Mosquitoes love me. Even when I’m in a group, the tiny terrors favor my blood over that of others. (This is likely due to a mix of genetic, physiological and lifestyle factors, according to entomologists). Years of bites and scratching have made me a cynic. So when I first discovered the Bug Bite Thing, a Shark Tank-approved suction tool with over 50,000 5-star ratings, I didn’t expect much. But I inevitably garnered more bites and tried the gizmo out.
To my surprise — and like reviewers who call the tool the best $10 they’ve ever spent — the Bug Bite Thing lived up to the hype. It’s the best relief for itchy bites that I’ve ever come across, by far.
The Bug Bite Thing’s effectiveness makes sense when you break down the mechanics of mosquito bites.
“When mosquitoes bite, some of their saliva enters the skin,” explained New Jersey-based dermatologist Dr. Jocelyn Lieb. That saliva triggers a response from your immune system, releasing the histamine that causes itching.
The tool’s suction enables removal of that inflammatory saliva, according to Dr. Anna Chacon, a dermatologist who focuses on teledermatology. “When the saliva is removed via suction, your immune system stops reacting ... and you will no longer experience itching and swelling in the area,” Chacon wrote.
For best results, use the tool as soon as you discover a new bite, according to Dr. Soma Mandal, an internist and specialist in women’s health. (Mandal recommended washing your bite with soap and water first, too).
Mandal added that she relies on the tool herself. “I have used the Bug Bite Thing many times. The first time, I think I was a little too gung-ho about it and gave myself a nice bruise on my foot! I learned from that experience and lessened the time and pressure applied to the area, and it works like a charm,” she said.
The tool’s suction method is also notable because it eliminates the need for chemicals, making it especially kid-friendly. Chacon noted, “I love that it’s chemical-free.”
The item can help with more than just mosquitoes bites, too. “Other insects can inject toxins, like bees and spiders,” Lieb explained. “This tool could help reduce toxin spread in these situations as well.”
Note: If you have hemophilia or other issues related to blood clotting, be sure to talk with your doctor before using the Bug Bite Thing. If you notice your bite reactions worsening, consult a doctor.
Grab the Bug Bite Thing at Amazon, Walmart or Target, or read on for more itch-soothing and bite-preventing items.
The experts consulted for this story do not necessarily endorse the products ahead unless otherwise noted.
This ingenious window screen repair tape lets you easily cover up holes in your mosquito screens so bugs can't sneak in through gaps in the mesh. People love it: The product has earned over 25,000 5-star ratings.
Cut the tape to the size you need and stick it right on the screen, no tools required.
Promising review: "We had a tiny hole in a full-length sliding door screen in our bedroom. That naturally meant mosquitoes on summer nights, being the industrious blood-thirsty creatures they are. We didn't want to spring for an entire re-screening of the door so I figured I'd give this adhesive solution at least a try. So far - roughly six months - it's been a perfect solution. The adhesion is solid and it has held up to rain. It is visible if that's an issue but it is not an eyesore. The hole I was patching was very small in relation to the entire screen so this was a perfect solution. I'm not sure I would want to patch many tiny holes across a large screen for aesthetic reasons. but as a minor repair it was a perfect solution for us." — Unica
As Lieb noted, "Histamine causes itch!"
We chose this portable anti-itch Benadryl stick, which contains a histamine blocker for fast-acting relief.
It's also FSA- and HSA-eligible.
Promising review: "This stuff works amazing ! I use it on my whole family from 2yr old to me when we have mosquito bites or any other small rash and it works amazing to stop the itch. My son was attacked by four wasps and I busted out the itch stick applied it to the bites and then went and put an ice pack and my son did not cry after the bite stick was applied. This stuff is worth it . Do yourself the favor and stock up on it. I keep one in each car and two in the house." — Cmoney
These bestselling DEET-free bracelets use plant-based essential oils to ward off mosquitoes. Stretchy enough for use by adults and kids, they enjoy a cult following with over 15,000 5-star ratings and come individually wrapped.
