STOP BUGGING ME!

I don't know about everyone else's household, but my family, especially my kiddos, attract bugs like no other. My 4 year old son stepped in an ant bed on Friday and my 2 year old got stung by something on Saturday. Needless to say, my family is constantly fighting off these little critters!

9 Home Remedies for Bug Bites & Stings

After researching, I discovered these 9 home remedies that will help your family fight off the aftermath of these pesky bug bites and stings!

1. Banana Peel

Use a banana peel to take away the sting or itch of a bug bite. After peeling, place the inside of the peel directly to the bite. Leave it on the bite for about 90 minutes and then apply hand sanitizer to the area of the bite to help with the itching.

2. Ice Pack

Applying direct ice or an ice pack will help with the inflammation of the bite or sting. Using ice can be used in conjunction with any other method on this list.

3. Baking Soda

Add water to some baking soda to make a paste. Apply over and around the bite. Please note: DO NOT use this remedy on any bites or stings that are an open wound!

4. Natural Oils

I would recommend Lavender Oils and Tea Tree Oils. Lavender Oils are natural anti-inflammatories and Tea Tree Oils help to disenfect an area. Oils can be applied to the bitten or stung areas with a cotton swab.

5. Toothpaste

Using a dab of toothpaste (not gel) can help relieve some of the pain of a sting or a bite. Do not apply this using your toothbrush lol. Use the tip of your finger :)

6. Preparation H Cream

Preparation H is designed to help relieve itch, swelling, and pain. If you happen to have some in your medicine cabinet it is worth trying! Dab a bit directly onto the bite or sting.

7. Mouthwash

Soak a cotton ball with mouthwash and apply directly to the bite or sting. Use a mouthwash that contains antiseptic to make sure the area does not get infected. Many of you may have heard to use rubbing alcohol on a bite or sting. This is basically the same concept.

8. Mud

Make sure the mud is a good paste. If it is more of a dirt consistency you may want to add water. Apply directly to the bite or sting and let dry. Wash area when completely dry and the itch should be gone!

9. Aspirin

 Aspirin is not only a pain reliever but an anti-inflammatory too. Crush up some aspirin and add water to make a paste. Apply the paste directly to the bite or sting. Cover the bite or sting with a bandaid and leave on for several hours or overnight. This should stop the itching and swelling!

These are just some easy and convenient ways to help yourself and your kids fight off the aftermath of a bug bite or sting. As a parent, I will recommend that you have some liquid Benadryl on hand incase your child has immediate swelling. I always give my boys the directed dosage to resist a bad reaction. Any of the above is basically a topical form of treatment to help sooth the area and can be used with the correct dosage of Benadryl. Hope these home remedies become a useful way to get instant relief!