Bug Bite Things Net Worth Shark Tank Update 2025

It seems like almost everyone has suffered from bug bites. They itch, they sting, and they can make us miserable. Most of us reach for creams, gels, or home remedies when a mosquito, ant, or wasp gets us. Sometimes those solutions work a little. Often, they don’t. And using chemicals or scratchy lotions on irritated skin can feel worse. This is a common annoyance that hurts our enjoyment of being outside.

Whether we are playing with kids at the park, gardening, camping, or just walking the dog, a single bug bite can ruin the moment. That is why the problem of effective relief really matters to many people.

But a mother and daughter from South Florida had a fresh solution. Instead of masking the itching or inflammation, they wanted to get to the root. They wondered: what if we could actually remove the irritant under the skin? They launched a tool that creates suction to pull out venom and saliva from bug bites and stings. No chemicals, no mess, no fuss. Just clean, instant relief. They called it Bug Bite Thing. Its simplicity gave hope to people tired of creams that barely work.

When Kelley Higney and her mother, Ellen McAlister, brought their invention to Shark Tank in Season 11, they had a clear mission. They wanted to share their simple remedy with as many families as possible. Their appearance on the show was a turning point. It gave them an opportunity to secure a deal, get mentorship, and reach a national audience.

In the show’s fourth episode, they faced tough questions. But they also impressed the Sharks with real sales numbers and product potential.

Bug Bite Things Net Worth Shark Tank Update 2025

Kelley was looking for an investment of $150k in exchange for 10% equity in the company. At the time of the episode, she valued her company at $1.5 million. Kelley successfully secured a deal with Lori for an investment of $150k for 10% equity in the company. The investment adjusted the company’s net worth to around $1.5 million. After the show was aired, Bug Bite Thing experienced a good boost in exposure. As per my rough estimate, the current net worth of Bug Bite Thing is around $30 million.

Shark(s) name	Offer & Demand	Counteroffer	Accepted?
Rohan Oza	$150,000 for 10% equity	N/A	No
Lori Greiner	$150,000 for 10% equity	N/A	Yes
Kevin O’Leary	$150,000 for 6% equity + $1/unit royalty	N/A	No
Barbara Corcoran	$150,000 for 10% equity	N/A	No
Mark Cuban	Out	N/A	N/A

Kelley Higney and Ellen McAlister Backstory + Their Initial Pitch 

Kelley had lived for years in California before moving to Florida. Her daughters attracted mosquitoes like magnets. She tried everything. Natural creams, sprays, and cold compresses, to no avail. One day, she read about a suction tool used in Europe. She thought it might work on mosquito bites, too. She imported it and tried it herself. It worked. Almost instantly, swelling and itching went down.

Ellen had been an entrepreneur for years. She saw the tool’s potential immediately. Together, they packaged it, branded it Bug Bite Thing, and launched it online and in local stores. Their tone was genuine and warm. They shared personal stories. They didn’t just sell a tool; they shared their relief and the joy of their kids being able to play outside, itch‐free.

They appeared on Shark Tank with real numbers. They told the Sharks they had grossed $500,000 in their first year. By the time they’d filmed, they were on pace for $2 million. They priced the tool at $9.95 and had it in some of America’s top pharmacies.

They also shared their strategy. They had an exclusive import deal but no patent. Their plan was to dominate the market through retail distribution and branding, not legal protection. They asked for $150,000 in exchange for 10% of their company. They believed that money, plus the right partner, would speed growth.

Queries + Shark’s Responses, and Final Deal

When the pitch ended, the Sharks fired questions. 

Mark Cuban asked about the import cost. Kelley said each unit cost $1.53 to import from Sweden. 

Barbara Corcoran wanted to know about protecting the product. Kelly explained they lacked a patent but had an exclusive arrangement. 

Kevin O’Leary asked how many units they’d sold to date. They shared that they were on track for $800,000 in five months. 

Rohan Oza asked how flexible they were on equity. Kelley responded clearly: they believed in their value and stood by the 10%.

Barbara wondered if they could sell more in summer. Kelley said they believed the product had non‑seasonal use cases: splinters, wasps, even stingers. This comforted Barbara because it showed the product could sell year‑round.

Kevin offered $150,000 for only 6% if they paid him $1 per unit sold. They shook their heads. It felt too complicated. 

Barbara offered $200,000 for 10%, but the product was not for sale. 

Suddenly, Lori jumped in. She offered exactly what they asked: $150,000 for 10%. She dropped phrases like “Golden Ticket.” She said she’d use her retail connections and TV background to help them grow. Kelley and Ellen stood up and accepted.

Product Availability

Bug Bite Thing is a simple tool. You place it over the bite or sting. You pull on the handles. The suction draws out saliva or venom. You hold it for 10 to 30 seconds, release, and wash the cap. No chemicals are used. It is reusable. It is recommended for all ages. It also works on splinters and stingers. Parents find it easy to use. Doctors note it helps reduce inflammation quickly. It’s compact enough to carry in a pocket or diaper bag.

You can buy it on their website in many colors: white, pink, seaglass, lavender, and black. A single unit is $9.99. You can also buy multi‑packs: two or three units, even five with a tick remover included. They sell on Amazon, Target, CVS, Home Depot, Lowe’s, Joann’s, ACE Hardware, big‑box stores, and many local retailers. They guarantee 100 100% money‑back. Amazon lists the suction tool and the Tick Remover, which is priced at $11.99.

What Happened To The Bug Bite Things After Shark Tank?

After the show, sales exploded. Their website sales skyrocketed in 2020, during the pandemic. They struggled with cash flow because they had to stock inventory months ahead to meet retailer demands. They got help from LSQ, a finance partner that advanced payment on invoices. They moved warehouses, hired more than 30 people, and sealed deals with Rite Aid, Home Depot, Joann’s, ACE Hardware, Academy Sports, and more. They also expanded internationally into 34 countries.

By September 2021, they were in over 25,000 U.S. retail locations. They expected $15 million in revenue that year. By May 2023, they’d done $25 million in lifetime sales. In June 2023, they acquired TickEase, the fine‑tipped tick remover founded by Tick Man Dan Wolff, as part of expanding into tick removal and pet markets.

In August 2023, they earned a spot on the Inc. 5000 list as one of America’s fastest‑growing private companies. As of July 2024, they had over $32 million in lifetime sales. By June 2025, Lori Greiner posted on Instagram that they’d reached $55 million in retail sales. Amazon reviews for the suction tool number around 70,000 to 88,000+, and it remains the #1 insect bite relief item.

Conclusion 

Bug Bite Thing’s journey shows the power of simple ideas and emotional connections. A mother and daughter tackled a universal problem. They brought a clean, effective tool from overseas and shared it with American families. On Shark Tank, they stood their ground. They chose Lori Greiner’s offer and gained more than money. They gained mentorship and access to retail networks.

Their product sold fast, but they also encountered challenges: logistics, cash flow, and patent issues. With smart partners like LSQ and their own grit, they overcame those challenges.

Today, Bug Bite Thing is a household name. It’s in tens of thousands of stores worldwide. They expanded through acquisition and innovation. They grew from a simple tool to a brand with over $55 million in sales. And they keep products affordable, reusable, and trustworthy, no chemicals, no nonsense.

Their story is relatable because the problem is relatable. Everyone gets bitten. We all want relief that works. Bug Bite Thing delivered simplicity, speed, and clean relief. That’s why Lori bit, and why so many loved what they created.