7 Effective Ways to Prevent No-See-Um Bites, According to Pest Control Pros

Midges are tiny flies with over 4,000 species found worldwide. At only 0.04 inches long, they certainly earn their nickname of "no-see-ums" since they are only the size of the point of a pencil. "The most common way to identify midges is when the males swarm in large groups," says Daniel Baldwin, board-certified entomologist at Hawx Pest Control. "You’ll definitely be aware of their presence when they attack—these small insects pack a painful, pinching bite." 

Midge bites can be quite painful, making this member of the fly order a potentially serious nuisance in large numbers. Luckily, our experts provide several ways to prevent these bites, along with when to call in a professional. 

How to Identify No-See-Um Bites

No-see-um bites appear as a cluster of small, intensely itchy red bumps, often on the ankles, legs, or other exposed skin—especially after spending time outdoors at dawn or dusk.

And the appearance of bites can mean a swarm is or has been nearby. "I've been dealing with pests for over two decades, and the invisible menace, the no-see-um—or biting midge—is a common, frustrating issue," says Jeremy Logsdon, co-owner of Preventive Pest Control in Houston, Texas. “Since they breed in moist soil, marshes, and areas with decaying vegetation, the primary cause of your problem is likely a nearby breeding site—think standing water, leaky faucets, low-lying wet spots in your yard, or even overwatered plant beds.”

The area where water meets sand or soil is often rich in nutrients, making midges a common sight along coastlines in the U.S. “Swarms of midges often afflict golfers since they frequently situate themselves on golf course water features,” says Baldwin, “giving midges plenty of opportunity to breed.”

How to Prevent No-See-Um Bites

Depending on your location within the U.S., midges can be a year-round nuisance. “In warm-weather states like Florida, midges are found throughout the year,” Baldwin says. “Warm temps and humidity mean that midges can continue their lifecycle without the interruptions from freezing winter weather.”

Because midges breed in shallow, stagnant water and are attracted to warm, humid conditions, Baldwin says short-term solutions like swatting or relying solely on citronella-type products won’t address the core problem. Controlling breeding grounds is key. Logsdon also cautions against wasting your time or money on wide-area fogging or mass spraying, as it only offers a temporary fix to the adult population.

For best results, consider the following expert-approved ways to prevent no-see-ums (and their bites).

Keep Your Yard Free of Standing Water

Midges breed in shallow and stagnant water, so Baldwin says ensuring your yard is free of things like soft, moist areas, puddles, or even birdbaths can help reduce the midge population.

Use a Water Pump in Ponds

Ponds are an attractive part of the landscaping, but they can be a breeding ground for midges. “Using a water pump to create a water feature does double duty by keeping still water circulating and creating a calming and enjoyable sound in your yard,” Baldwin says.

Upgrade Your Screens

For materials, consider upgrading your window and porch screens to fine-mesh screens. Logsdon recommends at least a 20-mesh, as standard screens won't stop them. 

Avoid Being Outside During the Flies' Most Active Hours

Midges are out and about during the early morning hours and dusk, Baldwin says, avoiding the heat of the direct sunlight in the daytime.

Incorporate a Fan

When outdoors, a fan is your friend. “They are weak fliers and a breeze keeps them away,” Logsdon says.

Wear Clothing That Covers Your Exposed Skin

If you find that midges have invaded your yard, Baldwin recommends covering up while eliminating their breeding grounds. Their mouthparts aren’t big enough to bite through clothing, so even a light layer will help.

Choose the Right Repellant

For personal repellent, Logsdon has seen the best results with products containing Picaridin or DEET—and sometimes even a thick oil-based product like Avon Skin-So-Soft. 

How to Prevent Recurrence of No-See-Ums

Baldwin offers these tips to eliminate or reduce the areas where midges can breed and limit exposure to their bites:

• Keep your yard free of standing water.
• Use water pumps in ponds to prevent stagnation.
• Avoid being outside during peak biting hours (early morning and dusk).
• Wear protective clothing.
• Use insect repellents containing DEET.

When to Call a Professional

When you've done all the cleanup and screening, but you still have a persistent, unbearable infestation, it’s time to call a professional. “We can provide targeted treatments, often with residual products like Bifenthrin, to the specific breeding and resting areas on your property that you can’t address yourself,” Logsdon says.