“No see ums” are biting midges (Culicoides species) — tiny insects barely visible to the naked eye that deliver a painful, itchy bite disproportionate to their size. They’re a coastal Florida problem in particular, swarming from dawn through dusk near brackish water. Here’s how to identify and control them.
What Exactly Are No See Ums?
Biting midges are 1/8 inch long — small enough to pass through standard window screens. They’re sometimes called “punkies,” “sand flies,” or “biting gnats” depending on region. The bite feels like a sharp pinch followed by intense itching that can last 1-2 weeks.
When and Where They Bite
- Time: Dawn (1 hour before sunrise) and dusk (1 hour before/after sunset). Some species also bite midday in shaded areas.
- Locations: Within 1 mile of brackish water — coastal Florida is prime territory. Mangroves, marshes, salt flats.
- Conditions: Calm winds. Even a light breeze (5+ mph) keeps them grounded.
Personal Protection
1. DEET Repellents (Most Effective)
Standard DEET (15-30% concentration) provides 4-6 hours of protection. OFF! Deep Woods or similar.
2. Picaridin (DEET Alternative)
20% picaridin matches DEET effectiveness without the chemical smell or fabric damage. Sawyer Picaridin is the most popular pick.
3. Permethrin-Treated Clothing
Spray clothing with permethrin (0.5%) and let dry. The treatment lasts 6 weeks of wear (or 6 washings). No-see-ums avoid treated fabric entirely. Best for serious outdoor activity in coastal areas.
4. Avon Skin So Soft
The internet’s favorite folk remedy. Mixed evidence — likely works for some species, inconsistent for others. Try it if you prefer natural alternatives, but don’t rely on it for serious midge zones.
Yard Control
Reduce Attractants
- Eliminate standing water (same as mosquitoes)
- Reduce shaded resting areas — trim overgrown shrubs near patios
- Improve drainage in low-lying yard sections
Active Treatment
Best yard product: Bifen IT sprayed on shaded vegetation around outdoor living areas. Reduces midge population in treated zones for 21-30 days.
Patio Repellers
Thermacell works on no-see-ums as well as mosquitoes. Creates a 15-foot zone of protection. Useful for outdoor dining and patio time during peak biting hours.
What Doesn’t Work
- Standard window screens. Mesh too coarse — no-see-ums pass through. Need 18×18 or finer mesh.
- Bug zappers. Don’t attract no-see-ums (they’re attracted to CO2, not UV).
- Citronella. No measurable effect on biting midges.
- Ultrasonic devices. Same as with mosquitoes — no scientific support.
Window and Door Screens
If you live in coastal Florida and want to enjoy your screened porch, replace standard 14×16 mesh screens with no-see-um mesh (18×18 or 20×20). The mesh blocks midges while still allowing airflow. Available at most hardware stores or via Amazon.
FAQ
Are no-see-um bites dangerous?
Not typically. The intense itch can be very uncomfortable but doesn’t transmit serious diseases in Florida. Allergic reactions occur but are rare.
Why do my screens not stop them?
Standard window screens have 14×16 mesh openings — too coarse for biting midges. Replace with no-see-um specific mesh for full coverage.
How long do bites itch?
Typically 5-7 days. Hydrocortisone cream and oral antihistamines (Benadryl) reduce itch significantly.
Where can I find related guides?
See our mosquito control guide for similar techniques.
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