Awesome! How to Get Rid of Bed Bug Bites at Home... Fast!

by Jolene
(Indianapolis )

Bed bug bites (sores & scars) are horrible & can itch like crazy. If you want to get rid of those awful bites on your skin in a hurry (overnight), here's 7 home remedies that work like a charm...

QUESTION:

Hi, I've recently been attacked (literally) by a bed bug infestation. Do you have any natural home remedies that I can use to help get rid of the bites on my body and relieve the terrible itching? Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you.
Jolene.

ANSWER:

Bed bugs are nasty little critters that love to feed off the blood of humans and animals. Although they are called "bed bugs", these blood thirsty little insects also live and breed in other furniture in the house including sofas, couches/lounges, sheets, linen cupboards, luggage, dressers, carpet and rugs - along with mattresses and bedding attire.

The most common sign or symptom of a bed bug bite is an itchy, bumpy rash that develops on the skin - normally on the arms and legs. These small bumps are usually flat or slightly raised and are minus the red ring (around the center) that flea bites normally produce. The interesting thing about bed bugs is they inject a numbing chemical into the skin first so you don't feel their fangs digging in. This is why you're usually unaware that you're even being bitten in the beginning. Bed bug saliva also contains a substance that irritates human and animal skin, which is where the reaction (rash/spots) come from.

Thankfully, getting rid of bed bug bites, along with the accompanying symptoms, is not that difficult. There are a few simple home remedies that you can easily use that work a treat.

Here's 7 of the best...


Home Remedy for Bed Bug Bites #1... Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV): Apple cider vinegar should definitely be your first "go to" remedy for helping to relieve the itching and burning associated with bed bug bites. It contains a potent substance called acetic acid, which is an effective anti-inflammatory and healing agent. ACV also contains some strong antiseptic properties so it helps prevent any infections or secondary infections that usually accompany the sores.

To use apple cider vinegar simply dip a cotton ball in some raw, unfiltered ACV (such as this one) and apply directly to any bed bug sores or bites. Leave on for 10-15 minutes before rinsing off with warm water. Be sure to re-apply 2-3 times throughout the day for extra fast healing and relief.


Natural Treatment for Bed Bug Bites #2... Witch Hazel: Witch hazel is a powerful astringent (constricting) agent that drys out bed bug rashes. This in turn helps to relieve the awful itching and redness that usually accompanies bed bug bites. Witch hazel also contains certain tannin's that have anesthetic (numbing) properties, which further benefits someone with bed bug sores and scars.

To use, soak a cotton ball in some witch hazel then apply directly to the affected area. Leave on for around 10 minutes. If you have a cluster of bites then rub the soaked cotton ball all over the rash. Leave on until showering. Be sure to repeat this process several times during the day for best results.

You can find witch hazel online or buy it from your local drug store or pharmacy. Here's what it looks like if you haven't seen or heard of it... Natural Witch Hazel.


How to Get Rid of Bed Bug Bites #3... Baking Soda: Baking soda is a very cheap (and highly effective) home remedy for bed bug bites. You will probably already have some sitting in your pantry, which means you can apply this treatment straight away. Baking soda is a potent anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory agent that actually works a treat on any insect bite - not just bed bug bites.

Simply combine 1 teaspoon of baking soda with 3 teaspoons of water. Apply the mixture generously on all bites, sores and scars. Leave on for 10-15 minutes before rinsing off with warm water. If the itchiness or discomfort continue, re-apply again after 30-45 minutes.


Home Remedy for Bed Bug Bites #4... Aloe Vera: Good old aloe vera helps with just about any skin condition, rash or bite. And the active ingredients in aloe vera definitely help reduce the itchiness and burning caused from bed bug bites... quite rapidly in fact. It's natural moisturizers also prevent the skin from drying out.

Aloe vera is well-known for its powerful healing effects on the skin. In a study published in the Skin Pharmacology and Physiology journal, researchers found that aloe vera was more effective at reducing skin irritation than hydrocortisone gels (hydrocortisone creams and gels are often prescribed for insect bites). (1)

You can easily buy aloe vera in gel form. Make sure you go for the all-natural (organic) brands that contain no chemical additives. To use, simply apply some aloe vera gel liberally to the affected areas a few times throughout the day.


Natural Treatment for Bed Bug Bites #5... Cold Compress/Ice Pack: This age-old remedy is simple but highly effective. The coldness from the ice pack or cold compress deadens the nerve endings, which in turn helps to relieve the itchiness and redness. Either use a cold pack or wrap some ice in a towel and place this on the affected area. Be sure to leave on for at least 10-15 minutes so it can do its work. Continue to apply the cold compress as needed throughout the day.


How to Get Rid of Bed Bug Bites #6... Oatmeal: A recent study published in the Journal of Drugs and Dermatology found that by applying a topical treatment of colloidal oatmeal or ground oatmeal, you can reduce the itching and burning associated with skin rashes and insect bites quite considerably. Colloidal oatmeal is even registered at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and is reported to “provide temporary relief of itching and irritation caused by insect bites.” (2)

To use simply combine a small amount of water with a few teaspoons of oatmeal to make a paste. Apply this to any bites or rashes and leave on for at least 15 minutes before rinsing off. Repeat this several times throughout the day for a couple of days. You can also take a soothing oatmeal bath by mixing ½ cup of colloidal oatmeal in warm bathwater. Sit or lie in the bath for as long as you like and enjoy some welcome relief.


Home Remedy for Bed Bugs #7... Essential Oils: Certain essential oils are excellent remedies for bed bug bites, or any insect bites for that matter. Patchouli is one of the best. It contains some potent anti-inflammatory ingredients that produce rapid healing of the skin. Simply apply several drops of patchouli oil (this is what it looks like) into your hands and use this to massage anywhere you have bed bug bites. Leave the oil on for as long as possible. You can also add 5-10 drops of patchouli oil to a nice warm bath and soak in it. It works a treat!

Tea tree oil, lavender oil, calendula oil, geranium and rose oil are also extremely effective skin soothers and bed bug bite remedies. You can easily purchase these essential oils online or from your local health food/herbal retailer.


So hopefully these tips and remedies help you out Jolene. I'm sure you'll find something here that works.


All the best to you!


Regards,

Troy (Certified Holistic Nutritionist & Herbalist, Health & Wellness Coach)


P.S. If you want to get rid of your bed bug infestation and kill these rodents fast, be sure to check out our 100% natural homemade bed bug killer spray. It's cheap as chips to make up and works like a charm! Here's the link... A Sure-Fire Way to Get Rid of Bed Bugs Naturally at Home.