No see ums may be tiny, but their bites are brutal—here’s how to get rid of no see ums, treat bites, and finally reclaim your space.You ever feel an itch out of nowhere—like something just bit you… but when you look? Nothing’s there. No bug. No mosquito. Just that burning, maddening itch.
Yeah. That’s probably no see ums.
These tiny invisible terrors are way smaller than mosquitoes, but don’t let their size fool you. No see ums bite hard—leaving behind red, itchy welts that can last for days. And the worst part? You usually don’t even see them coming.
If you’ve ever wondered what’s been ruining your backyard hangs, your evening walks, or even your sleep—this might be your answer.
In this guide, we’re diving into everything you need to know:
- 👉 What no see ums actually are
- 👉 How to get rid of no see ums fast
- 👉 How to treat their nasty bites
- 👉 And most importantly—how to keep them from ever coming back
Let’s finally reclaim your space from these invisible biters, shall we?
What Is a No See Um?
No see ums—also known as biting midges—are those infuriating little bugs that seem to come out of nowhere, bite you, and disappear before you can even swat at them.
They’re incredibly small—so tiny, in fact, that most people don’t even realize they’ve been bitten until they feel the itch later. But trust us… their size has nothing to do with the pain. These little suckers bite hard.
Here’s what you should know about them:
- Size: They’re almost invisible to the naked eye—usually about 1 to 3 millimeters long. Think of a speck of dust… with teeth.
- Nickname: Often called “no see ums” because, well, you don’t see ’em until it’s too late.
- Habitat: They love warm, humid environments. If you’re near a lake, pond, marsh, or even a damp backyard, you might be on their turf.
- Activity Time: Most active at dawn and dusk—just when you’re trying to enjoy your morning coffee or a relaxing evening outside.
- Behavior: They travel in swarms and are attracted to carbon dioxide, body heat, and sweat—aka you.
So while they may look harmless (if you can even spot them), no see ums are notorious for turning peaceful moments into itch-filled nightmares.
What Do No See Ums Bites Look Like?
Red. Itchy. Swollen.
No see um bites usually appear in clusters and look like mosquito bites—just smaller. But the itching? Ten times worse.
For people with no see ums allergy, the reaction can be intense, with large welts and lingering discomfort.
How to Get Rid of No See Ums: Step-by-Step
No see ums might be tiny, but getting rid of them takes a big strategy. These sneaky little biters thrive in warm, moist environments—so you’ll need to attack from all angles. Here’s how to kick them out for good:
1. Eliminate Breeding Grounds
- Dump standing water: Buckets, planters, bird baths—anything that collects water needs to go.
- Dry out damp areas: Pay special attention to mulch, shaded corners, and around the foundation of your home.
- Keep your lawn trimmed: Tall grass and dense bushes are perfect hideouts for these pests.
2. Use Outdoor Bug Sprays or Foggers
- Choose products with DEET, permethrin, or picaridin: These ingredients are proven to work.
- Thermal foggers: If things get bad, fogging your yard in the early morning or evening can help reduce the swarm fast.
3. Install Fans or Mosquito Netting
- No see ums are weak fliers: Outdoor fans on porches or patios keep them away while you enjoy your space.
- Netting: Use fine mesh netting (smaller than regular mosquito netting) around beds or seating areas for added protection.
4. Try Natural Repellents
- Essential oils: Mix citronella, eucalyptus, tea tree, or lavender oil with water and spray on skin or around the yard.
- DIY traps: A bowl of apple cider vinegar with dish soap can attract and trap adult midges indoors.
5. Protect Yourself with Personal Repellents
- Apply insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus to exposed skin.
- Wear light-colored clothing with long sleeves and pants during peak activity times (dawn and dusk).
6. Call Pest Control (If It’s Really Bad)
If the infestation is out of control and nothing else is working, call a professional pest control service. They can assess your property and apply targeted treatments that work long-term.
Getting rid of no see ums isn’t always easy—but it’s 100% worth it when you finally get your backyard and peace of mind back.
Credit: planetnatural.com
Let’s Get to the Part You’re Here For: How to Get Rid of No See Ums
1. Remove Standing Water
These pests love damp areas. Check flower pots, gutters, bird baths—anything that holds water. Dump it out.
💡 Bug Lady Tip: Regular yard maintenance helps eliminate breeding grounds for no see um eggs.
2. Use a No See Ums Repellent
Look for a strong no see ums repellent with DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus. Spray on exposed skin, especially during early morning and evening.
🌿 Prefer natural? Bug Lady offers eco-friendly solutions that keep the bugs away without the chemicals.
3. Install Fine Mesh Screens
Regular window screens? Not fine enough. Upgrade to 16-mesh or finer to block no see ums bugs from sneaking in.
4. Try a No See Um Trap
UV light traps or CO₂-based lures attract and kill no see ums. Place them in shaded, humid outdoor areas.
Need help? Bug Lady can set you up with a custom no see um trap solution for your yard.
5. Apply Yard Treatments
A professional spray treatment can kill adults and stop larvae from hatching. This is a go-to no see ums treatment when you’ve got a serious infestation.
📞 Call Pest Services—they’ll customize a plan based on your yard’s layout and pest levels.
No See Ums Bite Treatment – What Works?
If you’ve already been bitten, don’t worry. Here’s a simple no see ums bites treatment guide:
- Wash with soap and water – Prevents infection.
- Apply anti-itch cream – Hydrocortisone or calamine lotion helps with swelling.
- Take an antihistamine – For those with a no see ums allergy, this can ease the reaction.
- Avoid scratching – Easier said than done, we know.
Still struggling with no see um bites? Bug Lady offers post-bite solutions that actually work—and won’t irritate your skin further.
What’s the No See Ums Lifespan?
They may Be tiny, but they’re persistent. The average no see ums lifespan is about 20 days.
But in that time, a single female can lay hundreds of eggs. That’s why getting rid of them fast matters.
Best No See Ums Spray – What to Look For
A good no see ums spray should:
- ✔️ Repel
- ✔️ Kill on contact
- ✔️ Be safe for pets and kids
Bug Lady’s sprays are tough on bugs and gentle on your home. You’ll find both natural and chemical options depending on what fits your needs.
When to Call the Pros
Sometimes, DIY just isn’t enough. If no see ums keep coming back, it’s time to bring in the experts.
At buglady.com, we offer:
- Full-yard inspections
- Professional no see ums treatment
- Preventive sprays
- Long-term protection plans
No more guessing. No more itching.
Final Buzz
As we wrap up, now you know how to get rid of no see ums—from backyard prevention to bite relief. These invisible biters may be annoying, but with the right tools and a little help from Bug Lady, you can kick them out for good.
So say goodbye to itchy nights and hello to peace of mind.
Need fast help?
👉 Contact Bug Lady today for custom pest control that actually works.