5 Home Remedies For Those Pesky Mosquito Bites [JACK’S WORDS OF WISDOM]

There are a million reasons why we love summer -- except for those teeny, tiny little devils that prey on us when we're not paying attention and literally suck the life out of us (well, not quite literally, but you get the point).

Trying to avoid mosquitoes is just as hard as treating the itchy bumps they leave on your skin, and although there are Wal-Marts everywhere (Cheektowaga, Amherst, Depew, Hamburg, Lockport, Williamsville), we don't always have the time or patience for store-bought relief.

That's where we come in. Here are a few tips to keep those suckers away and keep yourself from breaking skin.

Fabric Softener Sheets. If you have kids, this might be the funnest way to avoid mosquito bites. All you need to do is rub a dryer sheet (no matter the brand or cost) on your skin, and the sheet will mask your scent, which will send the mosquitoes off to bother your neighbors or the mailman. Be wary of the residue it might leave, but if you're out of store-bought repellent or you feel like doing something silly your kids would like, go for it!

Dish Soap. Citronella candles and torches are awesome for keeping away mosquito bites, but they can be pricey and run out quickly if you're frequently outdoors. A great, and more convenient, way to keep mosquitoes away is by filling a small dish (about the size of a candy dish or ashtray) with dish soap. It's a great idea for when you're on the patio furniture lounging outside on a summer night with a cold one, and the smell isn't as overwhelming as citronella candles.

Lemon Slices. If you've already been bit by a mosquito, first of all, we're sorry. Once the itchiness begins, it's important to NOT SCRATCH. Consider your mother right this time: Scratching spreads the rash and essentially doesn't help do anything but make the bite worse. To treat your mosquito bite, take lemon and place it on bite; it will relieve itchiness and reduce the swelling mark too.

Toothpaste. Just because it's common doesn't mean it's any less amazing. Toothpaste has been a remedy for mosquito bites for as long as there's been toothpaste. It's refreshing, it relieves the itchiness, and children can pretend they're some sort of mystic, white-spotted creature while waiting for it to dry. It is also a better alternative for younger, curious kids who might try to lick or taste other remedies. You just need to apply toothpaste on the mosquito bite -- enough so that it covers it completely -- and allow it to dry. Once the flakes fall off, you can apply it again, or if the bite is gone, just wash off the remaining toothpaste. Simple and fresh.

Honey. If you're worried about running out of toothpaste or would prefer something else to remedy mosquito bites, try honey. The natural sweetener is already used for tons of other at-home remedies and contains anti-inflammatory properties as well as anti-bacterial ones, just like lemons do. Unlike toothpaste, you only need to dab a little bit of honey on the mosquito bite, and it will reduce itchiness and swelling. It also tastes amazing, if you're into that kind of thing.

What do you use to get rid of the mosquito bite pain?

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