When the itching becomes too much, it’s not surprising many of us reach for a remedy after an insect bite. But the medicine could be simply a waste of both time and money. Research suggests that most victims of home-bred midges, mosquitoes, flies, bedbugs and fleas will get better without any treatment at all. It admits that getting bitten may be horribly uncomfortable but there is little evidence that over-the-counter remedies work.  Putting a cold compress to relieve pain and swelling could be a better option.  That was the verdict of the Drug and Therapeutics Bulletin, which offers impartial advice to doctors. Its review of evidence found that, in most cases, no treatment was needed as the reaction was so mild.