First Aid for mosquito bites?

For those like me who is apparently a huge magnet for mosquitoes (I honestly don't know why), what is a quick remedy for these bites, and how can you repel them? My instructor said to bathe in part vinegar oil, but it definitely didn't help a bit. Mosquito bites, especially when you are out in the mountains, are extremely itchy and painful, and all you have is alcohol to numb the irritation a bit. What do you guys do?

 

I'm glad to hear that I'm not the only mosquito magnet in the world. That is my chief concern when I am in the woods especially the mosquitoes in the wild are really wild and hungry for blood. In those cases, I always have my vaporub with me to counter the itchy effect of mosquito bite. It's not good to be scratching all the time because it can cause skin rashes. And I also bring insect repellent (OFF brand) that is quite sticky to the skin but effective in driving away the mosquitoes. Would you believe that I also use OFF lotion at home when a straggler mosquit0 is able to get inside because for sure I would be the main target.

When you are in the woods and out of medication, wipe your skin with vinegar, that will somehow pacify the venom of the mosquito bite so it will not be very itchy as to be scratched.

 

What you all can try as this is a military trick we were taught a long time ago if you are in the bush. Try eating large amounts of raw garlic. The smell will repel most types of insects including mosquito's. Do a quick search on google and you will see that for the most part it will help. Mud would be the next alternative, but sleeping in a clean sleeping bag and covered in mud isn't ideal.

 

Mozzies!
They are weak flyers!
In the heat I sleep under a decent breeze! you keep cool and the mozzies cant home in on you or control there flight!

 

I am also a mosquito magnet. I set out to do some research on the reason behind it. Mosquitoes are attracted by the lactic acid on the skin surface as well as emissions of carbon dioxide to trace where you are. There are mosquito repellent jellies which are quite effective in repelling them. A dosage of potent malarial medication is recommended to prevent infection.

 

Fortunately most mosquito bites are harmless but you also have to keep an eye out for symptoms of the diseases that they can transmit. They can pass on malaria, dengue fever and meningitis. So if you've been bitten by a mosquito, you should monitor yourself for any worrying symptoms such as fever, confusion, light sensitivity, etc.

You should probably wash the area as soon as you notice you have been bitten anyway, and people who are particularly sensitive to them or seem to attract a lot of bites might find it handy to carry around anti-itch lotion, like the calamine lotion you give to kids when they have chicken pox. You can also rub anti-perspirant (the roll on or bar type) on the affected area because it can stop the pain and itching.

Some other methods I've heard of include rubbing the area with the inside of a banana peel. And it's also suggested that people who take Vitamin B1 supplements are less likely to be bitten, though I don't know exactly how reliable that is. You should probably also avoid areas with standing water as that's where mosquitoes lay their eggs.

 

You're not alone; they flock to me too. They bite me through my clothes, so even in a hoodie I'm not protected. I literally just read a few days ago that Vaporub helps with the itch. Who would have thought? I read some instructions as well on how to make a menthol candle that will keep them away, but clearly I was using the wrong type of wick because the whole string just melted, leaving me with a candle holder full of the greasy medication.

I live in Florida, so they're all over the place. Since it's been raining like crazy lately, my entire yard is flooded, thus becoming a breeding ground for them. I definitely don't see myself going outside unless I'm covered in Off!

 

I can't say how truthful it is, but I've heard some remedies over the years. One is to rub spit on the bites. I always forget to try it when I have a mosquito bite, but it's free to try. If you do try it let me know how it works!