Effective Ways to Kill & Repel No-See-Ums In Your House & Yard

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Learn what these pests are attracted to & how to treat bites
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“No-see-um” is a common nickname for ceratopogonidae, a family of biting flies responsible for producing painful, itchy, and irritating bites. These blood-sucking insects can be a real nuisance due to their small size and large numbers, but there are a few things you can do to fend them off. For instance, set out CO 2 traps, screen in windows and doors, and wear DEET repellent. We spoke with professional pest controller Chris Parker to learn about the best ways to kill, repel, and keep away no-see-ums in your house and yard. Read on to find out more!

The Best Ways to Get Rid of No-See-Ums

  1. Set up CO 2 traps to catch and kill no-see-ums.
  2. Wear DEET repellent to keep no-see-ums away from you.
  3. Spray lemon, eucalyptus, and citronella essential oils to repel no-see-ums.
  4. Put up tightly woven mesh screens to stop no-see-ums from getting inside.
Section 1 of 5:

Ways to Kill and Repel No-See-Ums

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    Place a CO 2 trap in your home. Simply set the CO 2 trap down and turn it on. It emits a stream of CO 2 gas which attracts no-see-ums and other blood-sucking insects. When they get close to the trap, they are sucked in by a small but powerful vacuum nozzle. [1]
    • Once the no-see-ums are in the trap, they get dehydrated and eventually die.
    • Position the trap near your front door or somewhere else where no-see-ums are likely to get inside, such as a screened-in porch or mudroom.
    • CO 2 traps can range in price from $40 to upwards of $300, which might make them prohibitively expensive.
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    Fill a small bowl with distilled white vinegar or apple cider vinegar. Then, squeeze in a few drops of liquid dish soap and set your trap in a spot where you notice no-see-ums. The midges are drawn to the vinegar but get stuck under the surface of the slippery soap, which kills them. [2]
    • The dish soap reduces the surface tension of the vinegar, making it impossible for the no-see-ums to escape once they’re inside.
    • This method can be a little smelly. Place your vinegar trap near an open window with good ventilation to help reduce odors.
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    Use insecticides containing DEET or picaridin to blast bugs on sight. When you spot no-see-ums or their larvae, spray them with a powerful chemical insecticide. This can stop them in their tracks and kill them. [3]
    • Don’t go hunting for no-see-ums, as it may be a lost cause. These critters are translucent and often no more than ⅛ inch (3 mm) long! Instead, wait for them to show up.
    • Insecticides can provide a short-term fix by killing off adult flies, but they're not a permanent solution to more serious infestations.

    Warning: While pesticides are useful for controlling no-see-um populations, they can contain harmful chemicals that come with their own set of health risks. Always follow the directions on the pesticide to use it safely. [4]

