How to Repel No See Ums
No-See-Ums are tiny, biting insects that can wreak havoc on anyone who spends time outdoors. These little blood-suckers are hard to spot and even more difficult to get rid of because they’re so tiny. Luckily, there are several ways you can protect yourself from no-see-ums and their bites.
After reading this article, you’ll be able to make a plan that helps keep these pests away from your family while still enjoying the great outdoors.
What are No-See-Ums?
No-see-ums (also called biting midges or Ceratopogonidae) are a type of fly that feeds on humans and animals. They’re most commonly found in the southern United States. Still, they can also be found throughout the world in tropical and temperate zones where plenty of water is available for breeding.
They live in ponds, streams, lakes, or other bodies of water, laying their eggs on plants or other surfaces near the water’s edge (such as rocks or tree stumps). When the larvae hatch, they drop into the water, developing into pupae before emerging as adults.
These flies survive for about a week, feeding on blood from any animals that happen to pass by their habitat.
What Attracts No See Ums?
No-see-ums are attracted by carbon dioxide (CO2) emitted from mammals and birds. They are also attracted by body heat, which is why they tend to bite uncovered skin areas such as your face and neck when you are outside.
While no-see-ums are known to bite during the day and night, they typically prefer to feed on their hosts during sunset hours when the temperature drops and CO2 levels increase.
They can also be drawn toward dark colors like black and brown clothing. So, if possible, wear lighter-colored clothing outdoors during peak mosquito season.
They cannot bite through fabrics, so cotton t-shirts, wool sweaters, denim jeans, and long socks also protect from bites!
Repel No See Ums Naturally
How to repel no-see-ums naturally? If you are looking for a natural repellent that will keep those pesky mosquitoes at bay, here are some ways to do it.
Mosquito Repellent Plants
Plants with strong scents and oils can help repel mosquitoes and no-see-ums, including geraniums, marigolds, citronella, and catnip. Plant these in your yard or near windows and doors. You can also use an insecticide spray made from the essential oils of these plants to create a barrier around your home.
Citronella Oil Candles
Lighting citronella oil candles is another way to keep mosquitoes away from your house. The scent from the candles masks the CO2 that attracts mosquitoes and other bugs. Also, burning citronella candles will help keep insects out of your house because they don’t like smoke or fire.
DIY Insect Repellant
You can also make your own natural repellent using essential oils such as citronella, lemongrass, or eucalyptus. The best way to do this is by mixing the essential oils with water ( at a ratio of 10 drops to 1 ounce) and then adding a few drops of coconut oil so that it stays on your skin longer.
Learn more about plants and oils that repel insects like no-see-ums and mosquitoes with this fact sheet from the University of New Hampshire
How to Avoid and Prevent No-See-Um Bites
Stay Out of Areas They Inhabit
There are a few simple ways to avoid being bitten by No-See-Ums. First and foremost, stay out of areas where these pests inhabit. If you’re camping in an area known for its mosquito population, bring a bug spray with DEET and reapply it as directed on the product label. If you’re at home, try leaving lights off inside your house so that No-See-Ums aren’t attracted to your windows or doors (and hopefully will fly away).
Protect Yourself With Clothing That Covers
When you go outside, wear protective clothing, a hat, and gloves so they can’t bite through your hair or skin. Wear boots to protect your ankles from bites and other dangerous creatures like snakes or spiders.
Don’t Let Standing Water Remain
Stagnant water is one of the easiest places to find No-See-Ums in your home. This includes buckets, rain gutters, and even old tires lying around the yard.
These are breeding grounds for mosquitoes and other pests, so keeping the area around your house clean and dry is important.
Put Mosquito Netting Around Your Bed
Netting is a great way to keep no-see-ums at bay. Simply hang the netting around your bed and let it do its work. No-See-Ums are tiny, but they can still bite. If you cannot get away from bugs, netting is an effective way to repel them and keep them out of your space while you sleep.
Are No-See-Ums Dangerous?
No-See-Ums aren’t just annoying but can also be dangerous in some situations. They can cause serious health problems if you’re allergic to them or if you have an open wound and they land on it. There have been several cases where people have ended up in the hospital with severe reactions after being bitten by these pests! This is especially problematic in South American countries and the Caribbean islands.
Those who are allergic should take extra precautions when traveling through areas known for having lots of these tiny pests around
Other Ways to Keep No-See-Ums Away From Your Property
There are several ways to keep no-see-ums away from your property:
- Repair leaking pipes or faucets as soon as possible. Leaks allow no-see-ums to hatch inside your home, making it even harder to get rid of them later.
- Trim tree branches and shrubs, so they aren’t overhanging your home or patio area. This keeps no see um larvae from falling into your yard when they fall out of the trees above your home.
- If you have a pool, make sure no leaves or other debris are floating in it because no-see-ums love to lay their eggs in or near standing water.
Follow the tips above to combat no-see-ums. When it comes down to it, there isn’t a single solution that works for everyone. However, if you’re willing to invest some time into learning about these pests – including their habits and preferences when choosing human hosts – then you’ll be able to protect yourself from being bitten by these pesky little creatures!
