Feel a bite, but no-see-um? What to know about the Georgia pest & how to get rid of them
If you’ve been enjoying the sun, warmer weather and longer days, chances are, you’ve been getting hit with bug bites, too.
In Georgia, there are more than 91,000 species of insects, including bees, ants, butterflies, wasps and more. Surely, you’ve seen some of them roaming around your home and garden lately.
So, what about the tiny ones we can’t see?
You know the ones, the little guys with an irritating, itchy bite that feels like a big pinch or a burning sensation. The ones that make you think you’re going crazy because you can’t seem to figure out what was biting you.
Well, they are called no-see-ums. Appropriate, right?
Here’s what we know about the pest and how to get rid of them.
What are no-see-um bugs?
According to Terminix, biting midges are tiny flies that grow up to only an eighth of an inch. They are gray in color and their wings have small hairs that are different for each species.
The bugs are often referred to as “no-see-ums” because “they may be difficult to see with the naked eye, especially when they have not fed.”
Both male and female midges feed on plant nectar, but females are the ones we catch biting our skin, as females need to get a fresh blood snack to produce eggs. Yikes.
But that’s not the creepiest part.
“No-see-ums ‘surgically’ slice and cut into the skin of their prey with their mouth-based cutters,” according to MosquitoNix. “When a female no-see-um bites, she injects her saliva under the host animal’s skin, causing the blood to pool and making it easier for the insect to take what she needs.”
Now that we’ve established that, let’s talk about how to stop being their favorite meal.
How can I avoid being bitten and get rid of them for good?
No-see-ums are common to coastal regions and areas with hot weather, so Georgia is a hugely popular breeding spot for these pesky bugs.
In fact, most states will see no-see-ums at some point.
“No-see-ums are not picky about where they call home, as long as it’s warm and wet,” as stated on the Best Bee Brothers blog.
So, is there a way to get them to stop biting? Or even better, to get rid of them and keep them away?
Here are some tips for you and your home:
Close up doors and windows during summer months so they don’t invade your home.
Chill out: keep your AC on and try to keep your body temperature cooler, as no-see-ums like hot body temperatures.
Fix leaks and use a dehumidifier to make sure there are no spots for them to hide out.
According to Forbes: “Essential oils like lemon, eucalyptus, mint and camphor are known for repelling no see ums. You can make your own essential oil spray by mixing several drops in a spray bottle with water, or you can purchase a natural insect repellent spray made with a mix of essential oils.”
They are attracted to carbon dioxide, which is produced by humans. So, purchase a carbon dioxide trap to suck them up.
Cut back bushes and tall grass.
They are most active between the hours of dawn and dusk, so if you find yourself being bitten frequently, try to avoid being outside during those hours.
Use bug repellent containing DEET or one marked for use against no-see-ums
Have more questions? Send me an email at cmadden@mcclatchy.com
