Even after all of your preparation in trying to keep the bugs at bay, you’ve been defeated by a, or several, persistent bug(s). What now? You know you’re not supposed to scratch those bites as you know that could result in a pretty nasty infection. But how on earth do you soothe that terrible itching?

Here are some easy ways we found from around the web to get some relief without scratching your skin off.

1 . Ice Cube or Ice Pack

Probably your most obvious option! Cold water or ice can reduce red, inflamed areas like bug bites. These chillier options can also numb the skin, providing temporary relief.

2. Inside of a Banana Peel

Weird as it sounds, the inside of banana peels are great for relieving the itching of things like bug bites and poison ivy. It won’t get rid of your bite, but it will moisturize and soothe the area.

3. Salt Water Paste

With its antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties, salt is crucial for reducing redness, swelling, and irritation. It will also help to assure that your bite doesn’t get infected – because, yes, they can do that.

4. Baking Soda

This kitchen, cleaning, and beauty necessity can also work to ease bug bites. Combine it with water to make a paste, then apply liberally to the affected area.

5. Lemon Juice or a Raw Lemon

Spritz some lemon juice (or squeeze a raw lemon, if you don’t have any on hand) right onto your bug bites for instant relief.

6. Aspirin

Not to take, but to turn into a paste! Crush up a few tablets, combine them with water, and make a paste that will help reduce inflammation and itchiness fast.

7. Epsom Salt

An excuse to take a relaxing Epsom salt bath? Any time! Epsom salt is great for curing all sorts of ailments, including your itchiest bug bites.

Home for the Win8. Toothpaste

Once you’re done brushing your teeth, take a dab of the minty stuff and put it on your bug bites. This works especially great if you have a menthol flavor toothpaste, as menthol helps to cool, relieve, and even heal bites.

9. Tea Bags

Brew a pot of tea, let a few bags sit in the warm water, and then plop them (once they’re cool enough!) onto your itchy bites. Works very well for irritating sunburn, too.

10. Deodorant

Sounds weird, but it really works! The aluminum chloride in bar deodorant will draw moisture (and toxins) from the bite.

11. Apple Cider Vinegar

Malic acid in apple cider vinegar is a natural antibiotic and anti-inflammatory, able to soothe painful bites.

12. Rubbing Alcohol

The most conventional but one of the most effective methods. Take some good old fashioned rubbing alcohol to the bite to make sure it doesn’t get infected and to dry it out, making it vanish faster.