Dynamic Mother-Daughter Duo Return to the ‘Shark Tank’

Bug Bite Thing, the chemical-free, reusable insect bite relief tool that retails for under $10, will be featured on tonight’s episode of ‘Shark Tank’ on ABC. Bug Bite Thing Founder and CEO Kelley Higney and her mother, President Ellen McAlister, first appeared on ‘Shark Tank’ Episode 4 of Season 11 and pitched the Sharks to invest in the business.

Higney’s six-month-old daughter is the impetus behind the brand. After relocating to South Florida, Higney was determined to alleviate her daughter’s constant suffering from mosquito bites. Every over-the-counter product and home remedy failed to provide any relief. Kelley then discovered a little-known tool that uses suction to remove insect saliva or venom from under the skin. Kelley was amazed to find that the product not only worked but offered instant relief. By removing the irritant, it eliminates the itching, stinging and swelling caused by insect bites and stings. Kelley secured the exclusive distribution rights for the product and has since been a “mom on a mission.”

When Higney and her mother first appeared on ‘Shark Tank,’ Sharks Barbara Corcoran, Mark Cuban, Rohan Oza and Kevin O’Leary, were all interested in investing in the business, but self-proclaimed “mosquito-magnet” Lori Greiner’s Golden Ticket offer secured the investment.

Bug Bite Thing has experienced massive growth since it debuted—from hundreds of thousands of dollars in revenue into a multi-million-dollar enterprise. It’s projected to exceed $15 million in 2021. Prior to Shark Tank, the product was available in three countries and sold at CVS Pharmacy. Now, Bug Bite Thing is available in 25 countries and in 25,000 major retailer locations, including The Home Depot, Walmart and more. Bug Bite Thing is also Amazon’s number one selling product in the insect bite relief category with over 30,000 reviews by customers who rave about its effectiveness.

“It has been an incredible journey! Since appearing on Shark Tank, I continue to be a ‘mom on a mission.’ I am determined to educate the world on Bug Bite Thing,” says Higney. “Lori Greiner’s expertise and guidance has been monumental in the company’s growth. With Lori as a business partner and mentor, Bug Bite Thing is revolutionizing the insect bite relief industry.”

“It has been an incredible experience partnering with the mother-daughter duo. I could not try Bug Bite Thing when Kelley and Ellen pitched it on the show,” says Lori Greiner. “Then I got a mosquito bite and it worked! Bug Bite Thing is the best chemical-free option! Not only has Bug Bite Thing helped thousands of people with insect bites, but it has also helped me. Bug Bite Thing is proof that one idea can change your life.”

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