Why No-See-Ums Are Common Around Coastal Areas

What Are No-See-Ums?

No-see-ums are tiny, blood-sucking pests that thrive in organic mud, damp sand, and rich soil in Pawleys Island. Commonly mistaken for mosquitoes or gnats, no-see-ums are biting midges which are attracted to CO2 and body heat, and will bite continuously during times around dusk and dawn. These times of day are known to have lower wind levels which allows no-see-ums to easily locate a nearby host. Female no-see-ums require blood to help mature their eggs, and their saliva contains an anti-coagulant which can lead to bumps and welts within 12-24 hours. 

Because of their tiny size, no-see-ums can squeeze through typical mesh screens in order to enter indoor living areas. Unfortunately, their size can also lead them to go undetected until after biting and welts have finally appeared. Their similar nature to mosquitoes can also lead residents to become confused about the best steps to take as nearby breeding grounds contribute to their continued growth.

How to Reduce No-See-Ums Around Your Home and Yard

Unlike mosquitoes, no-see-ums aren’t reduced through the use of mosquito dunks or dumping standing water. No-see-ums prefer areas where dense and damp vegetation or soil can easily be found in order to nest and breed. This can include areas where leaf litter sits and decays, garden beds that are regularly saturated, and sandy areas nearby. These areas not only provide the moist environment for larvae to grow, but they also allow the larvae to have an immediate feeding source to support and sustain their continued growth.

Because Pawleys Island has a vast array of marshland, it can feel difficult for residents to take action against no-see-ums. One common action is to reduce the amount of damp, organic matter found around your yard and property. Remove grass clippings, leaf litter, and brush from around the home. These areas collect water after rainfall and create ideal conditions for no-see-ums to nest and breed. Additionally, reduce areas where water continually collects or stagnates in shaded areas as this allows the nearby ground and soil to remain saturated and damp. When outdoors, use repellents and sprays to reduce the ability for no-see-ums to locate you as a host. For mornings or evenings on the porch, strategically place fans around your outdoor living areas to redirect these weak flying pests away from your home.

Because no-see-ums can range from 1mm to 3mm in size , they are able to bypass most mesh screens in order to find a host indoors. For your home, replace typical 18x16 mesh screens with very fine mesh in order to reduce the amount of no-see-ums that can enter. 

Professional No-See-Um Control in Pawleys Island

While fine-mesh screens, reducing organic buildup, and the usage of fans can help to reduce the result of no-see-um activity in Pawleys Island, the best support comes with the aid of professional no-see-um control services. Our team of technicians is here to help tailor our no-see-um control services to your specific home and needs. 

Our Squad Fly Control package is designed to reduce and control the presence of no-see-ums, gnats, and flies around your Pawleys Island home. This will be accomplished through targeting areas around the perimeter where no-see-um harborage and nesting are commonly found. Our team will conduct a yard inspection to design your plan, and will utilize sanitation methods and barrier treatments to reduce the attractants that draw in these biting and buzzing pests. Additionally, this recurring service includes continued monitoring and barrier treatment reapplication for the duration of your plan.

For Reliable No-See-Um Pest Control in Pawleys Island, SC Near You 

Getting bitten by no-see-ums around your Pawleys Island property? Call Mosquito Squad of Myrtle Beach at (843) 790-5556 or request a free quote online.