Few things are more annoying than the itching and scratching that accompanies a big, juicy mosquito bite. When a mosquito bites us, we itch due to the mosquito's saliva that gets left behind. The foreign saliva causes your body to produce histamine, which creates an itchy welt on the skin. Fortunately, there are several natural home remedies for mosquito bites.

12 Remedies to Treat Mosquito Bites at Home

Here are some of my favorite and most-effective natural ways for relieving and treating painful and itchy mosquito bites. I've been using these remedies for years, as the mosquitos can become very abundant here in Texas. You may be surprised to find that most of these remedies are common things that you can easily find in your home.

1. Vinegar

When you first notice the itchy bite, try applying a small amount of vinegar directly to the bump. If you have many bites, you may want to take a very hot bath in a tub filled with water and 2 1/2 cups of vinegar. I recommend organic apple cider vinegar.

2. Aloe

Aloe vera is another excellent remedy for mosquito bites, as well as many other conditions. Not only will it help ease the itching and swelling from the bit, but it will also aid in healing the wound. You can use fresh inner leaf gel directly from an aloe plant or organic aloe juice. They both work well at providing relief.

3. A Dry Bar of Soap

Another remedy for mosquito bites is to rub a bar of dry soap directly on the bite. This will help provide temporary relief to the itching. Remember to wash it off thoroughly after the itch fades away.

4. Baking Soda & Water

Make a thick paste of baking soda and water and apply this paste generously to the affected area. You should feel the swelling and itching subside shortly afterward.

5. Onion

Other than making you produce tears, a fresh slice of onion can also help take the sting out of a bite. Simply place a fresh slice on the affected area for several minutes until the itching subsides. Be sure to wash the area thoroughly afterward.

6. Toothpaste

For quick relief from mosquito bites, try applying a small amount of all-natural peppermint or neem-based toothpaste. Allow the paste to dry and leave for as long as desired.

7. Raw Honey

Take a small amount of honey and apply directly to the bite. Honey also has antimicrobial properties that can help prevent infection. I recommend using local raw honey.

8. Lime & Lemons

I usually apply a small amount of lime juice directly to the bites. Lemon juice also works well. I have also heard that rubbing the bite with the lemon or lime peel helps, but I usually prefer to use the juice. This also helps in keeping the wound from becoming infected from the grit and grime of fingernails.

9. Essential Oils

There are many essential oils that can help provide temporary relief for mosquito bites. My favorites are tea tree, rosemary, neem, lavender, witch hazel, and cedar oil. Take a small amount and dilute it with water, then apply directly to the bite.

10. Salt Paste

Take finely ground salt and mix with a small amount of water until you have a thick paste. Apply this salt paste directly to bite. I use Himalayan salt and find it works best, but iodized salt will also work. The important thing is to make sure it's finely ground.

11. Garlic

Try rubbing a piece of raw garlic on the bite. It is possible that you will feel a small amount of mild burning, but you should feel some major relief afterward. This is not one that I use with my children and is wise to use caution when using this natural remedy. The smell of garlic (and neem) will also help repel the mosquitoes from biting you more later.

12. Ozonated Olive Oil

Ozonated olive oil is a natural health remedy in which olive oil is slowly infused with ozone (O 3 ) over a period of 3 to 6 months. This process changes the oil to an off-white topical cream that can soothe a variety of conditions. It speeds healing and alleviates swelling and redness from insect bites. [1] Simply apply the cream directly to the bite, and the itching and swelling should stop within minutes. If you’re interested in ozonated olive oil, try O2-Zap®, Global Healing’s own ozonated olive oil formula. O2-Zap is 100 percent organic, non-toxic, and environmentally friendly.

References (1) Boland-Nazar NS, et al. "An in Vitro Evaluation of Ozonized Organic Extra-Virgin Olive Oil on Giardia Lamblia Cysts." Jundishapur Journal of Microbiology, vol. 9, no. 11, Sept. 2016. Accessed 9 Feb. 2017.

†Results may vary. Information and statements made are for education purposes and are not intended to replace the advice of your doctor. If you have a severe medical condition or health concern, see your physician.