What attracts no see ums to an area and how to repel them
No-see-ums, black flies or biting midges, these tiny little suckers are hard to spot but they have a painful bite that will let you know when they are around.
Only female no-see-ums bite and they do so because they require the protein rich blood meal to develop her eggs. Male no-see-ums are strictly vegan, but they can still be annoying if they are buzzing about in your space.
What attracts no-see-ums?
If you live in a warm, humid area that is close to a body of water or swamp, you are more likely to experience a problem with no-see-ums. These bugs are attracted to these areas for breeding purposes, which means that they are extra desperate for a blood snack and will swarm in an instant and ruin any outdoor event.
In addition to the outdoor environment, there are other attractants that will alert no-see-ums to your presence and the promise of a tasty, protein rich snack:
- Carbon Dioxide. When you exhale, you release a quantity of carbon dioxide into the air around you. That release is what alerts no-see-ums that there is a blood meal nearby.
- Your body emits a lot of body heat, and this is released into the environment around you. No-see-ums can sense this heat and will gravitate towards you in search for a meal.
- Body odor. Perspiration and body odor are scents that no-see-ums call pick up on and will call them to you, just like the ring of a dinner bell.
- There is evidence that no-see-ums also enjoy the smell of that new perfume and will happily follow the scent until they get a chance to bite.
No-see-um bites
Female no-see-ums bite because they require a blood meal to develop eggs. Bites show on your skin as little red dots, usually in a cluster. They swell and can become tender. No-see-um bites often last several weeks and are relentlessly itchy for at least 3 days after getting bit.
How to repel no-see-ums
No-see-ums are easily attracted to you and your family by your breath, body heat, body odor and perfumes. Luckily, there are also common ways you can repel no-see-ums and keep from getting bitten.
- Essential oils. No-see-ums do not like camphor, eucalyptus, mint or lemon essential oils. Sprays, candles and lotions made from these essential oils work as a deterrent to keep away no-see-ums.
- Insect repellent sprays. There are many different types of repellent sprays that work with no-see-ums. Be sure to follow directions carefully and confirm the safety of a product before using on any babies or small children.
- Lotions with picaridin. These lotions work to repel no-see-ums and can work for up to 14 hours.
- Devices that emit allethrin. These devices also work to repel no-see-ums and can be used in yard or patio.
- Trust MosquitoNix® to protect your outdoor spaces. Contact us today to treat your yard for no-see-ums and protect you and your family from getting bitten.
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