Bug Bite Relief: What Works (and What Doesn’t)

• Best heat-based device: Bite Away
• Best manual bug bite relief device: Bug Bite Thing
• Best roll-on bug bite relief: EiR NYC Bite Tamer
• Best roll-on bug bite relief for kids: Plant Therapy Itch Away KidSafe Essential Oil
• Best for multiple bites: Aveeno Soothing Bath Treatment
• Strongest bug bite relief without prescription: Cortizone 10 1% Hydrocortisone Anti-Itch Creme
• Best prescription bug bite relief: Prescription hydrocortisone cream, 2.5%
• Best numbing bug bite relief cream: Gold Bond Pain & Itch Relief Cream with 4% Lidocaine
• Best bug bite relief stick: Badger After-Bug Balm

Summer often means more time outdoors (woo!). But trips to the lake, mountain hikes, barbecues, and stargazing all have one thing in common: bug bites, and the painful, itchy, swollen reactions that come with them.

While there are a lot of products that promise to ease your suffering, it’s hard to know what will actually do the trick. We tried nine different bug bite relief products to see what works and what really doesn’t, so you can quit scratching and get back to summer fun.

We asked our writer and editors to test some new products to see if they really work. We also polled six of our editors who spend lots of time outdoors (or who just tend to attract lots of mosquitoes) what works for them, as well as what doesn’t.

In some cases, we got different feedback from different testers on the same product — meaning some liked it, and some weren’t as impressed. In those cases, we made sure to include all feedback in our review.

What works best for you will likely depend on your preferences and body chemistry, but these nine picks should give you a place to start.

Pricing guide

• $ = under $10
• $$ = $10–$25
• $$$ = over $25

Best heat-based device

Bite Away

• Price: $$$
• Pros: chemical-free and doesn’t leave residue
• Cons: hot
• Vegan: N/A
• Key ingredients: N/A

This device uses heat to take the itch and sting out of bug bites. The sleek, lightweight design has a ceramic plate that you hold over the bite. Pressing one of two buttons activates a 3- or 5-second burst of heat, and within just a few minutes, the itching and pain are gone.

“This is a chemical-free option with zero odor or greasy residue, and it really does work. But fair warning: This thing gets hot! At around 124° F (51° C), it’s not enough to burn your skin, but it’s definitely noticeable.

“Bite Away is Food and Drug Administration (FDA) cleared and can be used on children ages 2 and up. But I’m not sure I’d use it on a toddler.” — Jessica Timmons, Healthline writer

“Yes, there’s evidence out there that heat can offer itch relief, but this thing was way too hot. I pressed the on button as I put it to my skin and waited, only to yelp when the heat kicked in. It almost felt like being stung by a bee.

“I even made a friend try it to make sure I wasn’t just being a baby, and he yelped just like I did! I’m sure it’s harmless, but the sting wasn’t worth the potential benefits. I’d also definitely avoid using this on little kids.” — Jamey Powell, Healthline editor

Best manual bug bite relief device

Bug Bite Thing

• Price: $
• Pros: chemical-free and doesn’t leave residue
• Cons: has to be used immediately
• Vegan: N/A
• Key ingredients: N/A

This As Seen On TV device uses suction to draw out insect saliva or venom, alleviating the itchy, swollen pain they cause. That means that, instead of treating the symptoms alone, the Bug Bite Thing (like Bite Away) actually addresses the cause of those symptoms.

To use the device, place it over the bite, handles down. Slowly pull the handles up until you feel suction. Hold for 10 to 20 seconds, then release the suction by pushing down.

“The design of this little tool is well-thought-out. The cap is reversible to accommodate bites on smaller parts of the body, and I’ve actually used the smaller size successfully on a few splinters. Plus, since it’s removable, you can wash it off between uses — just don’t get the pump part wet. The handle is also designed to flick off any stingers that may be left in the skin.

“This simple tool works well, but it’s a little fiddly, and it took a few tries to get the hang of it. Once you know what you’re doing, it’s a great way to manage bug bites.” — Timmons

“I wanted to love the Bug Bite Thing — brand points for keeping it real with the name — but it wasn’t a winner for me. It’s a manual suction tool that claims to suck out insect venom and saliva (ew!) from under the skin. However, the packaging says to use immediately after a bite or sting, and they’re not kidding.

