Bug Bite Thing Update | Shark Tank Season 11
We’ve all dealt with annoying, itchy bug bites. Where most see an inconvenience, Kelley Higney and Ellen McAlister found a solution. They created a one-of-a-kind tool that reduces the immediate allergic reaction that most of us have to bug bites. Will the sharks bite on
If you’re short on time, here’s a quick overview of what happened to Bug Bite Thing after
Bug Bite Thing appeared on
| Shark: | Result: |
| Lori Greiner | Accepted deal of $150,000 for 10% equity |
| Rohan Oza | $150,000 for 10% equity |
| Barbara Corcoran | $200,000 for 10% equity |
| Kevin O’Leary | $150,000 for 6% equity, plus an additional royalty of $1 per unit |
| Mark Cuban | No Offer |
Shark Tank Bug Bite Thing Update
- Entrepreneurs: Kelley Higney and Ellen McAlister
- Business: A suction tool for insect bites
- Ask: $150,000 for 10% equity
- Result: $150,000 for 10% equity
- Shark: Lori Greiner
Kelley and Ellen brought Bug Bite Thing to
Bug Bite Thing is a suction tool that alleviates the itching, stinging, and swelling from bug bites and stings. How? It extracts the insect saliva/venom left behind under the skin. When you remove the irritant, your body stops producing the reaction. A chemical-free solution for bites and stings? It’s a thing!
Kelley and Ellen start their playful pitch with an effective message: bugs will always be around, but Bug Bite Thing can help. Further, this mom and daughter-duo sells the product well.
To use it, simply place The Bug Bite Thing directly over the bug bite and slowly pull up on the handles. Next, you hold for 10-30 seconds, while the irritant is drawn into the removable cap.
Then, release the suction, wash out the end cap, and you’re all set. The ladies showed some before and after photos from a customer, and the sharks were impressed, to say the least.
After recently moving from California to South Florida, Kelley was not prepared for the mosquito issues. Because of this, she knew she needed a solution.
That’s when she was discussing this with an international customer, that she learned that a tool to help was already in production. She tracked down the distributor and eventually started packaging them to sell in the US.
Although there is no patent, they actually have an exclusive deal with the manufacturer from Sweden to sell in the USA. Further, the cost to import each unit is $1.53.
The Bug Bite Thing retails for $9.95 and is sold online and in one of the largest pharmacies in America. Additionally, the company grossed $500,000 in sales in its first year.
In the first 5 months of the year of filming, sales are at $800,000 and they’re projecting to close out the year with over $2 million.
Guest shark Rohan Oza is the first to make an offer. He offers Kelley and Ellen exactly what they asked for; $150,000 for 10% equity.
Barbara Corcoran does them even better. She offers $200,000 for 10% equity.
Even Kevin O’Leary wants in. He offers $150,000 for 6% equity, plus an additional royalty fee of $1 per unit.
While the sharks debate, Lori Greiner interjects with her signature big offer: The Golden Ticket. Her Golden Ticket is a promise of exactly what the entrepreneurs are asking for, and the assurance that she believes in them.
Jokingly, Kevin promises that the entrepreneurs can sign the deal with his magic pen if they take his offer.
While Barbara and Mark Cuban try to team up, Kelly and Ellen finally make a decision.
They ultimately choose Lori’s Golden Ticket offer, but is it the right choice for them? We’ll find out in our Bug Bite Thing update!
Research for our Bug Bite Thing update revealed fantastic news. In 2023, the company announced that it has done $21 million in sales since
Bug Bite Thing is in most major retailers, including Target, CVS, Amazon, and a host of other big-box retailers. We’re betting Lori’s retail connections helped make that possible.
Our Bug Bite Things update research also found that in June 2023 they acquired TickEase, which are patented fine-tipped tweezers that are made to remove ticks from people and pets.
You’ll find more company updates from Season 11 Episode 4 here:
Meanwhile, check out our other company updates from Season 11 on our Season 11 products page.
Kimberly is a writer for Shark Tank Recap. She has written episode summaries and updates across multiple seasons of Shark Tank, with a focus on complete and accurate information since 2021. She believes that getting the business aspects of each deal correct is extremely important for viewers and fans. Her favorite Shark Tank products are The Wobbles and Rocketbook!