Hey Mosquito…Bite Me!

Here we are in the heart of another Sioux Empire summer.

Along with all the summer fun comes a ton of mosquito's and other assorted bugs that love to bite. Especially after the kind of moisture we've received this summer.

This past weekend I was re-doing the deck on the back of my house, when some insect had a three course meal on one of my ankles and my arms.

Any smart person would have just left those bug bites alone, ignored them and they would soon go away. Me on the other hand, not so much. They started itching, and I started scratching, and scratching, and scratching!

Now that I've sufficiently irritated the bites, I'm scratching as often as a farm dog covered in ticks.

If you too are suffering this summer courtesy of some pesky little blood sucker, it's important to deal with the bites when they first happen.

Here are 8 bug bite itch-soothing tips that might help:

• Try cleaning the bite with rubbing alcohol or alcohol wipes to help stop the irritation.

• You can also try a baking soda treatment. A strong alkaline solution will often ease insect itching. Mix baking soda and warm water together and gently apply it to the affected area using a cotton ball or cotton swab. Leave it on for a few minutes and then wash it off with warm water.

• Apply Apple Cider Vinegar to the bite. Leave it on for a few minutes, and you should find that the itching pain will subside.

• Run the bite under water. Whether it's piping hot or ice cold, using water might help alleviate the itch.

• Take a nice relaxing bath. Add two tablespoons of cider vinegar, or two cups of ground oatmeal to help alleviate the itch.

• Apply and ice pack or ice cube to the inflamed area. Leave it on the affected area for about 20 minutes.

• Dab a little toothpaste over the bite area. This is supposed to work like a charm to relief the itching irritation.

• Use cooled tea. It can work wonders when applied to insect bites.

Obviously if the itching and pain continues for an extended period of time, you should consult a physician right away for additional help.