No-see-ums, tiny biting midges, come from moist soil and damp organic matter, so the underlying cause of a no-see-um problem is persistent dampness. This can be caused by soggy ground, poor drainage, mucky low spots, and wet organic debris.
If you're getting bitten by something too small to see, you've likely got no-see-ums. It helps to understand what’s producing them so you can get rid of the source.
No-see-ums are biting midges, only a millimeter or two long. Unlike mosquitoes, which need standing water, these midges breed in damp places. They like wet soil, mud, and moist decaying organic matter like wet leaves, compost, and soggy mulch. It’s dampness more than open water that drives them. Any of these can give them a place to breed.
Their habits shape when you notice them. No-see-ums are most active around dawn and dusk and in still, humid conditions. They’re weak fliers and concentrate where they breed. They don’t do well in a breeze.
If you want to get rid of no-see-ums, the main thing to do is improve drainage. You want to prevent the ground from staying wet and clear soggy organic debris. Fine “no-see-um” mesh screening can also help keep them out of porches since they slip through ordinary screens. A fan on the patio can also help deter them from flying in, and repellents help if you plan to spend time outdoors. The best ones use either DEET or picaridin, as both are registered with the EPA.
If you're tired of being bitten by bugs you can't even see, Mosquito Squad of Fort Collins can help. Mosquito Squad offers treatments that help reduce no-see-ums and midges alongside mosquitoes and ticks. This can help protect your yard with up to 90% reduction in mosquito activity on a recurring 21-day cycle.
