No matter the season, no-see-ums can linger in any area – and they don’t just ruin an outdoor gathering! These small biting insects can cause real irritation and health concerns, so it’s important to understand what attracts them and how to effectively repel them. In this article, we’ll discuss what no-see-ums are, how they’re attracted to various areas and what you can do to repel them.
What Are No-See-Ums?
No-see-ums are a species of small, dipterous fly typically measuring between 1 and 3 millimeters in length. These small insects are painful biting pests, resembling a mosquito in appearance. However, they can be even more irritating and difficult to avoid than mosquitoes. Due to their size, they easily penetrate clothing and screens, making them incredibly hard to detect and avoid.
What Attracts No-See-Ums?
Carbon Dioxide and Heat
No-see-ums use carbon dioxide and warmth as indicators to locate their hosts. When you exhale, you emit carbon dioxide, a prime target for many no-see-um species. Any space where people are present or congregated is a prime area for no-see-ums, as additional heat is often generated from the presence of humans.
Moisture and Rainwater
No-see-ums often congregate near water and moist areas, as it offers an ideal place for the larvae to hatch and mature. Areas such as ponds, pools, plants, and puddles all provide a hotbed for this species to breed and inhabit. Furthermore, rainwater can collect and iEntice no-see-ums to group in a specific region.
Artificial Light
No-see-ums are attracted to any type of artificial light -this includes your porch and yard lights, as well as those put out by your neighbor! This is because no-see-ums are especially sensitive to the blue light wave spectrum and this is the wave emitted by artificial light sources.
How Can You Repel These Biting Insects?
Wear Protection
The best way to protect yourself from no-see-ums is to wear appropriate clothing that covers the whole body. Long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and closed-toe shoes are the best ways to help protect yourself from bites.
Natural Repellents
Using natural repellents such as essential oils, lemon, eucalyptus, and other scents can help in preventing no-see-ums from entering your area. Many essential oils are not only aromatic but also possess insect repellent properties.
High Intensity Light
High intensity light such as UV bulbscan repel no-see-ums. These bulbs work by emitting a light in the visible spectrum that the pests find uncomfortable and tend to avoid.
People Also Ask
Are No-See-Ums worse at night?
Yes, no-see-ums are most active in the dark and at night, taking advantage of the cooler temperature and absence of artificial lights.
What type of bug is a No-See-Um?
No-See-Ums are a species of small dipterous flies, typically measuring between 1-3 mm in length.
What causes No-See-Ums to bite?
No-see-ums are attracted to carbon dioxide emissions, warmth, and moisture, which all exist in areas with human presence. When they come into contact with humans, they often bite as a form of defense.
What do No-See-Ums look like?
No-See-Ums are small, dark bugs with a thin body and long wings. They are often compared to mosquitoes in appearance but tend to be smaller.
Do No-See-Ums spread disease?
Yes, no-see-ums do spread certain diseases. Species such as black flies can spread tularemia, while deer smut gnats can spread various nematodes.
Final Words
No-see-ums are tiny pests that are incredibly difficult to avoid. They can cause real irritation and potential health concerns, so understanding what attracts them and how to repel them is vital. Remember to always wear protection, use natural repellent, and make use of high intensity light to keep yourself safe from no-see-ums.