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    Pick up a few rolls of mesh screening that have a tighter weave than the standard 16-mesh size. No-see-ums are incredibly small and often get through standard mesh screening. Then, simply place the mesh screen over your home’s windows and doors. [5]
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    Set your thermostat to around 65–70 °F (18–21 °C) and let it run throughout the day. No-see-ums are attracted to warmth and moisture, so the cooler you keep it in your home, the less likely they are to come around. [9]
    • If blasting your air conditioner nonstop isn’t an option (for instance, if it’s winter), turn on your ceiling fans or place portable fans around your home. This circulates cool air and helps keep any stray no-see-ums from landing on you. [10]
    • If you live in a hot, humid climate, run a dehumidifier in your home to help reduce the humidity levels.
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    Apply a DEET-based repellent if you’re headed outdoors. Before you go outside and into no-see-um territory, spray yourself with an insect repellent containing DEET. This is effective at keeping no-see-ums from biting you, as well as other blood-sucking insects like mosquitos. [11]
    • Follow the instructions on the bottle of repellant to ensure you use it safely. [12]
    • If you don’t want to use a DEET-based repellent, picaridin and oil of lemon eucalyptus are also effective at warding off no-see-ums. [13]
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    Lemon , eucalyptus , and citronella essential oils can repel mosquitos, so they might help keep no-see-ums away from you, too. [14] Simply fill a small spray bottle with 2 oz (59 ml) of distilled water, 1.5 oz (44 ml) of witch hazel or vodka, and 20 to 30 drops each of lemon, eucalyptus, and citronella essential oils. [15]
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    No-see-ums have a hard time biting you through clothes, so wear pants and a long-sleeved shirt if you’re going to be outside to maximize your protection. Choose clothing in light colors, as no-see-ums are attracted to darker colors. [16]
    • Throw on a hat or wear a mosquito head net to minimize bites around your face, head, and neck.
    • Always wear tall socks and closed-toed shoes when you’re walking in no-see-um-infested areas.
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    Get in the habit of switching off all of the lights outside your home around dusk. Many types of insects, including no-see-ums, gravitate towards light sources. Lights essentially act like homing beacons, signaling for bugs to come closer. [17]
    • Not only will shutting your lights off make you less visible to no-see-ums, but it will also save you money on your monthly utility bill!
    • Parker also recommends shutting your curtains at night—the bugs can be attracted to the light coming out of your windows. [18]

    Tip: As an alternative to going completely dark, replace your current bulbs with low-wattage, yellow bug light bulbs that don’t shine quite as brightly. [19]

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    One of the best ways to keep no-see-ums away is to simply avoid them. Steer clear of ponds and marshes, as well as any place where water has collected and grown stagnate. [20]
    • If you do find yourself in one of these areas, try not to hang around too long, as your risk of being bitten can increase.
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    If none of these solutions help get rid of the no-see-ums, call a professional pest controller to help out. Depending on the extent of the problem, an exterminator may set traps, employ high-strength pesticide sprays, or even decide that a more intensive solution like fumigation is necessary.
    • Because no-see-ums breed so quickly, pesticides can typically only limit the amount of bugs you see, rather than completely eradicating them. Focusing on prevention may be a more effective way to get rid of these pests, which we describe below. [21]
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Section 2 of 5:

How to Prevent No-See-Ums

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    Parker says that whenever he receives calls about midges, “there's a water source” that’s attracting them. [22] Walk around your yard and look for places that might be inviting to no-see-ums, like fountains, bird baths, stopped-up gutters , pools of water, and soggy soil. Simply drain the water and fill in moist areas with high-drainage material like gravel or sand. [23]
    • Check household items for standing water too, like buckets or wheelbarrows. [24]
    • Fix leaks around your home to prevent water from accumulating, too. Check your pipes, faucets, and drains for leaks and seal them up with putty or tape .
    • Parker recommends walking around your property about once per week to check for any standing water that might have accumulated. [25]
    • You may need to have larger bodies of water like ponds and gulches professionally irrigated in order to dry them out for good.
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    No-see-ums tend to like grassy, shaded areas because they retain more moisture. Simply keep your grass cut short and your shrubs trimmed back to improve air circulation and water evaporation. Then, prune any tree branches that are crossing each other or damaged to reduce stagnant air and shade. [26]
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    No-see-ums can get through the tiniest of spaces. Simply walk around the interior and exterior of your home to check for any gaps and fix them. For instance, install weather stripping around doors and windows and seal up exterior holes and cracks with caulk . [27]
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Section 3 of 5:

What are no-see-ums attracted to?

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    Like mosquitos and other blood-sucking insects, no-see-ums are drawn to CO 2 and heat because it tells them a host is nearby. These pests are also attracted to the odor of certain chemicals on your skin, like lactic acid. [28]
    • Activities that increase the amount of CO 2 you exhale and the amount of lactic acid on your skin might make you more attractive to no-see-ums (and mosquitos), like exercising or drinking alcohol. [29]
    • No-see-ums and other biting insects tend to be more attracted to dark colors as opposed to light colors.
    • Floral and fruity scents also tend to attract no-see-ums and other blood-sucking pests.
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    Most no-see-ums lay their eggs where the soil is moist, such as near ponds, swamps, streams, and areas of standing water. They prefer warm climates and usually start breeding in the summer. [30]
    • No-see-ums tend to be most active at dawn and dusk, which are usually the most humid parts of the day. [31]
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Section 4 of 5:

What do no-see-ums look like?

