In this article, we are discussing several home remedies to get rid of bed bug bites fast and naturally. Bed bugs are the oval-shaped, brown-colored bugs which are of apple seed size, and travel very fast. Bed bugs stay on humans and animals, and after serving, their color changes to red. Female bed bugs produce hundreds of eggs at one time, and so it becomes tough to get rid of bed bug bites once they move into your house. These are commonly active during the night and bite the visible areas of the body, such as neck, face and hands. They cut the skin and extract the blood from your body for about 3-12 minutes roughly.
They enter your house through clothing, couches, bed, luggage, etc. Their flat body allows them to hide in small spaces, holes or cracks. The bed bug bites are usually painless, but may cause swelling, itchiness and redness. These irritating little pests generally feed on your blood at night, the highest time being about 1 hour before sunrise. Their bites resemble other insect bites and usually appear in clusters or rows of 3-4 bites together. They are more common on exposed areas like the face, neck, arms and hands.
While some people may not even recognize they were bitten off, others may grow symptoms like rashes and red itchy bumps. Some people may grow an allergic reaction with painful burning and swelling at the bite spot. Bed bug bites do not generally transmit diseases, but excessive scratching and itching may cause a skin infection.
The first thing that you should do while dealing with bed bug bites is to wash the bitten area with a mild antibacterial soap and water. This will decrease itching and inhibit a skin infection.
Best Home Remedies to Get Rid of Bed Bug Bites:
1. Ice Pack to Heal Bed Bug Bites Naturally
This is one of the best remedies to get rid of bed bugs bites fast and naturally at home. The cold temperature from ice can aid frozen the nerve endings, thus reducing the itching sensation caused due to bed bug bites. It will also help soothe the swelling. To try this method, cover a few ice cubes in a thin washcloth or towel. Now, place it in the bitten area. Keep it for 10 -15 mins. Repeat this process 2-3 times a day to see the best results.
2. Baking Soda to Get Rid of Bed Bug Bites
This is one of the beneficial remedies to cure bed bugs bites fast at home. Baking soda also referred as sodium bicarbonate. It helps counterbalance acidic chemicals that cause itching from a bed bug bite. Baking soda is also an anti-inflammatory agent, it also helps diminish redness and swelling. To try this remedy, mix 1 tsp of baking soda and 3 tsp of water. Mix the solution well. Apply this solution directly on the affected area. Keep it on for 10 minutes before you wash it off. Do this process for 2 times a day to get better results.
3. Lemon Juice to Prevent Bed Bug Bites
Lemon acts as a natural astringent, it helps dry out bite rashes caused by bed bug bites. It helps reduce itching. Moreover, its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties help decrease swelling and redness as well as stop infection. To use this method, soak a cotton ball in lemon juice. Apply it on the affected area. Let it dry, then wash the affected area. Do this process for a few times a day to get better results.
Note: Lemon juice may make your skin vulnerable to sunburn. Do not move out in the sun for a few hours after using this treatment.
4. Witch Hazel to Cure Bed Bug Bites
Witch hazel is a liquid astringent. It is also helpful to treat bed bugs bite fast at home. You can purchase one from a drug store. Mostly used as a facial cleaner, it can also help soothe itching caused due to bed bug bites because it contains tannins that have a mild pain killing properties. To try this remedy, dip a cotton ball in witch hazel. Place it directly on the bite area. Leave it for 10 mins then rinse it using normal water. Do this process as per your requirement.
5. Aloe Vera Gel to Treat Bed Bug Bites
The moist aloe vera gel is soothing for your skin. The active compounds and amino acids in aloe vera gel help ease burning and itching caused by bed bug and other insect bites. It also helps curing the skin by keeping it conditioned. To use this method, extract the aloe vera gel and directly apply it on the affected area. Apply this method 2-3 times a day to get better results. This helps you treat bed bugs bites fast and naturally at home.
6. Apple Cider Vinegar to Get Rid of Bed Bug Bites
Apple cider vinegar is another helpful remedy to get rid of bed bug bites at home fast and naturally. It helps ease burning and itching, thanks to its acetic acid and anti-inflammatory properties. If apple cider vinegar is not handy, you can also use white vinegar. To try this remedy, you need 2 tsp of unfiltered apple cider vinegar. Apply this ACV on the affected area. If its itching, then dilute apple cider vinegar by adding few drops of water. Use this process for 2-3 times a day for better results faster.
7. Oatmeal to Treat Bed Bug Bites Naturally
Due to its anti-inflammatory and soothing properties, it is an effective solution for the treatment of bed bug bites. This is an excellent solution to lessen skin itching and irritation caused by bed bug bites and other insect bites as well as skin problems like psoriasis and eczema. To try this method, mix some water to the 2 tsp of oatmeal to make a paste. Apply this paste on the bite area. Keep it on for about 15 minutes before washing it off. Repeat this process for a few times for a few days. This is one of the best remedies to treat bed bugs bites naturally at home.
8. Toothpaste to Heal Bed Bug Bites Fast
Toothpaste is another useful and effective remedy for bed bug bites. It consists of cooling menthol that helps diminish the burning and itching feelings. Use a white toothpaste, not a gel based, for this method. Apply a little white toothpaste on the bite area. Keep it for 10-15 minutes, then wash it off. Repeat this method for 2 times a day to get better results.
9. Tea Bags to Prevent Bed Bug Bites Naturally
Moist tea bags can also help fight the swelling and itching caused by bed bug bites and other insect bites. They consist of mild anesthetic and astringent properties. To use this method, cool a wet or used tea bag in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. Place it over the affected area for about 15 minutes. Repeat this method for 2-3 times a day to get relief from the pain and irritation. This is one of the beneficial home remedies to get rid of bed bugs bites at home fast and naturally.
10. Cucumber to Get Rid of Bed Bug Bites Fast
Cucumber consists of soothing properties that helps ease the inflammation and redness of the bed bug bites. To use this method, take a cucumber and cut into thin slices. Place it over the affected area for 10 mins to relieve from swelling and itching caused by bed bug bites. As they consist of caffeic acid and vitamin C that offer anti-inflammatory benefits to cure bed bites and other skin issues.
11. Marshmallow Roots to Cure Bed Bug Bites Naturally
It is also an outstanding herbal remedy to treat bed bug bites naturally. To try this method, just grind the marshmallow roots to form a powder. Now, mix some amount of water to this powder to make a paste. It will help reduce the itching and redness of the skin will disappear after a while.
12. Tea Tree Oil to Treat Bed Bug Bites Fast
It is one of the most tried and trusted bed bugs bite remedies as it has antiseptic and anti-fungal properties. Apply and massage with diluted tea tree oil on the skin, 2-3 times a day to get soothing effects from bed bugs bites fast and naturally at home.
Additional Tips to Get Rid of Bed Bug Bites:
- Remove the infestation from your house.
- Avoid scratching the bites to resist any skin infection.
- Apply essential oils like peppermint, tea tree, lavender, eucalyptus or basil oil to keep bed bugs away.
- Applying a mixture of water and cold milk can also help ease itching.
- Clean your house daily to get rid of bed bugs in your home.
- Put a clean and light-colored mattress and sheet on the bed.
- Do not scrape the bitten area as it may get worse.