As recommended by readers of Jane Friedman’s Electric Speed newsletter.

• Mosquitoes like me a lot, and the best I’ve found so far to repel them is REPEL plant-based lemon eucalyptus repellant. However, it’s apparently very toxic to animals who might lick you or otherwise ingest it, so the second-best I’ve found is Earth Animal Nature’s Protection herbal bug spray. Once the bite is there, putting rubbing alcohol on it when it itches makes the itch stop (takes a few seconds to work). —Kris Tsetsi
• I'm eaten alive by mosquitos too. For me, Lucas' Papaw ointment works best. If I put it on the bite immediately after I was bitten, it'll be almost gone by the next day! I bought it in Australia but I saw that you can order it online. It's a bit pricy but a little goes a very long way. I brought home two of those small pots with me ten years ago and have still not used them up! —Miriam
• The best and easiest thing to do for mosquitos is to wear mosquito socks. They are treated to repel mosquitos. I like the socks because, as you noted, mosquitos love ankles. You can also buy clothes that are already treated as well, or treat your own clothes with permethrin. —Barbara Hynak
• I've tried EVERYTHING natural for me and for my horses. Lemongrass, citronella, lavender, cedar tree, eucalyptus, rosemary, lemon balm... the only thing that works for me is genuine, strong peppermint. Spray it all over your clothes and skin, and refresh frequently. (It also wakes you up and improves focus.) —Grace Burrowes
• Put lavender essential oil on the bite immediately. —Susan Hodge
• Got this from a garden store on a whim. What a great find! Deet Free, too! No-Bite-Me™ All Natural Bug Repellent & Anti-Itch Cream —Jean K.
• To avoid mosquito bites, I can attest that plain old Skin So Soft lotion works, as does a lotion that contains real huckleberry juice. Lotions with real juice in them will have a warning not to wear them while out walking in bear country. Pay attention to this if you want to avoid bear bites too. Also, this topic reminds me of what C.S. Lewis said regarding the question of whether or not animals go to heaven: "A heaven for mosquitoes and a hell for men could very conveniently be combined." God knows his business. —Mary Rosewood
• When I was growing up in Texas my dad had my brother and I dust our ankles with sulphur to keep the "chiggers" from biting. He bought a bag of sulphur (from the hardware store, I think?) and put some in a bag he made from material he tore from one of his old under-shirts. It worked well. I'm not sure about mosquitos, etc, but we didn't have any bug bites. —Stephen Grimes
• The camphor oil in Vicks VapoRub will end the itching of a bug bite (or other itches, too). —Eilene Lyon
• Re: Mosquitoes . . . Gardening sleeves! I walk several miles in the morning (Pass Christian, MS!), and the mosquitoes and deer flies are awful! Hint #1: I wear gardening sleeves on my arms and another pair on my ankles. I look a bit frumpy but that’s only at home in the yard or walking. I wear tops or dresses with gauzy long sleeves and linen pants when I go out for dinner or cocktails. Deep Woods Off. Make sure you’ve brushed you teeth - really. And, if possible, stay away from large clumps or trees and bushes. The bugs hide out in those cool, dark places. —Shanda McCloskey
• For bug bites: I went to a kids birthday party in a buggy backyard and the host handed out RiptGear mosquito patches made with natural citronella (no deet). Surprisingly (to me), they worked! To treat existing bites, check out the device in this viral tweet (from the wife of one of my clients): https://twitter.com/thisischristina/status/1670891598350106624?s=46&t=I5KjeIOdQIzsWhtaDl6Njg —Laura Portwood-Stacer
• My recommendation for prevention:  Cutter Skinsations Insect Repellent. I use the pump spray and spritz it all over my arms and legs. It smells nice, is gentle on my super sensitive skin, and works really well for me. My recommendation for soothing:  After Bite Advanced (liquid formula). I dab it on the offending bite spot as soon as I can. Within a minute or so….ah, relief. (I’ve tried everything from witch hazel to chamomile lotion to Benadryl spray and oral. Nothing works for me like After Bite.) https://afterbite.com/after-bite-1/after-bite-new-improved.html —Leah Price
• Regarding bug bites, standard hiking doctrine (not apropos for formal occasions) is to tuck. We live a few blocks from our town's forest preserve, and I find walking through it not only good for my damaged knee and cardiovascular system but for my spirits. One tradeoff: deer enjoy it too, and there's plenty of Lyme disease around. I wear the thickest merino wool crew-length socks I can find, and I tuck my trouser legs inside the socks all the way around. When I get home, I submerge in a hot tub; no help with any mosquito bites, but this makes me feel much safer from any ticks I might carry. I don't care to wear long sleeves and a hat in the woods, because with them I just get too bloody hot in bug season. So chemicals it is, if the mosquitos are out. —David Shapiro
• If you're bitten by a mosquito, apply heat immediately. It should be as hot as you can comfortably bear it, and will neutralize the itch straight away. Hot water is the easiest option, either directly under the flow or heat a spoon and press on the bite, repeating as necessary. Good luck! —Bea Vargas
• Best bug bite soothing tip: ICE! The irritant in the bugs saliva (eeew!) can't hold up to ice on the bite for 15 minutes, so at least it won't get any worse. If you absolutely must stay seated in a bugful spot, use a fan pointed at you, or oscillating at you. Mosquitoes are terrible flyers and can't manage a fan. —Bonnie Story
• I would recommend citronella candles or essential oils. Something in it deters any lil’ sucker and I use it anytime I’m outside. But if you’ve already gotten bit, lavender oil works miracles for helping the itching and swelling. Also, alcohol/hand sanitizer works wonders to help with itching!! —Katelynn
• To keep the eating bugs away on a more long-term basis, increase your Vitamin B intake. Aussies, Kiwis and Brits have their Marmite and Vegemite for this (the most vile thing I've ever tasted). But I'm a normal person, and just take Vitamin B supplements. Be advised that it will turn your pee bright yellow in the beginning, but continued Vitamin B intake changes the flavor of your blood so the mosquitoes and sand flies don't find you as tasty. —Judy L Mohr
• The best way to treat a mosquito bite is, by far, the hot spoon method. It takes away the itchiness and even makes the bite go away. First, you'll need to heat water in a mug in a microwave (or kettle). Then dip your spoon into the water to heat up the spoon. Gingerly place the back of the bowl on your bite. You'll need to do this a few times and obviously don't burn yourself, but the heat on the bite does something wonderful. Works best on a fresh bite, and have done this in hotels when I'm obviously away from home. It's magic! —Lani
• I use Avon Skin So Soft sunscreen with bug repellent. I’m sensitive to most smells but I can tolerate this and it works! Baking soda paste made with water will even take the sting 🐝 from a yellow jacket. —Antoinette Arsic