How to Stop Midge Bites From Itching

The small, flying insects known as “midges” are infamous for their irritating bites. These bites commonly cause itching and burning sensations that can ruin your outdoor adventures and become a nuisance during warmer months.

Getting relief from clusters of these bites can allow you to enjoy your time outdoors no matter the time of year. Here’s how you can effectively reduce your discomfort.

Understanding Midge Bites

You might know biting midges as “no-see-ums.” Midges aren’t just made up of one species; instead, this group of insects contains several different species of flies. Midges are commonly found near bodies of water like lakes and rivers. Female biting midges feed on blood, which supplies them with the necessary protein for egg development. Since midges are so small, it’s hard to tell they’re around until you’ve been bitten.

Are midge bites dangerous? Unless you have a life-threatening allergy to midges, their bites usually won’t cause much harm beyond temporary discomfort and annoyance.

Common symptoms of midge bites include:

Swelling
Itching
Burning
Small red bumps
Possible blister formation

If you’re allergic to midge bites, blisters and other more severe reactions are more likely. Consult your doctor for more information about treating your allergy.

For most people, itching and burning sensations typically subside within a few days. Some people deal with midge bites for as long as two weeks, but this is rare. Generally, you can expect to feel better within a week.

Effective Treatments to Alleviate Itching From Midge Bites

If midge bites are aggravating your skin, there are simple steps you can take to quickly alleviate your symptoms. Try these effective midge bite treatments.

Immediate Relief Measures

If you’re suffering from burning and itching sensations from midge bites, you need immediate relief. This is where measures like cold compresses and over-the-counter allergy medications can help.

Try applying an ice pack wrapped in a cloth to the affected area. Hold the ice pack there for 10 to 15 minutes to help reduce the swelling and numb the itching from your bites.

You can also buy topical treatments like hydrocortisone cream or calamine lotion. Hydrocortisone cream reduces inflammation and curbs itching, while calamine lotion soothes skin irritation and may help reduce itching as well.

Over-the-counter antihistamine medications can keep mild allergic reactions and itching at bay. Always seek medical attention if you’re having a life-threatening allergic reaction to insect bites.

Home Remedies

When you have more time, you can work on soothing your irritated and itchy skin at home. These easy remedies only require common household products that you likely have lying around. It’s important to note that effectiveness may vary when considering home remedies.

Oats naturally contain anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compounds. You can make an oatmeal paste by mixing equal parts oatmeal and water together. Apply the paste to any irritated areas for 10 to 15 minutes.

Baking soda paste is another option for at-home midge bite relief. It’s naturally antibacterial and anti-inflammatory, and you’ll find it used as a natural remedy for many skin conditions. Mix one tablespoon of baking soda with water to form a paste. Apply the paste to the bites, and let it sit for 10 minutes before rinsing it off.

Similarly, aloe vera gel soothes burning sensations and reduces inflammation, making it commonly used for sunburn relief. Apply store-bought aloe vera gel as directed to midge bites for soothing relief. If you have an aloe plant, you can also make your own gel or aloe popsicles.

Preventing Midge Bites

Prevention is key when it comes to defending against biting midges. Treatment doesn’t have to be extensive when you reduce your exposure to these irritating insects in certain key ways:

Protective Clothing

Midges are most active during dawn and dusk. During these times, you should wear long sleeves and pants outside to minimize skin exposure. Wear light-colored clothing to further reduce your chances of being bitten, as light colors are less attractive to midges.

Insect Repellent Clothing

For added protection, consider wearing insect repellent clothing treated with permethrin. This insecticide is bonded to the fabric and helps repel or kill biting insects on contact. Permethrin-treated gear is especially useful for outdoor activities and remains effective through several washes.

Use of Topical Insect Repellents

EPA-registered insect repellents work best to prevent bites. Look for ingredients like DEET and picaridin in the products you buy.

For a more natural solution, you can apply lemon and eucalyptus oils to any exposed skin. These strong scents can naturally repel biting insects, though their effectiveness may vary

Environmental Measures

Avoid areas that are known for high midge activity. Wetlands are common breeding grounds for these annoying insects, so make sure to steer clear of them during peak midge seasons. This includes areas near lakes and rivers.

If you are near bodies of water or marshes, use fans to your advantage. Midges are weak fliers, and constant moving air can help prevent them from coming near you.

Providing Long-Lasting Protection

At Insect Shield, we specialize in producing high-quality permethrin-treated clothing and outdoor gear. Our treated products maintain effectiveness throughout multiple washes, so you can count on enjoying superior insect protection for the lifespan of each item.

We offer a variety of insect-repellent products, including mosquito-repellent clothing for outdoor activities in the spring and summer. Our workwear is designed with professionals who need reliable insect protection in mind.

For campers and hikers, having insect-proof camping gear like blankets and tents is essential, keeping pests out and warmth and comfort in.

Effectiveness Against Midges

Permethrin has been studied and used for years to prevent insect bites in humans and animals alike.

Permethrin works by causing muscle spasms, paralysis, and death in insects. Its effectiveness extends beyond midges, tackling bugs like ticks, mosquitoes, and chiggers as well. In fact, the military often uses permethrin-treated uniforms for insect protection.

Effectively Treat and Prevent Midge Bites With Insect Shield

Midge bites can be highly uncomfortable, and the itching and burning they cause can really take a toll on your outdoor adventures. But with the right treatment and prevention strategies, you can alleviate midge bite symptoms and even avoid them in the first place.

Permethrin-treated gear from Insect Shield offers a reliable way to repel these irritating insects and keep you comfortable outdoors. Check out our permethrin-treated clothes and accessories today!