Natural Insect Repellents and Home Remedies for Bug Bites

Bug bites are part of the package when you spend time outdoors, but that doesn’t mean you have to suffer through them. There are plenty of ways to handle it without turning to harsh chemicals.

In this blog, we’re exploring natural insect repellents and home remedies for bug bites that actually work, from plant-based sprays to homeopathy. We’ll walk you through how to prevent bites in the first place and what to do when you get one. 

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Natural Insect Repellents

No one enjoys being bitten by mosquitoes or other bugs. But slathering on chemical repellents every day doesn’t feel great either. 

Fortunately, nature has provided us with many effective and gentle ways to keep insects away. Here are some natural options worth trying:

Essential Oils That Actually Work

Certain essential oils are surprisingly good at repelling insects. A few drops go a long way, especially when mixed with a carrier oil or added to a spray bottle with water and witch hazel.

• Citronella: Probably the most famous natural bug repellent. It has a strong lemony scent that mosquitoes hate.
• Eucalyptus (especially lemon eucalyptus): This one has been shown to be as effective as low-concentration DEET. It’s a top choice.
• Lavender: Not only does it smell great, but it also helps soothe your skin while keeping bugs away.
• Tea Tree Oil: Known for its antimicrobial properties, tea tree also repels mosquitoes and even helps deter ticks.

Tip: Always dilute essential oils before applying them to your skin to avoid irritation.

Herbs That Help

You don’t need to buy a bunch of oils if you’ve got a garden. Many herbs that repel insects grow easily and can be applied directly to your skin (just do a patch test first).

• Neem: This powerful Indian plant is often used in oil form and has strong insect-repelling properties.
• Basil: Great in pasta and great for repelling flies and mosquitoes.
• Lemongrass: High in citronella content, it’s another fragrant way to keep bugs at bay.

DIY Repellent Spray

Here’s a quick and easy recipe you can mix up at home:

You’ll need:

• 10 drops lemon eucalyptus oil
• 10 drops lavender oil
• 2 tablespoons witch hazel
• 2 tablespoons distilled water
• (Optional: a few drops of vanilla extract for scent)

Mix everything in a small spray bottle, shake well, and spray on exposed skin before heading outdoors. Reapply every couple of hours or after sweating.

DIY Repellent Candle

You’ll need:

• 1 cup soy wax or beeswax
• 15–20 drops citronella essential oil
• 10 drops lavender or lemon eucalyptus oil
• Candle wick
• Small glass jar or tin

Melt the wax using a double boiler. Once fully melted, remove from heat and stir in the essential oils. Place the wick in the center of your jar or tin, then carefully pour in the wax. Let the candle cool and harden completely before trimming the wick. 

Light the candle outdoors to help keep mosquitoes and other pests away.

Home Remedies for Bug Bites

Do you have a few bites that itch, sting, or swell? Instead of reaching for hydrocortisone cream right away, try these natural remedies to soothe your skin and speed up healing.

Soothing Applications

These are items you might already have at home:

• Aloe Vera: Straight from the plant or in gel form, aloe cools the skin and helps reduce inflammation.
• Witch Hazel: This natural astringent helps calm itching and reduce swelling.
• Baking Soda Paste: Mix baking soda with a few drops of water to make a paste and apply to the bite. It helps neutralize the skin and relieve itchiness.
• Apple Cider Vinegar: Dab it on with a cotton ball to reduce itching and disinfect the area slightly.

Herbal Poultices

A poultice is just crushed herbs applied to the skin. If you have these growing nearby, they can work wonders:

• Plantain Leaf: Not the banana! The green weed-like plant found in many yards. Crush a fresh leaf and apply directly to the bite; it helps draw out toxins and reduce swelling.
• Calendula: Known for its skin-soothing properties, calendula can be used as a cream or fresh poultice.

Cold Compresses

Sometimes simple is best. A cold compress or ice pack wrapped in a cloth can do a lot to calm itching and swelling, especially right after the bite happens.

Homeopathic Remedies

Homeopathy can be incredibly effective for calming down those annoying itch attacks, swelling, or allergic skin responses.

