It can be upsetting to find that you have bed bugs, and it can be just as uncomfortable to deal with their bites. Bites from bed bugs often itch, turn red, and irritate the skin. Professional pest control is necessary to get rid of the problem at its source, but there are natural treatments you can use at home to ease the pain of bed bug bites.
1. Cold Compress: Putting on a cold compress is one of the easiest and most effective ways to control the burning. For about 15 minutes, put a clean cloth filled with ice on the hurt spot. The cold helps reduce swelling and numbs the nerve endings, giving you instant relief.
**2. Aloe Vera Gel: Aloe vera gel is a natural way to treat a number of skin irritations, including bed bug bites, because it soothes the skin. Put a little fresh aloe vera gel on the bites to make them less red and swollen. The cooling action can also make you feel less itchy.
**3. Baking Soda Paste: Baking soda is known for reducing swelling and pain. To make a paste, mix baking soda with a small amount of water until the mixture is thick. Cover the bites with the paste. Wait 10 minutes, and then wash them off. This might help stop burning and shrink the affected area.
4. Oatmeal Bath: Taking an oatmeal bath is a traditional way to treat a number of skin problems. You can get colloidal oatmeal at most drugstores and mix it with your bathwater. Soak in the mixture for 15 to 20 minutes to calm skin that is itching and sensitive.
*****5. Tea Tree Oil: Tea tree oil naturally reduces swelling and kills germs. Add some coconut oil or a few drops of tea tree oil to a carrier oil and rub it on the bed bug bites. This can help reduce swelling and stop infections that come from scratching.
**6. Lemon Juice: Because it naturally soothes and stops itching, lemon juice can be put on bed bug bites. Put some freshly squeezed lemon juice on a cotton ball and gently rub it on the sore spots to feel better.
**7. Peppermint Oil: Peppermint oil can help relieve itching because it cools the skin. Add a few drops of peppermint oil to a different oil and rub it on the bites. Peppermint oil is strong and can irritate the skin if it is not diluted properly, so be careful with the strength.
8. Cucumber Slices: Cucumber slices are cool and soothing, and they can also help with itching. For a quick and cool relief, put pieces of cold cucumber on the bed bug bites.
**9. Apple Cider Vinegar: Apple cider vinegar can be mixed with water and then applied to bed bug bites with a cotton ball. It is known to reduce swelling. This might help stop the itching and help the wound heal faster.
10. Honey: Honey is a natural germ-killer that can also help heal. Cover the bites with a cloth and put a small amount of honey on them. Leave it on for about 30 minutes. Gentle rinse with warm water.
Note of Caution: Natural treatments can help, but you should be careful and stop using them if they irritate your skin. If the bed bug bites don’t go away or get worse, you should see a doctor.
In conclusion, natural remedies are a safe and often successful way to get rid of the pain of bed bug bites. These methods should not be used instead of professional pest control, though. Only professional pest control can completely get rid of bed bugs in your home.