No-see-ums are usually attracted to wet areas. They have a preference for both freshwater and saltwater, so they will always appear where humidity is high. They can also get inside your home if you don’t take preventive measures against them.
Article summary
Using bug repellants is one of the best ways to get rid of no-see-ums. However, another good way is by using nets. The best way to treat the bites when you notice them is to clean them with soap so as to avoid infection.
In this article, we also take a closer look at the following topics:
- Severe reactions
- What happens if the bites won’t go away
- How long they last
Continue reading
While no-see-um bugs can be annoying with their simple presence, some species bite. They will inject their saliva, which causes itchiness along with red bumps. While they are not entirely dangerous, some people can experience long-lasting lesions and side effects.
If you are worried about these insects, it is time to take action. Firstly it is important to stop worrying and calm down after you detect no-see-um bites, as they can be easily treated. You don’t want to find their bites next time you’re taking a shower. Getting rid of no-see-um bugs is easy if you follow the steps below. We also provide you with a simple treatment.
Table of Contents
- Best way to treat no-see-um bug bites
- Best ways to get rid of no-see-um bugs
- Best no-see-um repellents
- Small flying bugs that bite. What could it be?
- What are no-see-ums?
- What does a no-see-um bite look like? Pictures & more.
- No-see-ums bites (Florida is bad!)
- No-see-um vs. bed bug bites
- No-see-um bites delayed reaction.
- Severe reaction to no-see-um bites
- No-see-um bites won’t go away.
- Why you can trust us and how we picked?
- Factors to consider
- How much cost?
- FAQ
Best way to treat no-see-um bug bites
After a no-see-um bites you, a small red dot is expected to appear. If left untreated, this dot can expand into a one-inch welt over the course of several days. Because these insects travel in groups, you probably got bitten by several more at the same time.
There are a couple of home remedies that you can follow and apply to treat these bites. After you first notice them, clean the area with soap and water. It will completely remove the saliva and prevent infections.
It is important not to scratch these bites as they heal. If you find it difficult to resist, use an anti-itch cream or cold compresses to reduce the itching. To prevent future bites, use one of the two repellents presented above.
Best ways to get rid of no-see-um bugs
Here are the best ways of getting rid of no-see-um bugs.
Screens & mesh.
Skeeta Netting 54 Wide X 5 Yards
This ultra-wide no, see um net is made of special and durable mesh. This mesh is also very fine. No-see-ums cannot fly through it. It is also very lightweight, as 100% polyester was used for the netting material.
Made in the USA with all the safety standards met, this net comes in a classic black color. Customers are satisfied with this product, and one of them reported impressive results even after 3 years of usage.
Be advised that this net can be torn apart by a dog or a cat, so keep this product out of reach from your pets.
| Specifications | Description |
| Name | Skeeta No-see-um netting |
| Material | Polyester |
| Dimensions | 54″ x 5 yards long |
| Color | Black |
| Weight | 1 lbs |
Pros
- Lightweight
- Super easy to use
- Durability is rated highly by customers
- Just enough space for air flow while keeping the buggers out
- It doesn’t get tangled within itself, which makes it easier to install.
Cons
- You will need a tutorial or some experience to install it on your doors.
Benvo Mosquito Head Net Mesh, Face Neck Screen Net
This high-quality product is made of 100% nylon, a breathable fabric that protects you from no-see-ums and mosquitos. It also enables you to breathe fresh air, and there is almost no difference. Clear vision is also provided. This net is easy to put on and take off.
This product is ideal for outdoor activities such as hiking or camping. If you plan to go fishing, remember that no-see-ums are present near bodies of water, which is where this product is most efficient.
There are 522 holes per square inch, and no insect can pass through this mesh. Not even no-see-ums, even if they are so small in size. This head net mesh is easy to store and transport when you are not using it, as it comes with a small toggle bag.
| Specifications | Description |
| Name | Benvo Mosquito Head Net Mesh |
| Dimensions | 21.25″H x 37.8″ bottom perimeter x 15.7″ top perimeter |
| Net count | 2 |
| Material | Nylon |
| Weight | 23 g |
| Colors available | Olive, Grey, Black, White, Khaki, Pink, Light grey |
Pros
- Extra fine mesh that provides clarity of vision and airflow
- It keeps out the tiniest of bugs that might bother you otherwise.
- Great for outdoor activities like fishing, hiking, cycling, trekking, gardening, and camping.
- Storage toggle bag included for easy carrying.
- Portability
- Rated highly for value for money
Cons
- You will require additional protection for the rest of your body!
Unlike mosquitos, the no-see-ums can be more problematic. People have developed many ways to get rid of these annoying insects and invented methods to get rid of them. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to get rid of no-see-um bugs:
How to get rid of no-see-um bugs.
