What attracts no see ums to an area and how to repel them
From flies to mosquitoes to gnats to wasps-every area of the country has to deal with its type of flying insects and other bugs in their own way. If you have no-see-ums where you are, you know these mini annoyances need to be dealt with promptly. 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 their 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-packed snack:
- Carbon Dioxide triggers no-see-ums. 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 of a meal.
- Body odor doesn't turn everyone away. Perspiration and body odor are scents that no-see-ums can 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 Do You Keep No-See-Ums Off of You?
You don't want the bugs to come anywhere near you in the first place. There are some tricks and tips to have them find someone else to go bite.
- Wear long sleeves and long pants when walking near water.
- Adults should always wear bug repellant with 30% DEET.
- Children over 2 months old should also wear bug repellant.
- Stay inside during the busy times for bugs.
- Bring a fan outside to throw their flight path off.
How to keep no-see-ums off you is pretty easy. Keep your bug spray next to your sunscreen, and don't forget to suit up with it when you go outside. Don't neglect your pets, either. They don't want to scratch bites all day, and you don't want to hear that. Fans aren't only to keep you cool inside. Most flying insects are actually horrible at flying, so putting a fan by where you gather will keep them off their course to you.
When going out, especially if your walks or time will take you by water, wear long pants and long sleeves whenever possible to reduce the amount of skin available for these-and other-bugs to feast upon. Sunrise and sunset are the busiest times for flying insects and bugs, so it's best if you can stay inside then.
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 common ways you can repel no-see-ums and keep from getting bitten.
- Essential oils in scents the bugs do not like work great. 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 work wonders. 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 it on babies or small children.
- Lotions with picaridin are helpful. These lotions work to repel no-see-ums and can work for up to 14 hours.
- Devices that emit allethrin are useful. These devices also work to repel no-see-ums and can be used in a yard or patio.
If you have tried to treat your yard to keep the no-see-ums out and nothing is working, it is time to call in the experienced professionals. 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. Take back your outdoor space and enjoy the fresh air again with a little help from our compassionate and knowledgeable team.
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