1. Cold Compresses

One of the simplest and most effective ways to reduce itching and swelling from bug bites is to apply a cold compress. Cold temperature can help to numb the affected area, reducing the sensation of itching. It can also help to reduce inflammation and swelling. To use this remedy, simply wrap a few ice cubes in a cloth or use a cold pack and hold it against the bite for a few minutes at a time. Repeat as needed throughout the day.

2. Honey

Honey has been used as a natural remedy for centuries due to its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. It can be applied directly to the skin to help reduce itching and swelling from bug bites. Simply apply a small amount of honey to the affected area and leave it on for at least 30 minutes before rinsing it off.

3. Basil

Basil is another natural remedy that can help to reduce the symptoms of bug bites. It contains anti-inflammatory compounds that can help to reduce swelling and itching. To use this remedy, crush a few fresh basil leaves and apply the juice directly to the affected area. You can also make a basil tea by boiling a few leaves in water and using a clean cloth to apply the cooled tea to the bite.

4. Aloe Vera

Aloe vera is a popular natural remedy for a wide range of skin conditions, including bug bites. It contains compounds that can help to reduce inflammation and soothe the skin. Simply apply a small amount of aloe vera gel to the affected area and leave it on for at least 30 minutes before rinsing it off.

5. Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil is an essential oil that is known for its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. It can be applied directly to the skin to help reduce itching and swelling from bug bites. Simply dilute a few drops of tea tree oil in a carrier oil, such as coconut oil, and apply it to the affected area.

6. Peppermint Oil

Peppermint oil is another essential oil that can be effective in reducing the symptoms of bug bites. It contains menthol, which can help to numb the skin and reduce the sensation of itching. Simply dilute a few drops of peppermint oil in a carrier oil and apply it to the affected area.

7. Baking Soda

Baking soda can be used to create a paste that can help to reduce itching and swelling from bug bites. To use this remedy, mix a small amount of baking soda with water to create a paste. Apply the paste to the affected area and leave it on for at least 30 minutes before rinsing it off.

8. Oatmeal

Oatmeal is another natural remedy that can be effective in reducing the symptoms of bug bites. It contains anti-inflammatory compounds that can help to reduce swelling and itching. To use this remedy, mix a small amount of oatmeal with water to create a paste. Apply the paste to the affected area and leave it on for at least 30minutes before rinsing it off.

9. Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar is a natural remedy that can help to reduce the symptoms of bug bites. It contains acetic acid, which can help to kill bacteria and reduce inflammation. To use this remedy, mix equal parts water and apple cider vinegar and apply the mixture to the affected area using a cotton ball. Leave it on for at least 30 minutes before rinsing it off.

10. Lavender Oil

Lavender oil is another essential oil that can be effective in reducing the symptoms of bug bites. It contains anti-inflammatory compounds that can help to reduce swelling and itching. Simply dilute a few drops of lavender oil in a carrier oil and apply it to the affected area.

Home remedies for bug bites that itch and swell:

Remedy	Description	How to Use
Cold Compresses	Cold temperature can help to numb the affected area and reduce inflammation	Wrap a few ice cubes in a cloth or use a cold pack and hold it against the bite for a few minutes at a time. Repeat as needed throughout the day.
Honey	Contains antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties	Apply a small amount of honey to the affected area and leave it on for at least 30 minutes before rinsing it off.
Basil	Contains anti-inflammatory compounds	Crush a few fresh basil leaves and apply the juice directly to the affected area. Alternatively, make a basil tea by boiling a few leaves in water and using a clean cloth to apply the cooled tea to the bite.
Aloe Vera	Contains compounds that can help to reduce inflammation and soothe the skin	Apply a small amount of aloe vera gel to the affected area and leave it on for at least 30 minutes before rinsing it off.
Tea Tree Oil	Contains antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties	Dilute a few drops of tea tree oil in a carrier oil, such as coconut oil, and apply it to the affected area.
Peppermint Oil	Contains menthol which can help to numb the skin and reduce the sensation of itching	Dilute a few drops of peppermint oil in a carrier oil and apply it to the affected area.
Baking Soda	Can help to reduce itching and swelling when used as a paste	Mix a small amount of baking soda with water to create a paste. Apply the paste to the affected area and leave it on for at least 30 minutes before rinsing it off.
Oatmeal	Contains anti-inflammatory compounds	Mix a small amount of oatmeal with water to create a paste. Apply the paste to the affected area and leave it on for at least 30 minutes before rinsing it off.
Apple Cider Vinegar	Contains acetic acid which can help to kill bacteria and reduce inflammation	Mix equal parts water and apple cider vinegar and apply the mixture to the affected area using a cotton ball. Leave it on for at least 30 minutes before rinsing it off.
Lavender Oil	Contains anti-inflammatory compounds	Dilute a few drops of lavender oil in a carrier oil and apply it to the affected area.

While these home remedies can provide some relief, it is important to seek medical attention if you are experiencing severe symptoms or if the bite becomes infected.

Average cost and ease of access for each of the home remedies for bug bites that itch and swell:

Remedy	Average Cost	Ease of Access
Cold Compresses	Low	High
Honey	Low to Moderate	High
Basil	Low	Moderate
Aloe Vera	Low to Moderate	High
Tea Tree Oil	Moderate	High
Peppermint Oil	Moderate	High
Baking Soda	Low	High
Oatmeal	Low	High
Apple Cider Vinegar	Low	High
Lavender Oil	Moderate	High

The costs listed are not approximate and may vary depending on your location and the availability of the products. The "ease of access" refers to how readily available the remedy is, with "high" indicating that it is easily accessible and "moderate" indicating that it may require some effort to obtain.

