immediately provide some relief from the itch but it also will help combat the swelling. The CDC states that you should “Apply an ice pack for 10 minutes to reduce swelling and itching. Reapply ice pack as needed.”
3. Aloe Vera
What would we do without Aloe Vera in the summertime? This plant has been soothing sunburns for generations however the same properties that make it great for sunburns also apply to mosquito bites. The anti-inflammatory properties of the Aloe plant help heal the bitten area, provide some pain relief and reduce swelling according to the National Library of Medicine. You can purchase Aloe-Vera gel or you can get it directly from the plant itself.
4. Basil
Who would have known that such a commonly found garden herb would also double as a mosquito bite home remedy? Basil has anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, and antimicrobial properties all help to fight against the painful redness and itchiness that accompanies an insect bite. Herbazest suggests the following to make an easy basil poultice:
- Place fresh basil leaves in a mortar and crush them with the pestle until they release juices and turn into a paste. Alternatively, you may place the leaves on a cutting board and crush them with a rolling pin. (5 minutes)
- Place the mixture directly on mosquito bites, cover with a clean cloth, and wrap with the bandage so that the poultice stays in place. Leave it on for about 20 minutes. (2 minutes)
*Bonus – Basil also repels mosquitoes, so having basil planted around your property naturally helps ward them off!
5. Baking Soda
Another common household item that is readily available to most people is baking soda. Long known to help treat poison ivy and other rashes, it also works great as a natural mosquito bite treatment. Baking Sodas chemical properties are great at soothing the itchy, warm discomfort that accompanies a mosquito bite. WebMD states “You can also make your own paste of one part baking soda to three parts water."
All of the above are great natural, home remedies to help treat the negative effects of a mosquito bite. However, the most effective treatments are those that eliminate mosquito populations before they can bite. Here at Pure Solutions, we provide all-natural, organic mosquito control solutions that have been successful for over 10 years in minimizing the impact of mosquitoes on properties throughout New England. If you would like to learn more or get a free quote please click here! 