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    No-see-ums get their nickname due to the fact that they’re incredibly hard to see. To the naked eye, these tiny midges often look like specks of dust. Up close, they look pretty similar to a house fly. [32]
    • To put the no-see-um’s size into perspective, they’re about as big as the tip of a pencil or the capital “D” on the U.S. dime.
    • No-see-ums are usually easier to see when they’re flying in swarms.
    • No-see-um eggs are about 0.01 in (0.25 mm) long and white to black. No-see-um larvae are 0.08 to 0.2 in (2-5 mm) long and white.
Section 5 of 5:

How to Treat No-See-Um Bites

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    Treat no-see-um bites like other insect stings. Clean the affected areas with soap and warm water and pat it dry. Then, press a damp, cool cloth or an ice pack wrapped in a towel to your skin. [33]
    • Using a cold compress helps lessen pain, swelling, and itchiness.
    • No-see-um bites are often painful and extremely itchy. Like mosquito bites, the spots usually start small and then grow into large, red welts. [34]
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    Apply hydrocortisone cream or calamine lotion to reduce itchiness. Both hydrocortisone cream and calamine lotion relieve itchiness to help stop you from scratching the no-see-um bites. Simply apply a thin layer over your bites several times throughout the day. [35]
    • Follow the instructions on the package to apply the cream or lotion correctly.
    • For a DIY alternative, mix baking soda and water into a paste. Then, apply it over the bites.
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    Antihistamine medications like fexofenadine (Allegra) and loratadine (Claritin) can reduce your body’s reaction to the no-see-um bite and lessen itchiness. Simply follow the instructions on the antihistamine’s package for use and dosage information. [36]
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Expert Q&A

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  • Question
    How can I stop no see ums from getting through my window screens?
    Chris Parker
    Founder, Parker Eco Pest Control
    Chris Parker is the Founder of Parker Eco Pest Control, a sustainable pest control service in Seattle, Washington. Since 2016, Chris has been specializing in Integrated Pest Management and doesn’t use any chemicals for pest removal. He offers removal services for ants, rodents, fleas, spiders, wasps, and more. Chris is a certified Commercial Pesticide Applicator in Washington State and received his bachelor’s from the University of Washington.
    Chris Parker
    Founder, Parker Eco Pest Control
    Expert Answer
    One option is to apply diatomaceous earth or some pesticide spray to your window screens. That way, they're not just a physical barrier, but also a chemical barrier. Even if no see ums land on the screens and try to squeeze through, they won't make it.
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      Tips

      • No-see-ums are also often called biting midges, punkies, sand gnats, and sandflies.
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      • There may be no way to get rid of no-see-ums altogether if you live in a hot, humid climate—as annoying as they are, no-see-ums are a fact of life in many places.
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      Warnings

      • In rare cases, no-see-um bites can trigger an allergic reaction. Seek immediate medical attention if you have trouble breathing or are feeling dizzy or nauseous. [37]
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      • No-see-ums aren’t known to carry diseases in the United States. However, like other pests, they have the potential to infect humans and animals. Visit your doctor if you notice any abnormal bites or experience unusual symptoms. [38]
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      Things You’ll Need

      Ways to Kill and Repel No-See-Ums

      How to Prevent No-See-Ums

      • Gravel, sand, or other drainage material
      • Caulk
      • Weather stripping

