Readers Respond: Best Remedies for Itchy Mosquito Bites

Responses: 250

By Debbie Hadley, About.com Guide

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If you press your nail in the bite in an X shape as hard as you can the itch will stop for at least 6 hours or so.
—Guest Emily

When I ran away I had my black skinnie capris on and I got lots of mosquito bites. So when I was returned home I couldn't sleep with all the itchiness. I Googled mosquito bite remedies and it came up with Windex and of course we had it, so I tried. I actually got a peaceful night of sleep. It helped the itchiness so much.
—Guest XxEmoGirlxX

I have honestly tried every single suggestion here and, for me, NONE worked. The only temporary solution I found that provided relief for 3 to 4 hours was THERMAL SHOCK. I had 15 mosquito bites on my feet, so I'd run super hot water over my feet, as hot as I could stand for about 5 minutes. Then I'd turn the faucet to cold and keep my feet on super cold water for 5 minutes. After trying just about everything written on the subject, I can say that the shock of hot and cold water REALLY WORKS!
—Guest Monica

I find that bug bite sticks works the best and you can find them almost anywhere
—Guest Caitlynn

I scratched until i broke skin, and it still itched. Worried about the open sores, I sprayed bactine on them. The ones I hadn't opened stopped itching too! Finally got some sleep.
—Guest Joe Navy

Okay, so this really works! First, clean your bite(s) with soap and water. Then pat dry. Now put some rubbing alcohol on a square of paper towel and rub all over the bite(s). Wait for it to dry. Then rub petroleum jelly on. You can put a band aid over it if you want. This helps so much!
—Guest hello123

It works! I just sprayed it and instantly it took the itch away. Its almost dry now and I still feel no itch so I will update on if it works long term!
—Guest Summerthatgotbit

The bite zapper is a small device that you place on the bite and press the botton and it gives you a small electric shock but really works and will keep the itching at bay for the whole day.
—Guest Janis Avery

I tried mint toothpaste, baking soda, deoderant and Windex. I covered a few bites with each and waited. The deoderant worked, but not as well as the others. The toothpaste was sticky and wore off quickly. The baking soda worked well, but it was messy and stung at first. Windex worked about as well as the baking soda, but who wants to smell like Windex? Taking a cue from the toothpaste, I decided to try straight oil of peppermint. It works quickly, and smells great! Just a few drops covered multiple bites, with no mess!
—Guest loved by bugs

As a child desparate to stop the itching I tried toothpaste on the bites and it works! My Mother used to use witch hazel and that worked for a while.
—Guest Swanee

I've tried ALL these and some work for a little while but they always itch again! The one thing that works is nail polish REMOVER! It hurts sooooo bad but the itch goes away COMPLETELY!
—Guest deedee

I have 78 bites on my legs alone (apparently while treating our yard they flocked to me). After tossing and turning til 4 am, and even researching when the doctors office opened, I finally decided to try windex. Don't be shy using it (10 sprays per leg), put it directly on the skin and use a tissue to keep yourself from dripping. Apply multiple coats starting your next one when the bubbles dry.
—Guest MeredithHull

I thought I'd give it a try since I needed a quick fix, and it relieves itchy eyes and redness. I used a store brand (Equate) with tetrahydrozoline HCl. I put a drop on each bite, and it works great!!
—Guest tobi