A simple, natural, and inexpensive bug repellent and bite neutralizer. It can help mosquito bites not itch and gnat bites not get infected.
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Backstory
My first child has always loved to play outside. I remember when he was about 1 year old, he was outside playing at his water table, and I noticed he had some big bumps on the back of his neck near his hairline.
I kept a watchful eye on the insect bites, and they continued to grow as the days dragged on. I took him to the doctor, and it turns out it was some nasty gnat bites. I never knew gnat bites could look that bad!!
After getting some topical cream from the doctor, I started looking up ways to prevent this from happening again. I knew keeping my little guy inside wouldn’t work, so I had to figure something else out.
Home Remedies
Through my searching, I found that there are many home remedies out there that I could try, to hopefully reduce the need for topical creams such as antibiotic creams, hydrocortisone cream, or an oral antihistamine in the future.
The one I chose was using apple cider vinegar, partially because we already had it on hand.
Other natural remedies I came across include using witch hazel, an essential oil or two, an ice pack on the affected area, and even a chamomile tea bag! I didn’t have any of those on hand, so I started to just put some apple cider vinegar on a cotton ball, until I got the rollerballs.
Once I started having these items at the ready, when my little guy would get gnat bites, I’d apply the apple cider vinegar to his bite, and they wouldn’t get infected because the acidity in apple cider vinegar neutralizes the venom, which eases the itching, burning, and pain!! It was a great natural remedy with anti-inflammatory effects!
Since my child no longer feels itchiness, he doesn’t scratch at it, and the bug bite doesn’t become infected.
Below, I’ll detail exactly what I used.
Supplies Needed
- Empty Rollerball (you’ll want multiple, believe me)
- Bragg Organic Apple Cider Vinegar with the ‘Mother’
Instructions
Fill the rollerballs with Bragg Organic Apple Cider Vinegar with the ‘Mother’ and apply directly to bug bites. This will help gnat and mosquito bites not itch and not get infected.
If you, or your child, are prone to reactions to bug bites, you could roll the Apple Cider Vinegar on them before going outside, especially in the areas where they tend to get bit. For my son, we mainly focus on the nape of his neck where the gnats love to bite him. For me, I focus around my ankles where mosquitoes like to bite me.
You only need a small amount, hence using a rollerball or cotton ball. I just love the rollerball because I can easily have it with me when we’re out and about.
Multiple Rollerballs Recommended
I started out with just one rollerball full of the Apple Cider Vinegar that I would move from my purse, to the diaper bag, to the house, and back again. It was a hassle. Now I see that Amazon has a pack of 12 rollerballs for what I would have paid for just 4 of them at the local co-op! It’s a great deal!
Other Recommendations
In addition to using apple cider vinegar once the bite happens, it’s a good idea to not have standing water around, since that’s where bugs like to multiply. I mentioned my son was using a water table, just to be clear, we emptied it every time he was done, so that wasn’t an issue. Other natural options include having your child wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants when they’re outside. Oddly enough, my son did have a long-sleeved shirt when he was playing outside because this was his swim shirt. The bites were on his neck though, so they wouldn’t be covered by the long-sleeve shirt or long pants. However, I’m sure it would have been worse if he hadn’t been wearing long clothing. Wearing closed-toe shoes instead of sandals can also help, as well as wearing socks with long pants.
Of course, there are natural insect repellents you can use as well. We like the Picaridin Insect Repellent.
As a mom of identical twins and a son two years older, I have gained invaluable experience in the realm, and chaos, of parenting. With a Master's Degree and Education Specialist Degree in School Psychology, I spent years as a school psychologist, helping children navigate through their educational and emotional challenges. Now as a stay at home mom and professional blogger, I combine my areas of expertise to help you in your parenting journey.
I love this and will definitely have to give it a try! Mosquitos love me (and I don’t reciprocate those feelings)!! Thanks for this post!! ❤️