Mosquito Bites: I Compared Two Gadgets That Promise Fast Relief

(Valérie Sardin)

Because mosquitoes always seem to know exactly who to bite first, summer often means itching, redness, and annoying little bumps. Whether you’re the type to come home from a campfire evening covered in bites, or your kids are the insects’ favourite targets, a good relief tool can quickly become a camping-bag essential.

This text is a translation from Noovo Moi.

Luckily, there are several gadgets designed to relieve the irritation that comes along with insect bites. After testing the Bug Bite Thing Suction Tool, a portable device that uses suction to remove saliva and venom left under the skin, we decided to try another equally intriguing technology: the Beurer Insect Bite Healer, which uses a few seconds of controlled heat to soothe itching and reduce inflammation. Two very different approaches, but the same promise: fast relief after a bite. So which one works better? We compared the results.

Bug Bite Thing: How Does It Work?

The process is fairly simple. The device uses suction to help extract saliva and venom from the area of an insect bite.

According to the instructions, the best way to use it is to place the head of the tool directly over the bite, then gently pull up on the handles until you begin to feel suction. Hold it in place for 10 to 20 seconds, then continue pulling the handles slowly.

Before

During

You should feel the suction increase, but stop before it becomes painful. Next, press the handles to release the suction and repeat the process two or three times. When used properly, you should notice a reduction in pain and irritation within a few minutes.

After

Does The Bug Bite Thing Really Work?

After using it several times, my children and I did notice a reduction in the swelling and irritation of the treated bites. However, it’s important to repeat the process two or three times to get the best results.

The only downside is that the suction can sometimes leave a temporary mark on the skin for a few hours or even a day (similar to a hickey). It may be necessary to adjust the amount of suction used, and some people are probably more prone to marking than others. But yes, the tool does genuinely work on insect bites.

Beurer Insect Bite Healer: How Does It Work?

The heated device uses thermal therapy technology to help relieve itching and discomfort caused by insect bites. A small ceramic heating plate warms up quickly and applies controlled heat directly to the affected area for a few seconds, which helps reduce the skin’s reaction.

It’s very easy to use: place it on the bite, choose the appropriate program (3 or 6 seconds), and wait. It works without creams or chemicals.

Before

During

After

Does The Beurer Insect Bite Healer Really Work?

After testing it several times, the Beurer Insect Bite Healer did provide quick relief from itching, especially when used shortly after the bite occurred. The heat sensation is quite intense during application — a brief burning feeling — but it lasts only a few seconds.

For the best results, it’s better to use it as soon as possible after the bite, before you’ve started scratching. In my experience, the itching faded quickly, while the redness and swelling decreased more gradually over time, which is often the case with a skin reaction.

So it’s not a magic solution that instantly makes a bite mark disappear, but it is an effective tool for reducing the urge to scratch and making the discomfort much easier to tolerate.

Here is the battery-operated model I tried. I’m also suggesting a second rechargeable model.

Which Types of Bites Do They Work On?

The Beurer Insect Bite Healer is designed to relieve itching and discomfort caused by most common insect bites and stings, including mosquitoes, ants, and flies. The thermal treatment works within seconds to help reduce itching and swelling, without the need for creams or chemicals.

Unlike the Bug Bite Thing, which removes irritants through suction, the heated pen works directly on the inflammatory reaction caused by the bite.

The Bug Bite Thing Suction Tool uses suction to remove saliva and venom and can be used for many biting or stinging insects, including mosquitoes, bees, wasps, ants, and more. You won’t see the venom being extracted because the particles are too small to be visible.

It is also said to help remove bee stingers or even splinters under the skin. The recommended method is to use the regular suction head first to draw the splinter closer to the surface, then use the opposite side — which also functions as a scraper — to help remove it.

Can They Be Used on Children?

Bug Bite Thing

The Bug Bite Thing Suction Tool contains no chemicals or medication; it simply uses suction to remove irritants left by the bite. It can therefore be used on children, provided that an adult applies it properly, since the suction is quite strong and can sometimes be uncomfortable.

Beurer Insect Bite Healer

The Beurer Insect Bite Healer is also chemical-free, but because it uses heat to treat the bite, it is generally recommended for adults and children aged 12 and over. You can definitely feel the heat, and you need to tolerate a brief burning sensation for a few seconds. It does, however, include a gentler 3-second treatment mode designed for sensitive skin.

If You Still Prefer Creams and Lotions...