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Got a Bug Bite? This $10 Suction Tool Will Save the Day
You've probably seen ads for the Bug Bite Thing — a popular insect bite and sting extraction device featured on Shark Tank. But does it really work? We put it to the test.
I'm a mosquito magnet. I joke that my blood must taste like sweet tea because the little suckers can't seem to get enough of me. Needless to say, hot, humid summer days can be torture, especially when I forget bug spray. Sunbathing? Hiking trip? Family picnic? Don't even think about it.
But all joking aside, mosquitos are annoying at best and dangerous, disease spreaders at worst. And in the (let's face it) likely case I forget insect repellent at home, forget to apply it or simply miss a spot, the bugs are guaranteed to ruin a fun summer outing. So when I ran across an ad for the Bug Bite Thing — the number-one, best-selling insect bite treatment on Amazon — I had to try it. This inexpensive, pocket-sized tool claims to extract insect saliva or venom from under the skin, eliminating the irritating itch or swelling that follows. Sounds great, right?
How It Works
Even the best insect repellents don't work 100 percent of the time, and you might walk away with one or two bites after spending time outdoors. When that happens, grab the Bug Bite Thing, place the open end firmly over the bump and gently suction out the saliva or venom. With the irritant gone, the bump disappears in about a day and won't start to itch or swell. When you're done, simply rinse out the removable end — easy peasy!
In addition to mosquitos, the tool can be used on bites from flies, no-see-ums, sea lice, chiggers and more. It's also great for bee and wasp stings and has a reversible tip (see image below) for small bites, splinters and hard-to-reach areas.
The Bug Bite Thing features a reversible tip for small bites, splinters and hard-to-reach areas.
The downside? The gentle suction leaves a red "cupping" ring around the bite that takes a few hours to disappear, and it's not safe to use on the sensitive skin of the face and neck. It's also not as effective on bites over a day old, so you need to use it within a few hours of getting bitten. I recommend throwing the pocket-sized tool in your glove box or buying a multi-pack so you've always got one close by (bonus: they now feature a handy keychain hole).
Jackie Alberts
Would I Buy It Again?
Absolutely. And I would recommend it to friends, especially those with kids. After two summers of constant use, I can attest that the Bug Bite Thing significantly reduces the discomfort and annoyance of a bite and is a great solution for anyone looking for a chemical-free alternative. This is a must for my family now!
