another rare problem caused by a mosquito bite is a negative reaction to the bite itself. spoon some paste onto a washcloth and hold it, paste-side down, on the irritated skin for about 10 minutes. you can also put a barrier, such as a washcloth, between your skin and the ice so you can leave the ice on the bite longer. apply it to the bug bite, and let it sit for 10 minutes before washing it away. if you need more relief, try soaking a washcloth in cold water and vinegar, and then applying it to the bite. cut a slice from an onion — the type doesn’t matter — and apply it directly to the bite for several minutes.

women's health may earn commission from the links on this page, but we only feature products we believe in. (keep in mind, however, that if a bug bite turns into an itchy rash all over your body, that's a sign of a more generalized response by your immune system, which could require medical attention, says dr. this natural oil is capable of alleviating itching, pain, and swelling, according to dermatologist neal schultz, md. if you don’t mind a bit of stickiness, honey is an anti-inflammatory and can make the itching a little less tempting, says board-certified dermatologist whitney bowe, md. these fruit powerhouses provide itch relief and are antibacterial, says dr. schultz. dr. schultz says dabbing a few drops of lavender oil to the itchy or painful bite can help dull the sensation—and help you resist touching and picking at it.

if you live near a polar ice cap, you’ll never have to worry about mosquitoes, bees, wasps, or spiders. for some bugs, insect repellent is an effective deterrent. if you know you’ve been bitten by a spider, try to memorize its appearance. whether or not you have a severe reaction, get medical attention right away.

female mosquitoes usually bite animals and humans to suck a small amount of their blood. mosquitoes require protein and iron from blood to produce eggs. the eggs then undergo various stages to develop into adult mosquitoes. a few mosquitoes act as a vector to spread diseases like: cream and ointments can alleviate the aftereffects of mosquito bites. baking soda can soothe the itching, stinging, and redness associated with mosquito bites. baking soda is an ingredient in most over the counter creams. it has been known to reduce inflammation and redness associated with mosquito bites. mix one tablespoon of arnica tincture in half a liter of water, and apply it on the site to soothe itching and redness. putting a drop of honey and spreading it on the affected site help to reduce inflammation and prevent infection.

for me, i lump all stinging and biting creatures into this bug category, so i choose to use the general definition of "bugs" to include all insects and insect-like invertebrates that bite or sting. some people are more susceptible to bug bites than others. bites or stings from bees, hornets, fire ants, wasps, yellow jackets , some spiders (brown recluse and black widow, most notably) and scorpions produce symptoms that can range from mild to severe. with some "bugs" (for example, mosquitos, ticks, flies, and "kissing bugs") the bites themselves are not the problem, but the infectious agents that are transmitted by the bite (for example, bacteria, viruses, and parasites) that cause diseases are the real problem. the best way to "treat" bug bites is to avoid being bitten.