“Although I weirdly enjoyed the sensation of suctioning a day-old bite on my calf, I didn’t feel any itch relief, which is a bummer. I’m not often aware I’m being attacked by bloodsuckers until a day later.” — Powell

Best roll-on bug bite relief

EiR NYC Bite Tamer

• Price: $$
• Pros: all-natural and smells nice
• Cons: not as effective as some other options
• Vegan: yes
• Key ingredients: castor oil, camphor bark, tea tree oil

EiR Bite Tamer is a roll-on itch reliever designed to offer immediate relief from itchy bites. A blend of castor oil, camphor bark, tea tree oil, and copaiba, among other ingredients, offers soothing properties and gives it a minty, herbal fragrance.

“I used this on a mosquito bite on the top of my foot, and, while it didn’t make the bite heal any faster, it did make quick work of the itch and even reduced the swelling. Plus, I really love the scent, so I have no problem rolling this on whenever I start idly scratching.” — Timmons

“I prefer using natural, eco-friendly products whenever possible, so this product gets points from me in those categories. I like that most of the ingredients are organic, and the packaging is mostly glass (with a plastic cap). It also has a really nice herbal smell.

“Some ingredients are meant to reduce inflammation, and I do feel like it made my swelling go down. However, it doesn’t help with the itchiness as much as I’d hoped.” — Chelsea Logan, Healthline editor

Best roll-on bug bite relief for kids

Plant Therapy Itch Away KidSafe Essential Oil

• Price: $
• Pros: safe for kids
• Cons: might need to be reapplied frequently
• Vegan: yes
• Key ingredients: essential oils

This is another anti-itch roll-on made with a mix of pure essential oils, including copaiba, lavender, spearmint, patchouli, and more. The oils are all designated as “kid safe,” with a safety data sheet explaining all safety information and potential sensitivities.

“I’m a sucker for great fragrances, and this one is really nice: sweet and lightly floral with a little spice. It’s a nice bonus that it’s also an itch-relieving product.

“While Itch Away is intended for kids ages 2 to 10, I find it useful for relieving the itch of my own bug bites. And I’m not the only one — of more than 700 reviews about this product on the Plant Therapy website, a good number are adults who are happily using it themselves.” — Timmons

Best for multiple bites

Aveeno Soothing Bath Treatment

• Price: $
• Pros: works well if you have a lot of bites or sensitive skin
• Cons: can be dehydrating
• Vegan: yes
• Key ingredients: colloidal oatmeal

This colloidal oatmeal bath treatment is made to soothe the pain and itchiness associated with sunburn, rash, eczema, and, you guessed it, bug bites.

Gentle and fragrance-free, the bath could be just what you need if you’re dealing with more than an isolated bite or two.

“I’m a big fan of baths to begin with, but anytime I have a rash or bug bite, I lean into colloidal oat baths. They’re so soothing and calming.

“The only drawback (which is true for most hot baths) is that it can be dehydrating afterward, so I like to drink a big glass of water after I dry off.” — Jen Anderson, Healthline copy editor

Strongest bug bite relief without prescription

Cortizone 10 1% Hydrocortisone Anti-Itch Creme

• Price: $
• Pros: strongest medication available without a prescription
• Cons: mixed reviews
• Vegan: no
• Key ingredients: hydrocortisone, chamomile

Hydrocortisone meets chamomile and vitamins A, C, and E in this creamy formula, which is made to soothe itchy skin related to bug bites, poison ivy, and plain dry skin. According to the manufacturer, this is the strongest itch-relief medication you can buy without a prescription.

While online reviews were generally positive, our personal experience is mixed.

“On mosquito bites with allergic reaction, this didn’t really stop the itching, no matter how thoroughly I covered a bite.” — Abellon

Best prescription bug bite relief

Prescription hydrocortisone cream, 2.5%

• Price: varies
• Pros: strong and effective
• Cons: requires a prescription
• Vegan: no
• Key ingredients: hydrocortisone

For a stronger hydrocortisone cream, you’ll need a prescription from your doctor. A 2.5% strength topical steroid cream can be used to treat inflammation and itching, which makes it effective if your bug bites get really swollen.

