Natural Remedies for Bug Bites

Join Julie Polanco on this episode of Crunchy Christian Podcast as she discusses natural remedies for bug bites. She talks about natural repellents, mosquito bites, and bee stings.

Natural Remedies for Bug Bites

Natural Bug Repellent

First, you can minimize your exposure by wearing long, light colored clothing and sealing all “entrances” whenever you are in an environment where there are lots of bugs. That means a white, long-sleeved shirt, white neck kerchief, and tan or other light-colored pants tucked inside your socks or boots. You can also help protect yourself by staying indoors at dusk, the time when most mosquitos come out. Bees are easier to spot and so they are easier to avoid most of the time. Ticks can be more difficult, but if your body is covered (even your head), you reduce the risk of getting bitten by a tick.

In addition to wearing long clothes and a hat, you can use a natural bug repellent that won’t irritate your skin and will keep insects at bay. It doesn’t kill bugs, it only keeps them away because they find the smell unpleasant.

DIY Bug Spray

To make your own bug spray, combine the following essential oils in equal amounts: Citronella,

Clove, Eucalyptus, Rosemary, Mint, Lavender, and Cedar. It’s fine to add about 3-4 drops of each in a 4 oz. spray bottle and add water. Don’t just spray your skin, but your clothes, too. Remember, essential oils are produced by plants to protect themselves from disease and pests. That’s why they can protect you, too. And, just like any other bug repellent, you need to re-spray at least every two hours. The alternative to natural repellents is DEET based sprays. On the show, Julie talks a bit about DEET and how it was developed.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Another natural option to repel mosquitoes from your skin and keep them from biting you is with apple cider vinegar. This is all natural and won’t harm your skin, though you should test it on a small area first to make sure you don’t get an allergic reaction. You can rub it directly on your skin, but if you don’t like the smell, you can also dilute it with some water first. If you start adding apple cider vinegar to your foods or your water, you can actually build up an odor in your skin that mosquitoes and flies hate and they will eventually leave you alone. In addition to apple cider vinegar, eating lots of garlic and avoiding sugar can also help repel mosquitoes.

Bee Stings

First, of course, is to try to avoid getting stung. If a bee is near you, do not agitate the bee by waving your arms around. Try moving to another area. If they see you as a threat, bees release chemicals into the air that alert other bees. You don’t want that! Since sweet smells attract them, as well as certain types of patterns on clothes, keep that in mind. If a bee stings you, don’t panic. Try one of these natural remedies for bug bites. And, if your affected body part starts swelling abnormally, seek immediate medical attention! You are allergic.

Plantain

This weed is found almost everywhere and in a pinch, can be chewed and applied directly to the site. In fact, my son was stung by a bee on a hike once. We didn’t have anything with us, but plantain grew everywhere. I pulled up some leaves, chewed them, and applied the poultice to the site. Don’t you just love how plants are always there to help us?

Meat tenderizer

When I was a child, this was my mom’s home remedy. She made a paste with it and applied it directly to the sting site. After about 20 minutes or so, the sting went away and the swelling went down.

On the podcast, Julie talks about a few other natural ways to deal with the itching and swelling. Tune in and get relief!

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