With the dramatic return of bed bugs to our chemical-sodden society, it would be great to know what natural, non-artificial remedies work best to combat the itching associated with bed bug bites. I have heard that aloe vera is of some use, but is not as effective against bed bug bites as it is on mosquito and other bites - perhaps because the former is an allergic reaction that lasts much longer than simple mosquito and black fly bites do. Any answers would be greatly appreciated: one has to be prepared for the worst, after all :=).