Forget messy creams and lotions. This German-engineered smartphone accessory uses scientifically proven heat therapy to reduce mosquito bite itching by up to 81% in just 10 minutes. We put it to the test across 13 states and over 7,100 miles on the trail.
If you’re camping, there’s a good chance you’re dealing with mosquitoes or other biting/stinging bugs. While insect repellant is important, sometimes, you still get bitten.
For eons, there have been creams, lotions, and salves to provide relief, but now you can look to your smartphone for relief from a product called “heat it.” But first, a backstory.
A European Discovery
In the summer of 2024, Mercedes and I went to Europe for the 16-day, 9-country Baltic Sea Circle Rally. We camped each night and got bit by bugs. My niece, Siobahn, gave me this electronic oversized pen-looking thing for mosquito bites.
She said to push a button, it heats up, and you put it on the bite for itch relief. I’d never seen anything like it, and I thought it was gimmicky. However, after nearly being eaten alive in Namsskogan, Norway, I tried this gadget.
It got warm, I placed it on the bite, it began to burn a bit, then it provided relief! What is this magic?
Finding ‘heat it’ At Overland Expo West
In May of 2025 at Overland Expo West, we discovered a product called “heat it.” This German-based company used this same heat treatment for bug bites.
But rather than having a stand-alone battery-powered pen, they offer a small dongle that plugs into your smartphone and gets warm for insect bite relief.
We told the heat it rep about our German experience and he was thrilled to know we knew about thermo relief and how it can help with bites. He gave us a sample to try, which we brought with us on the 2025 TransAmerica Trail.
How heat it Works
The heat it unit works by plugging the dongle into your smartphone and starting the free app (iOS or Android). It is is briefly heated to up to 124°F, and you place it onto the offending bite.
It can sting for feel too hot once applying it to a bite. But once the treatment is complete, you’ll receive instant itch and pain relief.
Applying heat to mosquito and horsefly bites and bee and wasp stings is magic; well science. A scientific study by heat it showed heat application to bites and stings reduces itching by an average of 78% 10 minutes after treatment.
With mosquitoes specifically, itching can be reduced by 57% within the first minute and 81% 10 minutes after treatment. This isn’t snake oil—it’s technology—and it works.
An Easy To Use App
The heat it app is easy to use and offers a host of different settings depending on who needs relief. There are child and adult modes; short, medium, and long durations; and a “sensitive” setting. It takes mere seconds to provide relief, and it doesn’t drain your mobile phone battery either.
The company claims 1.5 million sales in 15 countries and over 75 million treatments performed since 2020. Plus, the dongle is smaller than a house key and easily can be housed on your keyring.
Simple, Safe, Effective
We used our heat it extensively on the TransAmerica Trail, and it provided loads of relief through 13 states and over 7,100 miles.
The dongle has become a permanent fixture on our keychain, where it’s ready to be quickly deployed for insect bites without needing chemicals or messy lotions. And while we don’t have kids, it’s safe for people 3 years old and up.
If I had to provide a downside, if you don’t have your keys or if your smartphone is dead it won’t work. It’s also small and could get easily lost if not careful. But really, this is a great product.
The proof is in the performance on heat it, and I’m a believer. Made in Germany, the heat it has an MSRP of $29.95 for the heat it classic, and $49.95 for the heat it pro. Classic models simply go onto your keychain and have plastic covers.
The pro models include a twist mechanism, metal frame, BiteLight for low light scenarios, and a Nite Ize-brand carabiner. Both models can be had with either USB C or Lightning connections depending on your mobile device.
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