34 Home Remedies for Bed Bug Bites

Bed bugs are insects that feast on human blood. When left in your living space, they can bite and leave marks on the skin.  The aftermath of bed bug bites include some of the following symptoms:

• Soreness
• Itching
• Redness
• Blisters
• Rashes
• Dry skin

How to Get Rid of Bed Bugs

House Cleaning

Bed bugs are easily transferred from one place to the other since they cling to materials and even, human hair. When they are present in the house, there is a need to turn up the entire house and clean it out.

Fumigation

The use of fumigation is one way to ensure that any eggs or larva of these insects is eliminated. However, these bugs are tough to eliminate and there is a need for repeated cleaning and fumigation to ensure that no remnant is left in the house.

The beddings, crevices of furniture and cabinets, all need to be cleaned out in order to expel any leftover bed bugs, It is suggested that you clean the house and have it safely fumigated at the beginning and end of the month to be safe.

Diatomaceous Earth

The use of diatomaceous earth is also recommended if you are looking for non-chemical means to rid your house of bed bugs.  It is reputed to have an effective impact on bed bugs.

You can spread this solution around your house and identified crevices where bed bugs are located. The solution helps to dehydrate bed bugs before killing them. Expect the full effect after about ten days of applying diatomaceous earth.

Vacuuming

Using vacuuming can help to clean up bed bug colonies as it sucks up any remnant of the insects including eggs. Furniture, rugs, beddings and open spaces can be cleaned up using the vacuum cleaner.

 

Home Remedies for Bed Bug Bites

1. Calamine Lotion

Calamine lotion is effective in the suppression of skin itch and insect bites. It contains ingredients that eliminate skin itchiness of any kind.  

To use this home remedy, clean your skin with cool water. Dry your skin. Rub the calamine lotion on your bed bug bites. Do this once in the morning and once before bed. Continue this pattern until your skin has completely healed.

 

2. Bentonite Clay

Bentonite clay has commendable anti-itching properties that tackle a range of skin conditions like blemishes, acne, scars, and irritation. It has been used for remedying insect bites and stings over the years.

Mix water and clay in a plastic bowl and whip till it becomes creamy. This paste should be applied to the affected area. When the paste dries up, wash off with cool water. Make sure you use pure bentonite clay with no additives. Use this as often as directed on the clay’s packaging.

3. Oatmeal

Oatmeal has soothing, anti-inflammatory and anti-irritation elements that will heal itchy skin and eliminate signs of inflammation.

To use this home remedy, simply add two cups of uncooked oatmeal to a warm bath. Soak in this bath for at least twenty minutes. Do this twice a day to get the best results.

4. Ghee

Ghee has components that fight inflammation, bacterial, fungi and other infections. They are capable of depressing any swelling and will soothe your membranes.

To ward off itching, get some ghee heated and use your index finger to apply around your affected skin. Wash your hand thoroughly with soap and water after use. You can reapply this remedy a few times daily until the itching stops.

 

5. Garlic

Garlic is well noted for antiseptic, antibacterial, and antifungal efficacy. That this makes it effective against any itching. To benefit from this home remedy, eat two cloves of garlic a day. You can eat garlic cooked in meals, raw garlic, or boiled garlic to get the best results.

 

6. Epsom Salt

Epsom salt is effective for dealing with a skin disorder and can eliminate psoriasis and eczema. Any itching and burning sensations are relieved with an Epsom salt treatment.

To use this home remedy, add two cups of Epsom salt to your bath. Do not add any soap to this bath. Soak in the bath for twenty minutes. Do this once a day for a week to heal your bed bug bites.

 

7. Coconut Oil

Coconut oil is abuzz with properties that stop inflammation, itching, fungi and bacterial activities. It also expels intestinal worms and can leave a soothing sensation on the affected areas after it is applied. Cook with coconut oil and drink three tablespoon measures on a daily basis. Alternatively, heat coconut oil and apply it to the affected spots a couple of times every day to ease the itch.

 

8. Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil is a natural infection-fighting agent, so it alleviates skin and any itching with its array of antibacterial, antifungal and anti-inflammation properties. Directly rub tea tree oil diluted in a carrier oil over the affected areas twice daily after a clean wash is recommended.

