No-see-ums, also called sand flies, are tiny insects that are small and stealthy. They use their size to their advantage, especially when it comes to spotting their next victim. These tiny flying insects are often felt but rarely seen.Â
You can find no-see-ums in moist, warm environments like coastal areas, and wetlands. This is where they breed and thrive. These pests are notorious for their persistent biting, especially during morning and evening hours. When they bite, they make outdoor activities miserable as they leave red and itchy welts on the skin. Â
You don’t need to worry about no-see-ums invading your home. They are more likely to ruin outdoor moments in the park, forest, and even in your own backyard. Despite their small size, these biting gnats deliver a painful nip that can leave an irritating and annoying mark for days.
No-see-um control on your own is challenging. I recommend when you encounter these pests, that you contact a pest control service. Orkin, Terminix, and Aptive have some of the best-trained professionals. They can use traps, baits, and other chemically treated solutions that are often more effective than standard DIY methods.
In this article, I’ll discuss what no-see-ums are, what attracts these bugs, how to identify and prevent bites, and how to get rid of these gnats.
For Terminix quotes, you can reach them at 866-577-5051, or with this form.
For quotes from Orkin, call 866-701-4556, or fill out this form.
For a free quote from Aptive, call 855-521-7075 or visit the company’s website.
What Are No-See-Ums?
Technically known as ceratopogonidae, no-see-ums are a type of small flies that have a lot in common with mosquitoes. The males of both insects feed on nectar while the females hunt for a blood meal to help her produce eggs for reproduction.
When the time comes, female no-see-ums seek out moist climates with nesting grounds for their eggs to mature. In less than a month, the next generation of adult biting midges emerges.
These small (1–3 mm) but terrible flies also have a lot of names. Sandflies, punkies, and sand-gnats are a few common names.Â
These blood-sucking midges consume their blood meal from both human and animal hosts. Their bites are quite painful, which can leave red and itchy welts that eventually lead to a rash, especially for those who are allergic to insect bites.
This short video explains more about no-see-ums and how to get rid of them.
What Attracts No-See-Ums?
Humans are magnets for no-see-ums due to body heat, carbon dioxide, and skin odors. This explanation delves into why these pests are so attracted to us.
No-see-ums share a lot of traits with mosquitoes, and these include their hunting behavior. Biting gnats are hematophagic pests. They can spot their next blood meal through the amount of carbon dioxide and body heat emitted from their prey.
Another significant factor that attracts no-see-ums to their victims is the odor produced through increased levels of lactic acid in the system. These factors are commonly found in people who are working out, overweight individuals, and pregnant women.
What Do No-See-Um Bites Look Like?
No-see-ums are tiny insects, with adults growing up to 0.03 inches in length. Their small size makes them almost invisible, except for the “um” sound you hear as they pass close to your ear.
Despite their miniature appearance, female no-see-ums deliver painful bites as they suck blood from their victims.
Like mosquitoes, no-see-ums produce an anticoagulant fluid through their saliva for continuous blood flow. This fluid also triggers an allergic reaction, manifesting as noticeable marks. No-see-ums are a specific kind of gnat that bites. No-see-um bites appear as red bumps, causing itchiness and pain several times stronger than mosquito bites. These welts also last much longer than mosquito bites.
The intense itchiness of their bites makes scratching them almost unavoidable. Scratching and not properly treating these small bumps can easily turn them into infected lesions that last for several weeks.
How Can You Prevent Bites From No-See-Ums?
Fortunately for beach and nature lovers, there are some ways to steer away from no-see-um bites.
The most basic method for preventing midge bites is using insect repellents with a high dose of DEET (diethyltoluamide). Over-the-counter picaridin repellents have also proven to be equally effective.
However, DEET and picaridin repellents are not advisable for everyone. Pregnant women and people who have sensitive skin may have adverse effects from such products. In such cases, citronella and lemon eucalyptus oil or other natural repellents can be used as an alternative.
Read More:Â Click here to learn more about citronella
If you dislike using repellents, your best bet for protecting yourself from no-see-um bites is wearing more clothes to cover your exposed skin, especially when camping, fishing, golfing, or spending time in your backyard.