- Utilize mosquito traps.
- Install a mesh on your windows to prevent them from entering your house.
- Turn on the air conditioning system in your home.
- Wear clothes that cover your entire body.
- Apply repellants and insect sprays.
Best no-see-um repellents
No Natz | Botanical Bug Repellant
This bug repellant is proven to work very well against many species of bugs and insects, including no-see-ums and mosquitos. This company used a special formula for developing this product, which includes:
- Rosemary oil
- lemongrass oil
- and olive oil
- among many more highly effective ingredients.
This repellant is hypoallergenic and will not damage your skin. The non-greasy formula also features a pleasant smell, and you won’t even realize that you are wearing it. It is easy to apply this product. All you need to do is shake and spray it directly on your skin.
It comes in a variety of sizes, with the smallest one being a 2oz pump spray that can easily fit into your pocket. You can take it with you in the wilderness and apply it when necessary to enjoy nature without being annoyed by no-see-ums.
| Specifications | Description |
| Name | No Natz Botanical Bug Repellant |
| Volume | 8 ounces |
| Form | Spray |
| Scent | Citronella, coconut |
| Made in | USA |
Pros
- Tested in multiple areas where mosquitos are as big as small birds
- Works great against gnats, no-see-ums, sand gnats, flies, and mosquitoes.
- Fully portable. Carry it in your back pocket!
- Herbal oils infused like rosemary, lemongrass, geranium, citronella, olive, and coconut.
- Best-selling personal bug spray in the USA
Cons
- Must be kept away from children
Bug Soother Spray (2, 8 oz) – Natural Insect, Gnat, and Mosquito Repellent
This natural bug soother repels mosquitoes, no-see-ums, and many other annoying bugs. This product requires a more frequent application than the previous one, but it is just as effective. Customers are extremely satisfied with this product, as it can keep most insects away. One customer said this product shielded their roses from beetles.
The ingredients used for this product are simple and skin-friendly. They include:
- castor oil
- vitamin E
- and soy lecithin.
Vanilla is one ingredient that people love, but bugs hate, and it was also used for this repellant.
You can use this product whenever you go fishing or camping. It works well in your defense and keeps all the annoying bugs and insects at a distance, including no-see-ums.
Pros
- Safe for adults, kids, pets, and even the environment.
- Completely natural formula
- You can use them on your pets, farm animals, and even pet tigers to ensure they are flea and bug-free!
- Handmade products
- Women-run family business
- Amazing fragrance
- More than 10K satisfied customers on Amazon and even more on other platforms.
Cons
- Little sticky when first applied, but it evens out later.
Small flying bugs that bite. What could it be?
Mother nature is diverse, and millions of insect species are out there. You might wonder what small flying bugs can bite you. The answer is simple. You can find mosquitoes and flies or fleas and ticks among them.
The pain and irritation are often associated with the puncture itself. But these insects also inject their saliva to aid their feeding. Some insects can also inject venom, although most of them don’t represent a risk for your long-term health.
What are no-see-ums?
The names of these insects are quite accurate because they are so small that it is difficult to see them. They are biting insects that feed on blood or other, smaller insects. They are tiny and generally measure between 0.03 to 0.11 inches in length.
With six legs and wings, they can be considered true insects. In color, they are black and brown, with the grey ones being rarer. Some of them even have stripes. They are similar to mosquitos because females feed on the blood of other living beings.
What does a no-see-um bite look like? Pictures & more.
No-see-um bites look like small red dots on the skin, gathered in clusters. Most people will experience that they’re more annoying than those left by mosquitos.
Here are two pictures to know what to look out for when they take a stab at your flesh.
No-see-ums bites (Florida is bad!)
No-see-ums represent a problem worldwide, but they are known to cause trouble in many coastal areas. These insects are not the same as mosquitos. But like them, they can be found throughout Florida, including the Florida Keys.
They are common year-round but less active during very cold weather or winter. If the wind is strong, these insects will also take shelter. Their peak seasons are March and April, and no-see-ums are known by the locals as ”sand flies” or ”biting midges”.
No-see-um vs. bed bug bites
One of the best ways to tell the difference between no-see-um and bed bug bites is to notice the area where they are appearing on your body. Bed bug bites will occur in clusters, and their pattern appears as a line. This line often aligns with the edge of your mattress.
No-see-um bites are more severe than bed bug or mosquito bites. They look like red dots on the skin, composed of small clusters. If left untreated, over time, they will expand into large and raised welts that can last for up to 2 weeks.
No-see-um bites delayed reaction.
The bites caused by no-see-um bugs will show up in dark red clusters that are small in size. After the initial bite, they show up later, usually a day or more. They will take longer to heal and are more painful than mosquito bites.
