Bug Bite Thing is a tool that helps in sucking out the poisons released from the body after a bug bite. Through this tool, one can get rid of the reaction of a bug bite in a few seconds. There is no need for any kind of cream or other products in this.
The Bug Bite Thing is a small plastic-sucking device. This device was invented by a doctor in Europe, although later its rights were taken over by a distributor in the country of Denmark.
The journey of this company begins in 2013 when Kelley Higney shifted from California to Florida with her daughter. The biggest problem in Florida was mosquito bites and Higney was not prepared for it. She started researching for the right solution to this problem. In 2015, she discovered the suction tool.
Higney got very good results after using this suction tool. She has started talking to the product owner and has taken over exclusive distribution rights for the United States. The Bug Bite Thing brand was started in 2016 by selling from Farmer’s Market.
At the beginning of the business, Higney along with her daughter used to sell products and for this, she sold the house. Ellen McAlister and Kelley Higney appeared on Shark Tank Season 11 Episode 4 for funding and asked the sharks for $150,000 for 10% equity at $1.5 Million Valuation.
What Is Bug Bite Thing?
Bug Bite Thing is a suction tool that relieves itching, stinging, and swelling after bug bites. This tool is made of plastic and looks very simple and small.
Looking for a chemical-free solution after bug bites, nothing is better than this suction tool. This tool provides instant relief and is also Reusable.
You can use this tool very easily. Place this tool on the bug bite area. Slowly pull the handles up until suction is felt. Push the handle down and remove the tool from the bug bite area. This will make you feel better and swelling will also go away.
| 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. The President of this company is Ellen McAlister. This brand was started in 2016 by Higney.
Kelley Higney
Higney worked for 15 years as the Sales and Marketing Manager at A.C. Kerman, Inc, She left the job and started the company. At present, She is an official member of the Forbes Business Council and Fast Company Executive Board.
Ellen McAlister
McAlister is the President of this company and she joined the company in 2018. Apart from this, she is the President of A.C. Kerman, Inc.
How Was The Shark Tank Pitch Of Bug Bite Thing?
Ellen and Kelley both enter Shark Tank and ask the sharks for $150k for 10% equity. They gave a very good presentation about the product.
This product is sold online for $9.95 This product is a best seller on Amazon in the insect bite relief category. Last year they sold $500,000, this year in the first 5 months of 2019 they have sold $800,000. They have a projection of $2 million in sales by the end of 2019.
This product has a margin of 80% and a landed cost of $0.53. In 2019, they signed a deal with a large pharmacy chain in the United States to make the product available at 7,000 stores.
Rohan Oza offered $150k for 10% equity. Barbara Corcoran made an offer of $200k for 10% equity. Kevin O’Leary made an offer of $150k for 6% equity + a royalty of $1 per unit sold.
Lori Greiner offered her golden ticket ie $150k for 10% equity. Kevin and Rohan teamed up and demanded 10% equity. Mark and Barbara team up and offer $200K for 20% of the equity. Ellen and Kelley accept 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 got an investment in Shark Tank and the exciting thing is that all the sharks started fighting to invest in this business. Barbara Corcoran was ready to pay a higher amount, however, the co-founder showed interest in Lori’s offer.
After funding, in 2019, they opened their first office in Port St. Lucie. To expand the business worldwide, they increased the partnership.
On 2021, the company announced the business growth report and revealed that this product is available at 25,000 retail locations in 25 countries. In 2022, the company expanded further. This product is the #1 selling list on Amazon in the Insect Bite Relief Category.
The product is available at over 30,000 retail locations including CVS Pharmacy, JOANN’s, Rite Aid, The Home Depot, Walgreen, and more. They have established the Bug Bite Thing’s Medical Advisory Board in partnership with medical experts.
In Shark Tank S14 S11, Kinfield founder Nichole is told by Lori that the “Bug Bite Thing” will reach $25 million in annual sales by 2022.
Bug Bite Thing Shark Tank Update
After the airing of this episode of Shark Tank, the thousand of dollar revenue in this company was completed in a few weeks. The CO-founder had projected that by 2019 the annual revenue of their company would be $2 million.
Lori revealed on Shark Tank Season 14 Episode 11 that the annual revenue of this company is $25 million in 2022.
We’re following Ellen McAlister and Kelley Higney along with their company for further updates.
What Is the Net Worth of Bug Bite Thing?
In Shark Tank, the co-founder had told the company’s valuation at $1.5 million, although the company’s sales were very good. Many founders come to Shark Tank for funding and they ask for a much higher amount from the shark than the company’s revenue.
The Bug Bite Thing was worth $1.5 million after the deal was finalized in Shark Tank. The company is growing every year.
Is Bug Bite Thing Still In Business?
Both the moms who are the co-founders of this company are handling this business very well. Kelly started this company in 2016 from Florida and in 2019 the first office of the company was also opened.
This bug bite product is included in the bestseller list on Amazon and has received more than 70,000 positive reviews on Amazon.
Kelly, the founder, and CEO of this company, is currently working as a Forbes Business Council member. Kelly has attended many events and in that she talks about her success.
According to Linkedin, the headquarters and office of this company is in Port St Louis, Florida, United States. 11-50 people are working in this retail business.
Yes, Bug Bite Thing is still in business as of August 2023.
frequently asked questions
Who Founded Bug Bite Thing?
Bug Bite Thing was founded in 2016 by Kelley Higney from Florida.
What is Bug Bite Thing worth?
The Bug Bite Thing Worth $1.5 Million on Shark Tank.