      How to Treat No-See-Um Bites

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      References

      1. ↑ https://entnemdept.ufl.edu/creatures/aquatic/biting_midges.htm
      2. ↑ https://charlestoncitypaper.com/2011/12/30/how-to-rid-your-house-of-no-see-ums/
      3. ↑ https://youtu.be/JbkgPe_x19w?si=lM1XYYOFRKHzlxvN&t=98
      4. ↑ https://www.epa.gov/pesticide-science-and-assessing-pesticide-risks/human-health-issues-related-pesticides
      5. ↑ https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/IN626
      6. ↑ Chris Parker. Founder, Parker Eco Pest Control. Expert Interview. 18 February 2021.
      7. ↑ https://extension.arizona.edu/sites/extension.arizona.edu/files/barnesm/No-See-Um.pdf
      8. ↑ Chris Parker. Founder, Parker Eco Pest Control. Expert Interview. 18 February 2021.
      9. ↑ https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/MG102
      1. ↑ https://extension.arizona.edu/sites/extension.arizona.edu/files/barnesm/No-See-Um.pdf
      2. ↑ https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/IN626
      3. ↑ https://www.epa.gov/insect-repellents/deet
      4. ↑ https://content.ces.ncsu.edu/insect-repellent-products
      5. ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6189689/
      6. ↑ https://tasty-yummies.com/homemade-essential-oil-insect-repellent-spray/
      7. ↑ https://extension.arizona.edu/sites/extension.arizona.edu/files/barnesm/No-See-Um.pdf
      8. ↑ https://youtu.be/H5H84ref7eE?si=AAxhUIrkqxQX8YnN&t=305
      9. ↑ Chris Parker. Founder, Parker Eco Pest Control. Expert Interview. 18 February 2021.
      10. ↑ https://lowcountrymga.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/LowcountryLife_No_see_ums.pdf
      11. ↑ https://ucanr.edu/blogs/blogcore/postdetail.cfm?postnum=10473
      12. ↑ https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/IN626
      13. ↑ Chris Parker. Founder, Parker Eco Pest Control. Expert Interview. 18 February 2021.
      14. ↑ https://cals.arizona.edu/yavapai/anr/hort/byg/archive/noseeums.html
      15. ↑ https://extension.okstate.edu/fact-sheets/midges-mosquitoes-and-ponds.html
      16. ↑ Chris Parker. Founder, Parker Eco Pest Control. Expert Interview. 18 February 2021.
      17. ↑ https://youtu.be/H5H84ref7eE?si=r6hDCRaP00-KEX4f&t=333
      18. ↑ https://youtu.be/cn5uszsARkw?si=vwR9dF02JvpWJQSj&t=291
      19. ↑ https://content.ces.ncsu.edu/insect-repellent-products
      20. ↑ https://health.clevelandclinic.org/how-you-may-be-unknowingly-attracting-mosquitoes
      21. ↑ https://cales.arizona.edu/yavapai/anr/hort/byg/archive/noseeums.html
      22. ↑ https://www.weather.gov/lmk/humidity
      23. ↑ https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/IN626
      24. ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/first-aid/first-aid-insect-bites/basics/art-20056593
      25. ↑ https://cales.arizona.edu/yavapai/anr/hort/byg/archive/noseeums.html
      26. ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/first-aid/first-aid-insect-bites/basics/art-20056593
      27. ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/first-aid/first-aid-insect-bites/basics/art-20056593
      28. ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/first-aid/first-aid-insect-bites/basics/art-20056593
      29. ↑ https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/IN626

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      No see ums are biting flies that leave painful and itchy bumps on your skin. To keep the flies out of your house, keep your air conditioner on to lower the temperature and humidity, since no see ums are attracted to warm, moist air. At night, turn off your porch lights so they’re not drawn towards your house. You can also place a carbon dioxide lure trap near your front door to kill them. If you spot no see ums in your house, try mixing a small bowl of distilled white or apple cider vinegar with a few drops of liquid dish detergent. The flies will be attracted to the vinegar, and the dish soap will coat their wings and cause them to drown. For more tips, including how to protect your skin from no see um bites, read on!

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