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This past Sunday was a gorgeous day in Boston. People were venturing out of their homes to spend the day outside. Bikes were out, skateboards were everywhere and our dog was basking in the warm sunshine.
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We were all hanging out outside until around 6 pm; then it got ugly. The mosquitoes swarmed-and I mean swarmed. When we all couldn’t bare it any longer we went inside to deal with the massive amounts of red bumps that were covering our bodies. Mosquito bites.
Why mosquitoes bite
Did you know only female mosquitoes bite? Proteins in human blood are necessary for the female mosquito to produce fertile eggs. Their male counterparts don’t lay eggs so there’s no need to bite.
Back to the red welts…….
I happen to be one of those people that mosquitoes can’t live without. I’m usually bitten several times in or around the same spot. The bites turn into big, red welts that are incredibly itchy. I then force my children to use their nails to place a big X over the bites-remember that trick? It works, but unfortunately the bites start to itch again after a few seconds.
Solutions for itchy bug bites
There are quite a few non-toxic remedies for an itchy bug bite.
- Make a paste of baking soda and water and put a little dab on the bug bite.
- Apply a cold compress-either an ice pack or a washcloth doused in cold water.
- Put a little toothpaste on your bug bite.
- Rub a piece of sliced onion on the bite. You might need to shower after this remedy!
- Apply apple cider vinegar on a cotton ball to the bite.
- Rub a bar of wet or dry soap over the bite.
- Place cool mud on the affected spot or spots.
If the bite gets infected be sure to contact your physician.
If you’re going to use bug repellent when you venture outside this spring and summer, make sure it’s DEET free [3].
What tips do you have for itchy bug bites?
photo credit: the lake [4] via photopin [5] (license) [6]