NO-SEE-UMS, also known as biting midges, are tiny insects that can wreak havoc on your indoor or outdoor enjoyment. These pesky bugs may be small, but their bites can cause big discomfort. Fear not if you’re tired of being plagued by these miniature menaces in your yard! With the right strategies, you can reclaim your outdoor space and enjoy your time outside without constantly swatting away these annoying insects.
But how exactly do you get rid of no-see-ums in yard? That is what I am about to tell you.
How to Prevent No-See-Ums
Preventing no-see-ums requires a multifaceted approach, and let’s start with some of the easy ways:
Remove Standing Water
No-see-ums breed in moist environments, so eliminating standing water around your yard is crucial.
Regularly check for and empty any containers, such as flower pots, bird baths, or clogged gutters, where water may accumulate.
Trim Vegetation
Maintain your lawn and garden by trimming grass and pruning bushes and trees. No-see-ums like to hide in dense vegetation, so keeping things tidy can reduce their habitat.
Install Screens
Use fine mesh screens on windows, doors, and outdoor patios to prevent no-see-ums from entering your home and outdoor living spaces.
Use Fans
No-see-ums are weak fliers, so placing fans around your outdoor seating areas can help deter them. The breeze created by the fans makes it difficult for these insects to fly and land on you.
How to Prepare for No-See-Ums
Although small, no-see-ums can be harmful to your space. Take these precautions as you prepare to get rid of these nuisance insects:
Wear Protective Clothing
When spending time outdoors, especially during dawn and dusk when no-see-ums are most active, wear long sleeves, pants, and socks to minimize exposed skin.
Apply Insect Repellent
Use insect repellents such as Sawyer MAXI DEET 100% Insect Repellent (pictured ⬆) that contain DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus on exposed skin to deter no-see-ums from biting.
Use Citronella Candles or Torches
Burning citronella candles or torches can help repel no-see-ums and create a pleasant ambiance for outdoor gatherings.
Choose Light-Colored Clothing
No-see-ums are attracted to dark colors, so opt for light-colored clothing to make yourself less appealing to these pests.
How to Kill No-See-Ums
Prevention is better than cure, so they say. However, when you kill no-see-ums, you will be sure of a safe outdoor and indoor space. To be sure you get rid of no-see-ums completely, do the following:
Spray Insecticides
Treat your yard with insecticides specifically formulated to target no-see-ums. Focus on areas where these insects are likely to breed and rest, such as shrubbery, tall grass, and shaded areas.
Use Natural Remedies
Certain natural remedies, such as neem oil or essential oils like lavender or tea tree oil, may help repel and kill no-see-ums. Dilute these oils with water and spray them around your yard.
Opt for a Gnat Ball Trap
If no method has worked by now, try a gnat ball trap. But you may have questions about a gnat ball trap. Let’s see.
What is a Gnat Ball Trap?
A gnat ball trap, also known simply as a gnat trap or fly trap, is a device designed to attract and capture small flying insects like gnats, fruit flies, and no-see-ums.
These traps typically consist of a container with an adhesive surface or a liquid solution that lures insects inside, where they become stuck and unable to escape.
There are various types of gnat ball traps available on the market, each employing different mechanisms to attract and capture insects:
Adhesive Traps: These traps feature a sticky surface that insects land on and become trapped. They often resemble small boxes or tubes with openings that allow insects to enter but prevent them from leaving.
Liquid Traps: Some traps use a liquid bait or solution to attract insects. Once inside the trap, the insects drown in the liquid and cannot escape.
Light Traps: Certain traps incorporate a light source, such as UV light, to attract flying insects. Once attracted to the light, the insects are either trapped on an adhesive surface or captured in a container.
Pheromone Traps: These traps emit pheromones or other chemical attractants to lure insects inside. Once inside, the insects are captured using adhesive surfaces or other trapping mechanisms.
How Does a Gnat Ball Trap Get Rid of No-See-Ums?
A gnat ball trap is typically designed to attract and capture small flying insects like gnats, fruit flies, and no-see-ums.
These traps usually use a combination of attractants such as pheromones, light, and bait to lure the insects into the trap, where they become stuck on a sticky surface or cannot escape.
Gnat ball traps can effectively capture these pests by exploiting their attraction to the trap’s bait or light source.
Once inside the trap, the no-see-ums become trapped on the adhesive surface or cannot navigate their way out, thus helping to reduce their population indoors.
How to Use Gnat Ball Trap to Get Rid of No-See-Ums
Using a gnat ball trap to get rid of no-see-ums is relatively straightforward. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
Choose the Right Trap: Select a gnat ball trap that is specifically designed to capture small flying insects like gnats, fruit flies, and no-see-ums. These traps are usually available at hardware stores, garden centers, or online retailers.
Placement: Place the trap in areas where you have noticed no-see-ums activity. This could be near windows, doors, or other entry points where the insects may enter your home. Additionally, consider placing traps near indoor plants, as no-see-ums are attracted to the moisture and organic matter associated with plant soil.
