We got talking at work the other day about how the mosquitoes have really started to come out at night. In fact, the city of Sioux Falls now has crews spraying for the pesky critters in and around the city.

That conversation in turn led to another conversation about home remedies that supposedly work on mosquito bites - things our parents did when we were growing up. So, we decided to put together a list of the top 25 items (in no particular order) to put on mosquito bites to take away the itch:

  1. Toothpaste
  2. Apple cider vinegar
  3. Baking soda / warm water paste
  4. Ice cold or piping hot water
  5. Cooled tea
  6. Rubbing alcohol
  7. Wet aspirin
  8. Mouthwash
  9. Underarm deodorant
  10. Baby powder
  11. Perfume or cologne
  12. Aloe Vera
  13. Mud
  14. Lemon or lime juice
  15. Inside of a banana peel
  16. Raw onion
  17. Raw potato
  18. Meat tenderizer
  19. Honey
  20. Heated spoon
  21. Nail polish
  22. Scotch tape
  23. Copper penny
  24. Glue
  25. Use your fingernail to press an "X" into the bite (aka Sunburst)

Some other things to keep in mind this Summer when you're out and about:

  • If you react to bites and know you're more than likely to get eaten alive, take an antihistamine before you go out.
  • To avoid bites, so you don't have to deal with them at all, spray on a little bug spray or wear a mosquito repellent bracelet.
  • Do not get discouraged if a remedy doesn't work right away. Some remedies may take two or three applications before its effects fully kick in. Distract yourself by doing something else.
  • Dry skin may make you itch more, so applying some protection lotion or moisturizer could help too.
  • If you think you might scratch in your sleep, cover the bite with a band aid.

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