Bug Bite Thing is a simple, small suction tool that helps relieve itching, stinging, and swelling from bug bites. Made of plastic, it’s a chemical-free solution that provides instant relief and is reusable.
Using the tool is easy. Just place it on the bug bite area, slowly pull the handles until you feel suction, then push the handles down and remove the tool. This will reduce swelling and help you feel better.
| Company Name | Bug Bite Thing | |
| Founder | Ellen McAlister and Kelley Higney | |
| Founded | 2016 | |
| Product | Suction tool for relief after bug bites | |
| Asked For | $150K for 10% equity | |
| Final Deal | $150K for 10% equity | |
| Shark |  Lori Greiner | |
| Episode (Shark Tank USA) | S11 E4 | |
| Air Date | Oct 20, 2019 | |
| Business Status | In Business | |
| Website | Visit Website | |
| Headquarters | Port St Lucie, Florida, US | |
| Lifetime Worth (Sales) | $29M *estimated | |
| Buy and Watch | Buy Now | Amazon Prime |
Another Shark Tank Pitch
Who Is The Founder Of Bug Bite Thing?
Kelly Higney is the Founder and CEO of Bug Bite Thing, a company she started in 2016. Ellen McAlister is the President of the company and joined in 2018.
Kelly Higney worked for 15 years as the Sales and Marketing Manager at A.C. Kerman, Inc. before founding Bug Bite Thing. She is currently a member of the Forbes Business Council and the Fast Company Executive Board.
Ellen McAlister is also the President of A.C. Kerman, Inc. in addition to her role at Bug Bite Thing.
How Was The Shark Tank Pitch Of Bug Bite Thing?
Ellen and Kelly entered Shark Tank asking for $150k in exchange for 10% equity. They gave a strong presentation about their product.
The product is sold online for $9.95 and is a bestseller on Amazon in the insect bite relief category. Last year, they made $500,000 in sales. In the first five months of 2019, they had already sold $800,000 and projected $2 million in sales by the end of the year.
With an 80% profit margin and a landed cost of just $0.53, they signed a deal in 2019 with a major U.S. pharmacy chain to make the product available in 7,000 stores.
Rohan Oza offered $150k for 10% equity. Barbara Corcoran offered $200k for 10% equity. Kevin O’Leary proposed $150k for 6% equity plus a royalty of $1 per unit sold.
Lori Greiner presented her golden ticket: $150k for 10% equity. Kevin and Rohan teamed up, demanding 10% equity, while Mark and Barbara joined forces, offering $200k for 20% equity. Ellen and Kelly ultimately accepted Lori’s offer.
Finalized: Lori Greiner invest $150k in exchange for 10% equity in Bug Bite Thing.
What Happened To Bug Bite Thing After Shark Tank?
Bug Bite Thing received an investment on Shark Tank, with all the sharks competing to invest in the business. Although Barbara Corcoran was willing to offer a higher amount, the co-founders ultimately chose Lori’s offer.
After securing funding, they opened their first office in Port St. Lucie in 2019 and expanded their partnerships to grow the business globally.
In 2021, the company reported significant growth, revealing that the product was available in 25,000 retail locations across 25 countries. By 2022, the product became the #1 seller in the Insect Bite Relief category on Amazon.
The product is now available at over 30,000 retail locations, including CVS Pharmacy, JOANN’s, Rite Aid, The Home Depot, Walgreens, and more. They also established Bug Bite Thing’s Medical Advisory Board in partnership with medical experts.
In Shark Tank Season 14, Episode 11, Lori Greiner told Kinfield founder Nichole that Bug Bite Thing would reach $25 million in annual sales by 2022.
Following the airing of this episode, the company saw a significant revenue boost, quickly reaching thousands of dollars in sales. The co-founders had originally projected $2 million in revenue by the end of 2019, but by 2022, Lori revealed the company’s annual revenue had actually reached $25 million.
We’ll continue to follow Ellen McAlister, Kelley Higney, and their company for future updates.
What Is the Net Worth of Bug Bite Thing?
On Shark Tank, the co-founder initially valued the company at $1.5 million, despite the strong sales. It’s common for many founders to ask for a higher valuation than their company’s current revenue when seeking funding on the show.
Yes, Bug Bite Thing is still in business as of August 2023.