You can wear them on your wrist or ankle, and grab them in packs of 25 and 50.
Promising review: "I live in Texas, mosquito capitol of the world, and I actually got these for a trip to Hawaii for our jungle tour. ... I couldnt pack over 3 oz of any natural sprays, so I opted to give these a try. Prior to our trip I ordered the 10 pack and sent some home with my son in Houston to try out first. The fact that all he wore was one on one [wrist] ... and one on around one ankle and he had ZERO bites, blew my mind! Theyre single packaged bracelets so easy to pack in a purse, back pack or carry on, even a diaper bag! Theyre safe for most all ages (the littles would need to be out of reach of their mouths, so maybe wrap it like a hair tie on the back of their shirt or something) The longevity that I noticed was a couple hours (Our jungle tour trip was just over 2 hours and we were all bite free) The smell is delightful, but I like citronella. All around a great product for buggy situations!" — Amber
Enjoy your outdoor meal without getting bombarded by mosquitoes with this beeswax- and essential oil-filled candle. The Etsy shop selling the candle says this blend is more effective than citronella for keeping away bugs.
It's designed to burn for up to 50 hours and comes in two sizes.
Promising review: "This is the second summer I have purchased this candle to make it possible to sit on my patio. It works!" — Laurie Nichols
"Another option to reduce itching is to apply cortisone creams/ointment 2-3 [times] per day," wrote Lieb. "Even better would be to keep the cream in the fridge and apply it cold for faster relief."
Based on Lieb's recommendation, we selected this Cortizone-10 cream. It contains 1% hydrocortisone, the maximum strength allowed without a prescription. The cream is fragrance-free and infused with soothing aloe.
Promising review: "Best cortizone cream...I get super allergic reactions to bug bites (fleas, mosquitos, spiders, etc.) and this works the best, and is the best price too. I always have this on hand!" — Amazon Customer
This plant-based mosquito spray helps ward off bugs for up to six hours using lemon eucalyptus oil, without any DEET.
Promising review: "I recently tried the Repel Plant-Based Lemon Eucalyptus Insect Repellent, and it works great! I've tried others, but this is the ONE! It kept mosquitoes away during my outdoor activities without the harsh chemicals. The scent is pleasant and not overpowering if you like essential oil fragrances. After I spray it on, it also leaves a cooling sensation on your skin. I love that it’s plant-based, and it lasts for hours. I’ll definitely keep using this for all my outdoor adventures!" — J Lew
"Oatmeal can also provide relief [from itching]," Chacon noted.
Based on Chacon's advice, we think this soothing itch balm is a great choice. The vegan remedy is crafted by Kinfield, a Shark Tank-approved, plant-based skin care brand created for lovers of the outdoors.
The balm is made with colloidal oatmeal to calm itching and discomfort, with a blend of anti-inflammatory ingredients like eucalyptus oil and turmeric, as well as gentle moisturizers like jojoba oil and shea butter.
For those with a flexible spending account or health savings account, it's also FSA- and HSA-eligible!
Promising review: "I had been told this product was fabulous, but I was skeptical. I ordered it to try, as my daughter loves it! After using it multiple times, on everyone in the family, I am now a huge fan; it is great. Recently, the littlest grandchild was scratching his mosquito bite unmercifully, and his older cousin brought him to me to use the Relief Balm. After a couple of minutes, he stopped scratching and didn't mention it again. We've used it on bug bites, minor scrapes, itches of all kinds, and a minor burn. The grand kids now call it Ma's miracle stick, and I make sure it is always readily available for use! It will be a family must have!!!" — Pamela D.
I've been eying this nourishing Patio Oil from Jao Brand for its ability to repel mosquitoes while reviving skin weathered by time outdoors. The oil is vegan and plant-based, and can be used on the body and in hair.