9. Water

Water is a natural solution to accumulated toxins in the human body. Digestion is only possible because of the presence of water in the human body. When you have bed bug bites, increasing your water intake will help you get early relief.

Ten glasses of water a day is essential to flush that will rid you of toxins and unhealthy bacteria. Wash your affected skin cleanly and make sure that it is free of grime.

 

10. Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar (ACV) is effective in controlling yeast and other infections which spur any itching. ACV also provides alkaline stability in your body. One way to use this home remedy is to add two tablespoons of ACV to a cup of water. Drink two glasses of this mixture a day to get the best results.

Alternatively, you can add ACV to your bathwater. Add one cup of ACV to your bathwater. Like the other baths on this list, soak in the water for twenty minutes to feel results. Do this once a day until your bed bug bites are healed.

 

11. Do not use Steroid Creams

Steroid creams are hyperactive and can lead to skin damage when used on sensitive spots leading to cracks and thinness. If your skin is open due to wounds, do not use these creams so that other infections do not result. Severe inflammation can also result from steroid cream use.  They are to be avoided on young children completely.

 

12. Yogurt

Probiotic yogurt that has good bacteria is recommended for use to control the infection growth on the affected site. When itching occurs, plain and unsweetened yogurt is best used as it serves as a remedy for this and other yeast infections.

Apply plain yogurt to the affected spot and wash off in the morning or after thirty minutes. Use warm water to rinse off and dry the site. Alternatively, you can eat three cups of yogurt each day.

 

13. Witch Hazel

Witch Hazel is easily procured from drug stores and it is a natural astringent that can alleviate itchiness and cleanse your skin. Clean the spot with a damp fabric. Rub witch hazel extract on your skin. Do this whenever you feel itchy.

14. Thyme

Thyme is a well-reviewed anti-inflammatory agent and it is capable of anesthetizing nerve endings so that inflammation is stymied. A tablespoon scoop of thyme leaves in dried form should be steeped in warm water measured in two cups. Use a clean fabric to drain this water and place on the irritated spot. Repeat this process a couple of times daily for relief.

 

15. Ice Packs

Ice packs are effective for any itch treatment as they reduce inflamed spots that are acute leading to itching relief. Make an ice pack and cover with a towel. Place the pack on your any area and repeat in fifteen minutes interval. Do this about every four hours to get the best results.

 

16. Avoid Scented Soaps

Scented soaps produce further irritation just like perfumes and deodorants when used on your sensitive skin. As soon as you notice any itching, stop scented soaps use and make use of unscented soaps. Chemical reactions normally result when affected spots are exposed to the ingredients that produce nice scents and this will aggravate your itching.

 

17. Dry your Skin

Dry water off from your affected skin so that irritation can be avoided and any itching put at bay. A hair dryer blows warm air and using it at low dry can expel moisture. Plain talc powder is also recommended to keep your affected skin dry. Cornstarch powder is not recommended as it leads to infections.

 

18. Peppermint

Itching of any kind gets relieved with the use of peppermint as it contains analgesic, antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, and soothing agents. Brew mint tea and apply to the affected spot. You can also use a paste of this mint or oil in lukewarm water and get immersed in it for thirty minutes for best outcomes.

19. Mouthwash

Mouthwash is another remedy that helps to relieve the symptoms of bed bug bites. Use a clean fabric dipped in water to wash the affected skin. Apply mouthwash using a cotton ball. Rub on the affected skin a couple of time each day. Do this daily until you get better.

 

20. Nail Polish

Nail polish might look like a weird option on the list. It is able to douse any itch once you apply it on the site of the bite. The skin should be cleaned with a damp fabric and apply the nail paint thereafter. Clear nail polish is best for this home remedy.

 

21. Toothpaste Dab

You can apply white toothpaste on insect bites to get some relief. Wipe your skin clean from grime. Apply the paste on the spot. Do this before you go to sleep or use if you will be indoors all day. This home remedy can be sticky, it is best not to use it if you are going to be out and about.

 

22. Lemon Juice

Lemon juice contains citric and acetic acid and can eliminate harmful bacteria that cause any itch. Apply lemon juice by rubbing directly on the affected spot after you have cleansed with water. Allow the lemon juice to dry off and repeat once more every day until you are relieved.

