What vitamin helps with midge bites? Separating Fact from Fiction

November 18, 2025 •

4 min read

While many anecdotal reports suggest Vitamin B1 (thiamine) can act as an insect repellent, recent scientific studies have repeatedly failed to prove its effectiveness against midges or mosquitoes. The question of what vitamin helps with midge bites is more complex, requiring a closer look at both popular folklore and evidence-based solutions.

Quick Summary

Despite popular belief, no single vitamin reliably prevents or treats midge bites by creating a repellent odor. This guide explores the reasons behind the Vitamin B1 myth, provides evidence-based alternatives for preventing bites, and details effective topical remedies for soothing the inevitable itch.

Key Points

Vitamin B1 is Ineffective: Despite common belief, scientific evidence proves that oral Vitamin B1 (thiamine) does not repel midges or other biting insects.
Use Proven Repellents: The most effective way to prevent midge bites is by using topical repellents containing DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus.
Physical Barriers Work: Wearing long sleeves, pants, and socks is a simple yet highly effective strategy to create a barrier against midges.
Topical Zinc for Relief: Post-bite, a cream containing zinc oxide can help reduce inflammation and irritation due to its astringent properties.
Simple Remedies for Itch: Applying a cold compress, a baking soda paste, or calamine lotion to the bite can effectively soothe the itching and swelling.
Avoid Peak Hours: Midge activity is highest at dawn and dusk, so limiting outdoor exposure during these times reduces your chances of being bitten.

Debunking the Vitamin B1 Midge Bite Myth

For decades, the idea that taking large doses of Vitamin B1, or thiamine, could repel biting insects like midges and mosquitoes has been a widely circulated piece of folk wisdom. The theory posits that the body excretes excess thiamine through the skin, creating an odor that is undetectable to humans but highly disagreeable to midges. Some individuals swear by this method, claiming it reduces their number of bites. However, this belief is largely unsubstantiated by rigorous scientific research.

The Science (or Lack Thereof)

Numerous studies have been conducted to test the efficacy of thiamine as an insect repellent, with overwhelmingly negative results. A comprehensive review of over 100 papers from 2022 concluded unequivocally that oral thiamine "cannot repel arthropods in any dosage or route of administration". Controlled studies have shown no significant difference in biting rates between individuals taking Vitamin B1 supplements and those taking a placebo. The reason for this is simple: midges are primarily attracted by factors like carbon dioxide exhalation, body heat, and specific skin odors, not by the presence or absence of thiamine.

What Works: Proven Midge Prevention Strategies

Instead of relying on unproven vitamin remedies, a multi-pronged approach based on established methods is the most effective way to prevent midge bites. Prevention is always better than treatment, and these strategies significantly reduce your risk of being bitten.

Use effective insect repellent: Repellents containing DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus are proven to be highly effective. The concentration and application frequency will determine the duration of protection.
Cover up exposed skin: When in midge-prone areas, especially during dawn and dusk, wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and socks to create a physical barrier. Lightweight, light-colored clothing is often recommended.
Avoid peak midge hours: Midge activity is highest around dawn and dusk. Plan your outdoor activities to avoid these times if possible.
Increase air movement: Midges are weak fliers and struggle in windy conditions. Using fans indoors or positioning yourself in a breezy area outdoors can help keep them away.
Eliminate breeding grounds: While difficult for midges specifically, removing standing water sources around your home can reduce the population of other biting insects.

Comparison Table: Vitamin B1 vs. Proven Repellents


Feature	Vitamin B1 (Thiamine)	DEET / Picaridin
Effectiveness	Anecdotal; not supported by scientific evidence.	Highly effective and scientifically proven to repel midges and other insects.
Mechanism	Theorized to produce a repellent body odor, but unproven.	Disrupts insects' ability to detect human scent cues.
Application	Oral supplement, requires consistent daily intake.	Topical application to exposed skin.
Side Effects	Generally safe, but high doses may have mild side effects.	Some individuals may experience skin irritation; follow label instructions carefully.
Onset	May take weeks to build up in the system, if it works at all.	Immediate protection upon application.
Endorsed by Experts?	No major health organization endorses it for bite prevention.	Yes, endorsed by the CDC and other health authorities.

Vitamins and Minerals for Post-Bite Support

While no vitamin can reliably prevent a bite, some can support the body's natural healing process or be applied topically to soothe symptoms after a bite has occurred. It is important to understand the difference between a preventative repellent and a soothing agent.

Zinc: Topical creams containing zinc oxide, such as calamine lotion, can be applied to bites to reduce inflammation and irritation. Zinc acts as a mild astringent and has weak antiseptic properties, helping to soothe the area and absorb weeping fluids. This provides genuine, temporary relief from the itch and swelling.

Antihistamines: In cases of more severe allergic reactions to bites, a physician may recommend an oral antihistamine. While not a vitamin, these are often used alongside other remedies to reduce the body's histamine response, which is responsible for the intense itching.

Soothing the Itch: Effective After-Bite Remedies

For most people, a midge bite results in a small, itchy bump. Fortunately, several simple, proven remedies can provide quick relief:

Cold Compress or Ice Pack: Applying ice or a cold compress for 10-15 minutes numbs the nerves, effectively reducing swelling and the sensation of itching.
Baking Soda Paste: Mixing a tablespoon of baking soda with a small amount of water to form a paste and applying it to the bite for 10 minutes can help neutralize the itch.
Calamine Lotion or Hydrocortisone Cream: Over-the-counter creams can be effective for reducing itching and inflammation.
Aloe Vera: A thin layer of pure aloe vera gel can cool the skin and provide soothing relief from minor inflammation.
Avoid Scratching: As tempting as it is, scratching a bite can break the skin, leading to a bacterial infection and prolonging the healing process.

Conclusion: Focus on Proven Methods

When it comes to preventing midge bites and finding relief, the best approach is to rely on proven methods rather than unverified folklore. There is no single vitamin that reliably helps with midge bites by acting as a systemic repellent. Instead, prioritize using effective repellents containing DEET or picaridin, wear protective clothing, and avoid peak midge times. For treating bites after they occur, topical applications like zinc oxide cream or a simple baking soda paste offer scientifically-backed, effective relief. Consulting a healthcare professional for persistent or severe reactions is always recommended.

For more information on treating insect bites, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's guidance on the topic.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, this is a long-standing myth not supported by scientific evidence. Controlled studies have shown no repellent effect from oral Vitamin B1 (thiamine) against biting insects.

The most effective methods involve using a quality insect repellent with active ingredients like DEET or picaridin, wearing long-sleeved clothing to cover skin, and avoiding outdoor areas during peak midge activity, which is typically around dawn and dusk.

While no oral vitamin is proven to treat bites, some topical applications contain ingredients like zinc oxide (found in calamine lotion) that can reduce inflammation and irritation, providing relief from itching and swelling.

A quick and effective home remedy is applying a baking soda paste, made from mixing a tablespoon of baking soda with water. Leaving the paste on for about 10 minutes can help soothe the itch.

Yes, midges are attracted to factors like the carbon dioxide you exhale, your body heat, and specific odors from your skin's microbiome. Unlike popular belief, they are not deterred by oral thiamine.

You should seek medical attention if you experience signs of an allergic reaction or infection, such as severe swelling, pain, hives, difficulty breathing, or pus. Most bites can be managed with home remedies, but persistent or severe reactions require professional assessment.

Scratching can break the skin, which increases the risk of a secondary bacterial infection. It can also cause further irritation and prolong the healing process. Applying a soothing cream or a cold compress is a better approach.