They can strike when you least expect them. You’re enjoying the Florida sun on your patio, maybe grilling something delicious for dinner, then suddenly you feel it. A bite. You may not have even seen the insect, but it certainly saw you. In fact, you may be covered in bites before you ever see a single insect. What are these problem creatures? No-see-ums. Florida is full of them, and their bites are meaner than you might expect. Take a moment to explore this strange little creature, its behaviors, and what you can do to get rid of them.

What’s a No-See-Um?

No-see-ums actually have several names, depending on where you’re from. They may also be known as biting midges, sand files, or even punkies. Scientifically, they’re ceratopogonidae, and they’re pretty small, as tiny as one millimeter in length. They can be found in mountain areas or humid ones (like Florida), and they suck the blood of a host animal to survive, which is why they love to bite people.

Ugh! It Itches So Much – Why?

No-see-um bites are particularly itchy, and there’s a reason for that. Only the females bite, and when they do, they inject their saliva into your skin. It helps to pool the blood just under the surface of your skin, and when they pull away, you have a tiny red bite that is ridiculously itchy. In fact, one bite will welt up to a two inch diameter spot in some cases. The problem isn’t just the bites themselves, it’s that you never see it coming. They slip under loose clothing and then start biting.

Uh, How Do I Stop Them?

Worried? They’re certainly a problem, but there are ways to stop them. Start by eliminating standing water from your yard. Consider a screened in patio to help keep them from getting you. Cover your skin while you’re out, and use a DEET-based insect repellent.

In addition to taking those steps, be sure to give us a call. No-see-ums can ruin your summer, and we have the techniques you need now to help you deal with the problem. Contact us today to learn more.