“I’ve found this strength to be more effective than over-the-counter options. A major drawback is, of course, access. In the United States, you need a prescription through a doctor. The other ingredients are typically petrolatum and mineral oil.

“You can use it on hives, mosquito bites, and spider bites. This has worked well for me as someone whose bug bites tend to swell up.” — Abellon

Best numbing bug bite relief cream

Gold Bond Pain & Itch Relief Cream with 4% Lidocaine

• Price: $
• Pros: steroid-free
• Cons: contains methylparaben
• Vegan: no
• Key ingredients: lidocaine

Lidocaine is a topical antiseptic with a mild numbing effect, and that’s the role it plays in this lotion. The steroid-free formula can be used to soothe minor burns and scrapes, insect bites, and even sunburn.

“It soothes and works quickly — the mosquitoes are bad this 2021 camping season!” — Abellon

Best bug bite relief stick

Badger After-Bug Balm

• Price: $$
• Pros: organic and doubles as a bug repellent
• Cons: doesn’t help with swelling
• Vegan: no
• Key ingredients: colloidal oatmeal, beeswax, sunflower, coconut, castor, and essential oils

This is an effective itch reliever made with organic ingredients — think: colloidal oatmeal, beeswax, sunflower oil, coconut oil, castor oil, and several essential oils.

The gentle balm doubles as a natural bug repellent, and the stick applicator is convenient.

“Mosquitos love me, and my body hates them — I swell up a ton anytime I get bit. This doesn’t really do anything for swelling, but it’s my go-to product for itchiness. I like that it’s made with natural ingredients, and it’s USDA certified organic.

“Another bonus is that, since it’s a solid stick, it doesn’t take up space in your liquids bag when you fly. It also isn’t as messy or sticky as some other products (no waiting for it to dry).” — Logan

Clearly, you have options when it comes to products designed to relieve the itching and pain associated with a bug bite. Here’s what to keep in mind as you shop.

• The product type and purpose: Bug bite relief products can be creams, balms, heating devices, manual tools, roll-ons, and more. Some are designed for versatility, like soothing rashes and minor scrapes and burns in addition to bug bites. Some also double as bug repellents. Consider your bug bite type and condition to help you zero in on the product that’s most likely to help.
• The product’s ingredients: Different products use different ingredients to offer relief. You may find essential oils, aloe vera, lidocaine, colloidal oatmeal, and more in your product, so make a point of scanning the ingredient list before use.
• How quickly the product works: The idea is to resolve the pain and itchiness quickly, so check the label carefully to see how fast a product should start having an effect.

Why do I get so many bug bites?

Some types of biting insects, like mosquitos, are attracted to specific compounds in body odor, which could make you more attractive. Wearing dark or black clothing may also attract mosquitos, along with being pregnant or consuming alcohol. Blood type may also play a role.

You can minimize your chances of bug bites by covering bare skin with clothing, wearing shoes, and using insect repellent.

Why do bug bites itch more at night?

It may be because we’re more tuned into our bodies and less distracted as we wind down for sleep. Fewer distractions means we pay more attention to how we’re feeling.

Is Neosporin good for bug bites?

Neosporin is a mild corticosteroid medication that can be used to treat a number of skin conditions, including bug bites. It also helps relieve the itch associated with poison oak and poison ivy, dermatitis, eczema, and more.

Having a quick remedy on hand when you suddenly realize you’ve been bitten or stung is no small thing. And, whether your preference is using heat, suction, or a topical product to relieve the itchiness and swelling, it’s good to know you have options that really work.

Keep in mind: You may have to try a few different products before you figure out what works best for you.

Jessica Timmons has been working as a freelance writer since 2007, covering everything from pregnancy and parenting to cannabis, chiropractic, stand-up paddling, fitness, martial arts, home decor, and much more. Her work has appeared in mindbodygreen, Pregnancy & Newborn, Modern Parents Messy Kids, and Coffee + Crumbs. See what she’s up to now at jessicatimmons.com.