How do I make bug bites stop itching and swelling?

To make bug bites stop itching and swelling, you can try using some of the home remedies listed in this article, such as cold compresses, honey, basil, aloe vera, tea tree oil, peppermint oil, baking soda, oatmeal, apple cider vinegar, or lavender oil. These remedies can help to reduce inflammation and soothe the skin, providing relief from the itching and swelling.

What home remedy stops bug bites from itching?

Some of the most effective remedies for reducing the itching of bug bites include cold compresses, honey, basil, aloe vera, tea tree oil, peppermint oil, and lavender oil. These remedies can help to numb the affected area and reduce the sensation of itching.

What takes the itch out of bug bites?

To take the itch out of bug bites, you can try using a remedy that contains anti-inflammatory compounds, such as basil, aloe vera, tea tree oil, or lavender oil. You can also try using a remedy that contains menthol, such as peppermint oil, which can help to numb the skin and reduce the sensation of itching.

Why do my bug bites swell so big?

Bug bites can swell for a variety of reasons, including an allergic reaction to the bite, the type of insect that bit you, and the location of the bite on your body. If you are experiencing severe swelling or if the bite becomes infected, it is important to seek medical attention.

Reasons why bug bites can swell:

Reason	Description	Examples
Allergic Reaction	Some people may have an allergic reaction to the saliva or venom of certain insects, which can cause swelling and other symptoms	mosquito bites, bee stings
Type of Insect	Different types of insects can cause different reactions in the skin, with some causing more swelling than others	Mosquitoes, ticks, fleas, bed bugs
Location on the Body	The location of the bite on the body can affect the amount of swelling that occurs	Bites on the face, hands, and feet tend to swell more than bites on other parts of the body
Infection	If a bite becomes infected, it can cause swelling and other symptoms	Any type of insect bite can become infected if it is not properly treated
Other Factors	A number of other factors can contribute to the amount of swelling that occurs from a bug bite, such as the person's age, overall health, and immune system	-

While some swelling from bug bites is normal, severe swelling or the development of other symptoms such as fever, difficulty breathing, or dizziness may indicate a more serious reaction and should be evaluated by a healthcare professional.

Common places where you can get bitten by insects and tips for how to avoid being bitten:

Location	Insects to Watch Out For	Tips for Avoiding Bites
Outdoor Activities	Mosquitoes, ticks, fleas	Use insect repellent, wear long sleeves and pants, avoid areas with standing water
At Home	Mosquitoes, ticks, fleas, bed bugs	Keep screens on windows and doors in good repair, use a bed bug mattress cover, regularly wash bedding and clothing in hot water
While Traveling	Mosquitoes, ticks, fleas, bed bugs, foreign insects	Research the location you will be visiting and take appropriate precautions, such as using insect repellent and staying in accommodations with good insect control measures

These tips can help to reduce your risk of being bitten by insects, it is not always possible to completely avoid being bitten. If you do get bitten, it is important to properly treat the bite and seek medical attention if necessary.

Potential risks and side effects of using home remedies for bug bites:

Remedy	Precautions	Side Effects	Interactions with Other Medications
Cold Compresses	Do not use for a prolonged period of time as it can cause frostbite	None	None
Honey	Do not use if you are allergic to honey	Rare, but may cause allergic reactions in some individuals	None
Basil	Do not use if you are pregnant or breastfeeding	Rare, but may cause skin irritation in some individuals	None
Aloe Vera	Do not use if you are allergic to aloe vera	Rare, but may cause allergic reactions in some individuals	None
Tea Tree Oil	Dilute with a carrier oil before applying to the skin to avoid irritation	May cause skin irritation in some individuals	None
Peppermint Oil	Dilute with a carrier oil before applying to the skin to avoid irritation	May cause skin irritation in some individuals	May interact with certain medications, such as antacids and some asthma medications
Baking Soda	Do not use if you have open wounds or broken skin	Rare, but may cause skin irritation in some individuals	None
Oatmeal	Do not use if you have a gluten allergy	Rare, but may cause allergic reactions in some individuals with a gluten allergy	None
Apple Cider Vinegar	Dilute with water before applying to the skin to avoid irritation	Rare, but may cause skin irritation in some individuals	None
Lavender Oil	Dilute with a carrier oil before applying to the skin to avoid irritation	Rare, but may cause skin irritation in some individuals	May interact with certain medications, such as sedatives and blood pressure medications

Medical treatment options for severe or infected bug bites:

Treatment Option	Description	Examples
Prescription Medications	Medications that are prescribed by a healthcare professional to treat the symptoms of a severe or infected bug bite	Antihistamines, corticosteroids, antibiotics
Procedures	Medical procedures that may be performed to treat the symptoms of a severe or infected bug bite	Removal of a tick, drainage of an abscess
Other Treatment Options	Other treatments that may be recommended by a healthcare professional to treat the symptoms of a severe or infected bug bite	Pain management, wound care

The treatment options listed above are meant for severe or infected bug bites and are not intended to replace the use of home remedies for milder symptoms. If you are experiencing severe symptoms or if a bite becomes infected, it is important to seek medical attention.