6 Remedies That Can Get Rid of Bug Bites Fast

When the weather warms up or when you spend time outside, you’re more likely to come into contact with mosquitoes, spiders, ticks, bees, and other flying insects. 

One thing these bugs all have in common: They can leave itchy, uncomfortable bug bites behind. There’s no way to get rid of bug bites (or bug bite symptoms) immediately. But most people can manage bug bite symptoms at home. Some treatments can quickly ease your symptoms and keep you comfortable. 

What gets rid of bug bites fast?

There’s no way to get rid of bug bites overnight. Most bug bites take a few days to go away. But there are things you can do to relieve itching and help bug bites fade faster. Here are six remedies that can get rid of bug bite symptoms fast:   

1. OTC pain relievers

Acetaminophen (Tylenol) and ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil) are over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers that can help with painful bug bites. They won’t relieve itching, but they can help with warmth, pain, and swelling. 

Tylenol can take up to 45 minutes to start working. You can take one dose every 4 to 6 hours, but adults shouldn’t take more than 4,000 mg in 24 hours. 

Motrin can start to work in 30 minutes. In addition to pain relief, ibuprofen can help reduce swelling. Adults and kids over age 12 can take Motrin every 6 to 8 hours. But you shouldn’t take more than 1,200 mg in 24 hours.  

2. Antihistamines

After a bug bite, your body releases histamine. This chemical causes the itch from a bug bite. Antihistamines are medications that block the release of histamine. 

Antihistamines are available as topical creams and oral tablets or suspensions. But topical creams don’t seem to work as well as antihistamines taken by mouth. So it’s probably best to take antihistamines by mouth to help get rid of bug bite symptoms fast. There are many types of oral antihistamines. But one study showed that cetirizine (Zyrtec) is the best antihistamine for itching.  

You can take cetirizine daily until your bite goes away. If itching is keeping you up at night, you can try taking diphenhydramine (Benadryl) at bedtime. Diphenhydramine can cause sleepiness and sedation, so it’s best to avoid it during the day. 

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3. Hydrocortisone cream

Hydrocortisone cream is a steroid cream that can relieve itching from skin problems like psoriasis, eczema, and poison ivy. It’s not as well studied for treating itching from bug bites. But it’s FDA-approved for bug bite relief. And many health experts recommend its use for getting rid of bug bite symptoms fast. 

You can use hydrocortisone cream twice daily, but you shouldn’t use it for more than a week. Low-strength hydrocortisone cream is available OTC at local pharmacies and retail stores. 

4. Baking soda

Baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) helps neutralize the acid produced by a bite and relieve itching. 

Here’s how to make a baking soda paste at home: 

• Mix a tablespoon of baking soda with water to make a paste. 

• Lay the paste over the bug bite and let it sit for 10 minutes.

• Once the 10 minutes are up, rinse it off.

Baking soda paste is an easy and safe home remedy for bug bites. You can apply the paste several times a day.

5. Calamine lotion

Calamine lotion, like baking soda, neutralizes the acid produced by bug bites. To relieve itching, apply calamine lotion to bug bites with a cotton ball several times daily. 

You can use calamine lotion for children over the age of two. The pink liquid can appeal to kids, so only apply it with supervision. If your child swallows it by accident, contact poison control right away at 1-800-222-1222.  

6. Cool compresses

Cool compresses lower the skin temperature to reduce swelling and calm the nerves responsible for that itchy feeling. Make a cold compress by wrapping an ice pack in a towel or rinsing a washcloth in cold water.  

You can apply a cold compress to the skin for 5 to 10 minutes at a time. 

What doesn’t help with bug bites?

Not all home remedies are effective for treating bug bites. Let’s look at a few treatments that probably won’t help get rid of your bug bite symptoms.

Basil

Basil leaves have anti-inflammatory and immune-modulating properties. And studies have shown that basil leaf extract may repel insects. But there’s no research to support using basil leaf oil to treat bug bites. 

Honey

Researchers have studied honey's anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties to treat various health conditions. Medical-grade honey, in particular, can be used in wound care. But research on using honey for bug bites is lacking.

Onions

Many people have experienced watering eyes from sliced onions. And research has shown that the juice from an onion can irritate bugs too. So onions may be useful as a bug repellent. But no studies have tested the effectiveness of putting onion slices over a bug bite for itch relief. 

Thyme

This popular cooking herb has anti-inflammatory properties. Researchers have noted its ability to kill bacteria, fungi, and parasites, as well as some viruses. Plus, thyme oil can act as an insect repellant. But like other home remedies on this list, research on its effectiveness for bug bite relief is sparse.

Toothpaste 

Some toothpaste contains menthol, an ingredient which can temporarily provide cooling itch relief. However menthol, fluoride, and other whitening agents in toothpaste can also irritate the skin. That’s why toothpaste isn’t the best choice when it comes to home remedies for bug bite relief.

Vinegar

Vinegar may produce a cooling effect when applied to a bug bite. However, vinegar has no compounds that reduce inflammation or treat itch. Vinegar is also acidic and can irritate the skin. There isn’t evidence to support using vinegar to treat bug bites.

What should you do after you get bit by a bug?

After a bug bite, follow these steps to clean the area and relieve itching and pain fast:

• Wash the area with unscented soap and water.

• Pat the skin dry.

• Apply a cool compress for 10 to 15 minutes.

• Try a home remedy like topical calamine lotion or hydrocortisone cream. 

• Use an oral pain reliever or antihistamine. 

When should you see a doctor for a bug bite?

Call 911 if you have signs of anaphylaxis, a severe allergic reaction, after a bug bite. Signs of anaphylaxis include: 

• Trouble breathing 

• Swelling of the mouth or tongue

• Trouble swallowing

• Abdominal pain and vomiting

• Hives

You should also get help if you live in a place where bugs may be venomous or transmit infection. In the U.S., complications from bug bites include Lyme disease from tick bites, viral infections from mosquitoes, and venomous spider bites. 

Seek immediate medical care if you develop signs of a skin infection, like:

• Fever

• Chills

• Redness extending from the bite areas

• Severe swelling and tenderness at the bite site

Signs of infection may develop within hours or days after a bug bite. 

Why trust our experts?

Written by:

Brian Clista, MD

Dr. Clista is a board-certified pediatrician who works in private practice in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He previously served as a National Health Service Corporation Scholar in the inner city of Pittsburgh for 11 years.

Edited by:

Patricia Pinto-Garcia, MD, MPH

Patricia Pinto-Garcia, MD, MPH, is a medical editor at GoodRx. She is a licensed, board-certified pediatrician with more than a decade of experience in academic medicine.

Reviewed by:

Christine Giordano, MD

Christine Giordano, MD, is board-certified in general internal medicine. She received her medical degree from Rutgers New Jersey Medical School and completed residency at Thomas Jefferson University.

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