These insects have sharp parts of their mouth, which they use to slice into the skin. Often, people report severe reactions to their bites. Allergic reactions can appear, and they are often through fever, redness, or swelling.
Severe reaction to no-see-um bites
These small and annoying insects can be an inconvenience when you are out there camping or fishing. Their bites cause irritation and pain, with itchiness along with red bumps. The reactions are similar to that of mosquitoes, but no-see-um bites can be more painful.
Severe reactions have not been reported so far, as this insect doesn’t inject venom into your skin. Their saliva can cause infections, and if the no-see-um bites are left untreated, you can develop further problems such as fever or swellings.
No-see-um bites won’t go away.
You can try different solutions if the no-see-um bites don’t go away with natural remedies. Apply underarm deodorant to the bite or wipe the area with rubbing alcohol. These solutions should ease your pain and accelerate the healing process of your skin.
You can also apply toothpaste to them. If they still don’t go away, you should consult with a doctor and get checked by a professional dermatologist.
Why you can trust us and how we picked?
You can trust us with the above-listed products, tips, and techniques as we have tested each one of them and checked against the parameters that were set to pick the best ones. This is a very common problem in humid areas. This article intends to educate people about understanding and eradicating this problem.
Factors to consider
Water logging
Make sure that there is not any waterlogging in the near vicinity. If there will be stagnant water around you, it will lead to the breeding of no-see-um bugs. Once you remove that water, it will be easier to get rid of no-see-um bugs.
Type of skin
When applying any no-see-um bug repellant on the body, ensure that it is suitable for your type of skin. Sometimes when we apply a spray or cream to soothe the no-see-um bug bites, it starts to burn more instead. So always read the label first.
Timely treatment
One major thing that has to be kept in mind while getting rid of no-see-um bugs, it is important to get timely treatment. Because if bite marks are severe and left untreated for a long these can last for a very long time.
How much cost?
Getting rid of no-see-um bugs isn’t very expensive. Just get a good bug repellant that will cost you merely $7-$15. To make it more effective you can get a head net that is priced somewhere around $15-$25.
FAQ
Usually, no-see-um bites can last for up to 2 weeks. During this time, the bitten area will feel itchy and painful as the bites appear as small welts. It is important not to scratch them. If the itching sensation is too intense, you can try solutions to reduce this feeling.
After fully healing, prevent further bites by eliminating any standing water sources. These insects need moisture to breed, just like mosquitoes.
No-see-um bites will usually go away by themselves, but this is only if the affected area has a favorable healing environment. If they get infected, then the wounds will not finish their healing process. In that case, you should check with a doctor and seek professional help.
During the recovery phase that lasts 2 weeks, you can use ice or cold compresses to relieve the pain and the itchy feeling. Apply ice for 10 minutes to the affected area to reduce any swellings as well.
You can also purchase over-the-counter products for your itching problems. There are creams that will soothe your pain and reduce swellings.
Natural treatments are also possible, where you can combine baking soda with witch hazel and vinegar. After you apply this paste to the affected area, you will notice healing progress soon.
Because many people are not aware of the existence of these insects, they are not expecting bites from them. Their small size makes them harder to see, hence their name. When they are discovered, hours or days have already passed since the initial bite.
That is why some people panic when they suddenly notice the welts on the affected area. Various healing methods will make your skin return to its normal state, but the process cannot be accelerated as your own immune system is responsible for the healing.
However, you can boost this process and reduce your pain by applying underarm deodorant to the bite or wiping it with rubbing alcohol. Another solution is to apply toothpaste to the affected area, as the ingredients inside it will reduce the pain and swelling.
A no-see-um adult will live only for a couple of weeks, but their entire life cycle can take much longer. This happens because the food is highly available near bodies of water in the areas where they appear.
That being said, they cannot live in your bed. They are fragile, and a bed would be an unfavorable environment for them. They prefer wet environments, and you will often encounter them near bodies of water, whether they are large or small.
Bed bugs and scabies mites can be easily mistaken for each other. They both show the same symptoms, and they are the same irritating insects that cause itchy bites on your skin.
Their bits look similar to those of mosquitoes, further increasing your confusion. But bed bugs and scabies are two different insects, and each of them requires a different removal method followed by a treatment plan.
That is why you should know the difference between these 2 insects, so you can apply the right treatment after identifying the problem.
Bed bug bites will cause itchy and red welts that appear in a zigzag row. They show in clusters, ranging from 3 to 5 over the area. These bites can appear anywhere on the body.
On the other hand, scabies will cause severe itching that gets even worse at night. Tiny bumps or blisters appear over the affected area, leaving white or gray skin-colored rows. These rows can also be irregular or raised.
Now that you know the difference between these bites, you can identify them easier and apply the right treatment for them.
