Milk contains proteins that have anti-inflammatory effects, easing the itch a bug bite causes. Dip a soft cloth into milk and drip it over your bug bites to ease the itch without stepping back outside.

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Aloe vera is another one of those good-for-anything salves. Studies have shown that it has wound-healing properties, it's packed full of anti-inflammatory agents and it even has been proven to have anti-wrinkle and anti-acne effects. Seriously, there's a reason the Egyptians called it the plant of immortality.

When applied topically, aloe vera will soothe your bug bites and help them heal faster -- especially if it's fresh from the plant. If you don't have a green thumb, try Aubrey Organics Pure Aloe Vera Gel, $7.95.

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This herb contains menthol and camphor compounds -- kind of like Vick's VapoRub for your mosquito bites. The cooling sensation will overtake the itching signal your brain is receiving. Just crush basil leaves into a paste and apply them to the bite, covering them with a bandage.

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Besides a soothing scent that will instantly lower stress levels, this essential oil in an anti-inflammatory, which will soothe your itch. It's also anti-bacterial and anti-viral, which lessens the chance of an infection. We like The Body Shop Tea Tree Oil, $10.

Tannins in black tea act cause the skin to tighten, drawing the liquid out of the bug bite. This bug bite home remedy is especially soothing when the tea bag is chilled, so slip it in the fridge before applying it to your mosquito or spider bite.