Long sleeves, socks, pants, and hats will be your main defense in the great outdoors.
This video shows bite symptoms from other biting insects as well as how to deal with them.
How Can You Get Rid of No-See-Ums in Your House?
No-see-ums are more of an outdoor type of insect; however they will wander into your home.
In fact, biting gnats are so small that penetrating your home will be like a walk in the park for them. Make no mistake — no-see-ums will get into your home looking for a bite.
To keep these punkies away from your home, here are some precautionary measures to consider:
- No-see-ums thrive in the hot summer months, so it’s best to keep your windows and doors closed during this time of the year.
- You can opt for small mesh window screens to keep the insects from infiltrating your home.
- Use your AC unit and use it well. No-see-ums don’t like cold temperatures — cranking up your air conditioner can help secure a relaxing and bite-free time at home.
- Use your AC unit alternately with a dehumidifier. No-see-ums avoid less humid spaces.
- Purchase high-quality gnat traps or make some at home.
For extreme cases of no-see-um infestation in your house, use a trusted exterminator search tool.
What do no-see-um bites look like?
No-see-um bites look like red bumps with itchiness and pain that are several times stronger than those of mosquitoes. These welts also last much longer compared to mosquito bites.
No-see-um bites are insanely itchy. It is sometimes impossible not to scratch them. When scratched and not treated properly, the small bumps can easily turn into infected lesions that can last for several weeks.
How Can You Get Rid of No-See-Ums in Your Yard?
During the pleasant spring and summer months, homeowners want to enjoy outdoor activities like gardening or relaxing in their backyard without the nuisance of no-see-um bites. These tiny insects are attracted to body heat, carbon dioxide, and certain odors.
Knowing how to repel no-see-ums can enhance your enjoyment of outdoor activities. Whether you like spending time at the beach or just want to watch sunsets from your own backyard, this knowledge helps prevent those painful and itchy bites.
These proven-effective tips can help turn your garden into a no-see-um free backyard paradise:
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- Eliminate all standing water in your garden.
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- Maintain cleanliness in your bird bath by dumping old, dirty water and replenishing with clean, fresh water daily.
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- Use insecticide spray if a significant number of adult no-see-ums are present in your backyard.
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- If the weather permits, use conceal candles to hide you and your family from no-see-um radar.
Get Rid of No-See-Ums Naturally
It’s natural to immediately rely on chemical insecticides in our fight against pestering insects. Mosquito repellent is, after all, a reliable method for mosquito control.
However, every insect battle has always had a natural alternative that offers a safer and equally effective approach. Some natural approaches include:Â
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- Botanical candles, fragrances, and essential oils such as citronella, peppermint, lemongrass, and eucalyptus.
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- Redesign your garden landscape by eliminating swampy or moist ground.
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- Add some green in both the interior and exterior of your property. These plants, such as basil, mint, lemon thyme, lemongrass, rosemary, and oregano, are known for their insect-repelling properties.
Final ThoughtsÂ
To remove gnats in your home and yard, focus on removing their attractions. Creating an environment that is unwelcoming to no-see-ums is key to keeping these biting pests away.Â
Start by addressing sources of standing water in your yard as no-see-ums breed in moist areas. Make sure screens on windows and doors are present and fit properly to prevent their entry. Consider using insect repellents or natural remedies like citronella and essential oils known to repel insects.
The absence of their irritating buzz and lack of itchy bites indicate that your efforts are working and the no-see-ums are gone. Watching your environment for these signs and maintaining preventive measures will help maintain a gnat-free space.
It’s important to implement pest control strategies that are effective to manage various invasive insects and keep your environment pest-free year-round.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kills no-see-ums instantly?
Pesticides containing DEET or picaridin will kill no-see-ums instantly.
What attracts no-see-ums?
No-see-ums are attracted to moist, warm environments along with body heat, carbon dioxide, and skin odors.
Does vinegar get rid of no-see-ums?
Yes. Vinegar can effectively eliminate no-see-ums. Use a mixture of equal parts vinegar and dish soap placed in a bowl near the insects. The vinegar’s scent attracts the no-see-ums, while the sticky soap traps and drowns them.