 

23.  Aloe Vera Gel

Aloe vera is an anti-inflammatory, calming, and soothing herb which relieves irritation from any causal agent. Rub this gel on your affected skin and massage for about five minutes. Repeat this procedure after a few hours to relieve the soreness and itching.

24. Milk Mix

Milk has loads of inflammation and microbe busters and like honey; it will soften and moisturize itchy and dry skin. Honey and milk should be mixed in equal measures and rubbed on the affected spot. After twenty minutes, rinse off the milk. Do this as often as needed to treat itching.

 

25. Petroleum Jelly

Petroleum jelly causes a layer of lubrication to result around your affected skin so that friction and irritation is reduced. At any time you have a sensation of irritation, apply the petroleum jelly immediately around the affected spot gently. The cooling sensation will reduce burning and itching.

Use this remedy twice daily to deepen the relieving effects. If the itching is severe, use a combination of two or more remedies on this outline.

 

26. Don’t Scratch

The first intuitive response when itching occurs is to scratch but you need to build a response of no-scratch so that you don’t aggravate the condition. When you about to sleep, wear hand gloves to keep your fingernails at bay

 

27. Cloves and Berries

Cloves and berries have many anti-inflammatory agents which can keep itching at bay when applied to any affected spot. To use this home remedy, mix the following ingredients and heat up the mixture on the stove. Once cooked, allow the mix to cool. Put this mixture on your skin before bed. In the morning, take a shower to rinse off the mixture. Do this every night until you no longer have bed bug bites.

Ingredients:

• 6 Tbs. melted unsalted butter
• Melted beeswax
• 3 Tbs. juniper berries (ground)
• 3 Tbs. cloves (ground)

 

28. Diet Control

Foods rich in Vitamin C should be avoided when you notice any itch. Also,  stay away from liquor, soda, beer, and other alcoholic beverages. A two-week break from the mentioned foods should be ensured and only restore them gradually.

29. Fruit Peels

You can also get relief from any itching when you use fruit peels like watermelon rinds, and orange and banana peels. Rub these peels on the spot to get some relief. Wash off after twenty minutes using lukewarm water. Repeat the process a couple of times daily.

 

30. Dress Lightly

If the impact of the bites already affects your skin, it is recommended that you dress as light as possible. This will enable your skin to breathe easily and not get clobbered by heat and worsen the symptoms.

 

31. Eggs

Eggs can be broken and the soft gel used to get relief from itchy insect bites. Clean off your skin with cool water. Next, scramble a raw egg. Dip a cotton ball into the egg and rub it on your skin. Once the egg dries, rinse it off. Do this once a day until your bed bug bites heal.

 

32. Salt

Salt can be used to douse pains that arise from an insect sting and bites. What you need to do is to have it made into a paste before applying it.

Get a teaspoon of salt in a saucer. Add a teaspoon of water. Make it into a paste. Wipe the site of the bite with a clean fabric. Apply the paste of salt. You will experience a stinging sensation but this will be doused after a few minutes. Do this as often as needed to reduce itching.

 

33. Tea Bags

Tea contains toxin-expelling properties that can come to the fore when you need to attend to bed bug bites.  The presence of tannins makes tea bags a good choice as they are capable of diffusing the effect of toxins. Tannins are excellent anti-inflammatory agents and they also have the capacity to eliminate bacteria effects.

Wipe the site clean with damp fabric. Place two tea bags in a cup of warm water. Bring out the tea bags and place them on the spot after a minute to allow them to cool off. Repeat the process a few times each day for lasting effects.

 

34. Basil

Basil is well-reviewed for its healing properties. It is also commonly mentioned in outlines of herbal remedies around the globe. To use this home remedy, grate some basil and make it into a paste. Rub this paste on your bed bug bites. DO this once a day to reduce the irritation of the bites.

Which of these home remedies sound best to you? Comment below!

 

References

https://homeremedyshop.com/bed-bug-bites-itch/

https://www.homeremedyhacks.com/34-easy-home-remedies-to-get-rid-of-bed-bug-bites/

http://www.searchhomeremedy.com/11-simple-home-remedies-for-getting-rid-of-bed-bug-bites/

http://www.emedicinehealth.com/bedbugs/article_em.htm

http://www.howhunter.com/skin-care/10-ways-to-get-rid-of-bed-bug-bites-fast-and-naturally/

http://www.naturallivingideas.com/home-remedies-for-bed-bugs/