No-see-ums, also known as midges, are small biting insects that are barely detectable to the human eye. Although the bite of a no-see-um is usually harmless, it does hurt and may itch intensely. To effectively deal with this tiny nuisance, follow these tips.
- Determine the time of day when midges are a problem. This will usually be in the morning and evening hours. Try to confine outdoor activities to the hours when no-see-ums are absent. During the morning and evening, keep all windows closed and avoid opening the door, if possible.
- Midges are attracted to light. If windows are left open, even those equipped with standard screening, keep all the lights turned off. While this will not completely eliminate the no-see-ums, it will reduce the number present.
- As an alternative to keeping the windows closed and the lights turned off, consider re-screening all windows with a special fine mesh screen designed to keep out even tiny midges. While the finer screen may slightly inhibit the free flow of air, it is a small price to pay for keeping the no-see-ums at bay.
- There are a variety of insect repellent products that may be tried when dealing with no-see-ums. Many contain DEET (diethyl-meta-toluamide) which is a chemical that was developed in the United States. Organic products are also widely available. In soap, spray and lotion form, many of these repellents are even safe for use on children. Use caution when choosing a repellent product. Read the warning label and use only as instructed.
[credit: mrspiderjoe]