Follow Instructions: Read the manufacturer’s instructions carefully before setting up the trap. Some traps may require activation, such as removing a protective covering from the adhesive surface or adding bait to attract the insects.
Positioning: Position the trap in a location where it will not be obstructed by furniture or other objects. Hang or place the trap at eye level or slightly above, as flying insects are more likely to be attracted to traps positioned at this height.
Monitor and Replace: Check the trap regularly to see if it has captured any no-see-ums or other insects. Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations to replace the trap or adhesive surface as needed.
Combine with Other Measures: While gnat ball traps can help reduce indoor populations of no-see-ums, it’s important also to address outdoor breeding sites and take additional preventative measures such as sealing cracks, using screens on windows and doors, and eliminating standing water where they breed.
Set CO2 Traps
Set up a CO2 trap (pictured ⬆) that is designed to attract and capture no-see-ums. This trap typically uses light or carbon dioxide to lure the insects before trapping them.
Consider Professional Pest Control Services
If no-see-ums persist despite your efforts, consider hiring a professional pest control service. They can assess the situation and implement targeted strategies to eliminate these pests from your yard.
What Are Some Treatments For No-See-Um Bites?
Here are some effective treatments for no-see-um bites:
Cleaning the Bite Area
Wash with Soap and Water: Clean the bite area with mild soap and water to reduce the risk of infection.
Over-the-Counter Remedies
- Hydrocortisone Cream: Apply hydrocortisone cream to reduce itching and inflammation.
- Antihistamine Cream: Use an antihistamine cream to alleviate itching.
- Calamine Lotion: Apply calamine lotion to soothe the skin and reduce itching.
- Antibiotic Ointment: Use an antibiotic ointment if the bite is scratched and at risk of infection.
Home Remedies
- Ice Pack: Apply an ice pack wrapped in a cloth to the bite area for 10-15 minutes to reduce swelling and numb the itch.
- Baking Soda Paste: Make a paste with baking soda and water and apply it to the bite to relieve itching.
- Aloe Vera Gel: Apply aloe vera gel to soothe the skin and promote healing.
- Honey: Apply a small amount of honey to the bite; its antibacterial properties can help prevent infection and reduce inflammation.
- Essential Oils: Use diluted essential oils like tea tree oil, lavender oil, or chamomile oil, which have anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties.
Oral Medications
- Antihistamines: Take oral antihistamines such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl) to reduce itching and allergic reactions.
- Pain Relievers: Use over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen to reduce pain and swelling.
Preventing Scratching
- Keep Nails Short: Trim your nails to avoid breaking the skin if you scratch the bites.
- Cover the Bite: Use a bandage to cover the bite, which can help prevent scratching and reduce the risk of infection.
NB. If the bite shows signs of infection, such as increased redness, swelling, or pus, or if you experience severe allergic reactions, seek medical attention promptly.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Are no-see-ums harmful?
A: No-see-ums themselves are not typically harmful beyond their irritating bites. However, excessive scratching of bites can lead to skin irritation and potential infection. Additionally, some people may experience allergic reactions to their bites. While rare, it’s essential to take measures to prevent and eliminate these insects from your yard if they’re causing discomfort.
Q: What are the best times to implement prevention measures against no-see-ums?
A: No-see-ums are most active during dawn and dusk, so it’s crucial to be especially vigilant during these times. Implement prevention measures such as wearing protective clothing, using insect repellent, and creating barriers like screens or fans during these peak activity periods to minimize your exposure to these pests.
Q: How long does it take to see results from insecticide treatments for no-see-ums?
A: The effectiveness of insecticide treatments can vary depending on factors such as the product used, the severity of the infestation, and environmental conditions. In general, you may start to see a reduction in no-see-um activity within a few days to a week after treatment. However, following the manufacturer’s instructions and continuing treatments as needed is essential to ensure long-term control.
Q: Are there any natural remedies that effectively repel no-see-ums?
A: While natural remedies may offer some degree of repellent or deterrent effects against no-see-ums, their efficacy can vary. Some people succeed with natural remedies such as neem oil, essential oils like lavender or tea tree oil, or citronella-based products. However, it’s essential to use these remedies cautiously and understand that they may not provide complete protection against these persistent pests.
My Final Thoughts on How to Get Rid of No See Ums in Yard
A multifaceted approach proves most effective in tackling how to get rid of no-see-ums in your yard. Prevention measures, such as eliminating standing water and maintaining vegetation, create an inhospitable environment for these tiny pests.
Equally important is preparation: wearing protective clothing, applying insect repellent, and using fans or screens to deter their presence during peak activity times.
For direct elimination, options range from insecticide treatments targeting breeding and resting areas to natural remedies like neem oil or citronella, which can repel and disrupt their presence.
Setting traps and seeking professional pest control assistance offer comprehensive solutions for reclaiming your outdoor space from these bothersome insects.
Combining these strategies can significantly reduce no-see-um populations and enjoy their yards with greater comfort and peace of mind.