How to Get Rid of No-See-Ums

You’re sitting on your porch on a warm, breezy summer evening in the Southeast. It doesn’t get much better than that, does it? That is, until your arms and ankles start to itch, and you realize something is biting you. But what? If this scenario sounds familiar, there’s a good chance you’re dealing with no-see-ums. Aptly named because they can be difficult to spot, the itchy welts they leave on your skin are anything but.

Fortunately, there are some simple yet effective ways to minimize the presence of no-see-ums so you can enjoy your spring and summer in peace. Let’s start with a quick rundown of some easy tips on how to get rid of no-see-ums, and then we’ll dive into a more in-depth look at what no-see-ums are and how to prevent them.

Quick Tips for Dealing with No-See-Ums

If you follow these tips, we promise you’ll see a decrease in no-see-um activity in the coming weeks and months.

• Eliminate standing water around your property
• Wear insect repellent
• Keep screens closed
• Mow your lawn regularly
• Reduce outdoor lighting at night
• Fix plumbing leaks or other moisture problems

Eliminating and Preventing No-See-Ums in Your Yard

Moist soil, standing water, and overgrown vegetation create the ideal conditions for a no-see-um breeding ground. By making a few key changes, you can significantly reduce their numbers and take back your yard:

• Eliminate Standing Water: Look for puddles, birdbaths, clogged gutters, or water-filled containers. No see ums breed in moist environments, so frequently dump out or refresh water sources so eggs can’t develop.
• Use a Carbon Dioxide Trap: Commercial traps that emit CO₂ can lure and capture no-see-ums. They can be pricey but often yield good results if placed strategically in the yard.
• Essential Oils Around the Property: Scents like citronella, lemongrass, or peppermint may help repel no-see-ums — though they’re not always successful. Consider using them in diffusers or as sprays.
• Mow Your Grass Regularly: Tall grass and weeds create cool, shady spots with extra moisture. Keeping your lawn trimmed helps reduce places for no-see-ums to hide.
• Turn Off Porch Lights and Close Blinds at Night: Like many insects, no-see-ums are attracted to light. Reducing outdoor lighting (or switching to a style of bulb that insects aren’t attracted to) can lower their numbers around your home.
• Fix Plumbing Leaks: Any source of continuous moisture — leaky outdoor faucets, irrigation systems, or AC units — provides the damp conditions no-see-ums need to survive.

How to Build a Homemade Carbon Dioxide Trap for No-See-Ums

Store-bought CO₂ traps can be very effective, but they’re also very pricey. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly option, creating your own carbon dioxide trap at home may be a viable alternative. Here’s how to do it:

1. Gather Materials: You’ll need a clean plastic bottle, sugar, yeast, warm water, and some tape or glue.
2. Cut the Bottle: Cut the top third off the bottle, then invert the top so it forms a funnel into the bottom portion.
3. Mix the Bait: Dissolve a few tablespoons of sugar in warm water, then stir in a packet of yeast. Pour this solution into the bottom of the bottle.
4. Assemble the Trap: Place the inverted top into the bottle’s bottom. Seal the edges with tape or glue.
5. Placement: Put the trap in areas where you’ve noticed heavy no-see-um activity. The yeast produces CO₂, drawing the insects inside, where they become trapped.
6. Maintenance: Replace the liquid mixture every few days for best results.

Eliminating and Preventing No-See-Ums in Your House

Although no-see-ums are primarily outdoor pests, they can sneak inside and make life miserable. Here are some steps to keep them out:

• Keep Windows and Screens Shut: Even small gaps in screens can let these tiny insects in. Double-check for tears or loose fittings.
• Turn Up the Air Conditioning: No see ums thrive in warm, humid conditions. Running the AC dries out the air and makes your home less appealing.
• Consider a Dehumidifier: If certain rooms tend to stay humid (like basements or laundry areas), a dehumidifier quickly lowers moisture levels and discourages no-see-ums from lingering.

How to Protect Yourself from No-See-Ums

Let’s face it: you can’t spend your entire spring and summer indoors just to avoid no-see-ums. When the sun’s out and you’re ready to enjoy the warm weather, it helps to have a few strategies in place to keep these persistent pests from spoiling your fun. Here are some of the most effective ways to protect yourself when you step outside:

• Apply Insect Repellent: DEET or picaridin repellents offer strong protection. If you’re sensitive, natural repellents (e.g., citronella-based sprays) can be used, though they may be less effective.
• Wear Long Sleeves and Pants: Minimizing exposed skin goes a long way. On especially buggy days, opt for lighter-colored clothing that covers arms and legs.
• Avoid Peak Times: Dawn and dusk are no-see-um rush hours. If possible, schedule outdoor activities when these insects are less active.
• Use Mesh or Netting: If you’re in a high-infestation area (like camping spots near water), consider fine mesh head nets or canopies for an extra layer of defense.

What Are No-See-Ums?

Have you ever thought, “What if mosquitoes were smaller — and somehow even more annoying?” Unfortunately, no-see-ums fit that description a little too well. No-see-ums (Ceratopogonidae), also known as biting midges, biting gnats, punkies, or sand flies, share many traits with mosquitoes. For example, they’re attracted to carbon dioxide, thrive in humid conditions, and their bites can leave itchy welts. They even look a bit like miniature mosquitoes. 

But it’s important to remember that despite their many similarities, they’re not mosquitoes. They’re little tiny flies. Below are a few ways to identify them:

• Active Times: They’re most active at dawn and dusk, just like many mosquito species.
• Size: Extremely small—often just 1–3 millimeters long, making them easy to overlook.
• Appearance: Slender bodies, with wings that can appear spotted or cloudy.
• Bite Marks: Bites often show up as small red dots or welts, accompanied by a persistent itch.

Questions About No See Ums in the Southeast?

No-see-ums can turn an otherwise beautiful day into an itchy nightmare, but with some planning, you can enjoy the outdoors without worry. 

If you have questions about no-see-ums or need expert advice on any other nuisance pests, get in touch with us. Here at Lookout Pest Control, we’ve seen firsthand how persistent these tiny pests can be across Georgia, Alabama, Tennessee, Kentucky, North Carolina, and South Carolina. We’re proud to be your trusted local resource, ready to help you keep both your home and your time outside as comfortable as possible.