Here are a few of our top picks when it comes to homeopathic remedies for bites and related skin discomfort:

BM39 – For Itchy, Irritated Skin (Your Go-To for Bite Reactions)

Let’s start with BM39, our most recommended remedy for itchy bites. Perfect for bug bites, hives, or other allergic skin reactions. It’s formulated to calm inflammation, reduce redness, and support your skin’s natural healing process.

What makes it effective? BM39 combines several powerful ingredients:

• Apis Mellifica: Traditionally used to reduce swelling, stinging, and redness (especially helpful for bites that puff up).
• Ledum Palustre: Great for puncture wounds and insect bites; it may help soothe and protect the skin.
• Urtica Urens: Known for its anti-itch and anti-inflammatory support; best used for hives and burning sensations.
• Rhus Tox: Often used for irritated, itchy skin and rashes.
• Dulcamara D5, Ars Alb D4, Calc Carb D10: All recommended for reducing inflammation, calming the skin, and addressing sensitivity issues from various causes.

BM39 temporarily relieves discomfort from numerous, itchy, irregular, yellow or orange-brown swollen patches on the skin, food allergies (such as milk, eggs, shellfish, or nuts), and medication allergies.

Natrum Muriaticum 6x – Gentle Topical Antihistamine Support

Although this remedy is often used for issues such as colds, headaches, and sleep disturbances, Natrum Muriaticum 6x also shines as a topical option for bites. 

It’s especially useful when your skin overreacts with swelling, itching, or redness. It is traditionally used for regulating fluid balance and has a reputation for acting like a natural antihistamine.

Just dab a bit of the remedy directly onto the bite for fast, natural support.

Nat Mur temporarily relieves any dryness or wetness on the body, occasional watery and loose stools, runny nose, vomiting, dry and painful throat, delayed menstruation, coldness, indigestion, nerve discomfort, general weakness, low iron levels, discomfort due to skin issues, and more. Temporarily supports healthy weight loss.

Arnica Montana 30c – For Swelling & Soreness After Bites

If your bite area is sore, swollen, or tender, Arnica Montana 30c can be a great match. 

It’s best known for bruising and muscle soreness, but it’s also recommended after a more aggressive bite that leaves the area inflamed or painful. Its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant support may help speed up healing and reduce discomfort.

It’s especially helpful if you’ve been scratching a bite and the area’s starting to feel more like a bruise.

Arnica Montana temporarily relieves occasional shoulder, neck, and back aches. It also temporarily relieves occasional bruising, muscle soreness from overexertion or injury, strains, sprains, and swelling.

Prevention Tips 

Because it’s better not to get bitten at all, here are a few smart habits that can go a long way in keeping bugs away:

Dress Smart

Wearing long sleeves, pants, and light-colored clothing can help you avoid bites, especially in the early morning or evening when mosquitoes are most active. If you're going hiking or camping, tuck your pants into your socks. It’s not glamorous, but it works.

Use Natural Insect Repellents

As mentioned earlier, essential oil sprays and herbal solutions like citronella, neem, or lemon eucalyptus oil are solid choices. Apply before heading out, and reapply every couple of hours.

Tweak Your Diet 

Some people swear by vitamin B1 (thiamine) or garlic supplements to help deter mosquitoes. It’s not a guaranteed fix, but it doesn’t hurt to try. Plus, both have other health benefits.

Keep Your Space Bug-Free

Burning citronella candles (like the DIY version we shared earlier) or using lavender sachets near windows can help. Also, get rid of any standing water around your home; mosquitoes love it.

When to See a Doctor

Most bug bites are harmless and annoying. However, sometimes, they can turn into something more serious. It’s important to know when a bite needs more than just natural remedies or home care.

Here are a few red flags to watch out for:

• Serious swelling or pain that keeps getting worse instead of better
• Signs of infection like pus, increased redness, or warmth around the bite
• Fever, chills, or fatigue that come on after a bite
• A bite followed by a rash that spreads, especially after a tick bite (could be Lyme disease)
• Allergic reactions showing as difficulty breathing, dizziness, or swelling of the face and throat (this is a medical emergency)

Also, if you're not sure what bit you and the reaction seems unusual, it's always better to play it safe and check in with a healthcare provider.

Bottom Line

Bites happen, but they don’t have to ruin your day. From essential oils to homeopathic support, there are gentle, effective ways to calm the itch, soothe your skin, and feel like yourself again.

Stay prepared, stay protected, and when in doubt, keep it natural.