Are No-See-Ums and Gnats the Same Thing?

Posted by Mosquito Squad Plus

October 27, 2026

Are No-See-Ums and Gnats the Same Thing?

Yes, no-see-ums are a type of tiny fly, often referred to as gnats. But not every gnat is a no-see-um.

What’s more, not every tiny flying insect buzzing and darting around your Jacksonville-area backyard is interested in biting you. And that distinction is important when you’re trying to figure out what’s causing all the commotion around your backyard patio.

Earlier this summer, Jacksonville Today reported unusually high gnat activity around our area. Local experts discussed how rain and moisture, along with several gnat species, contributed to what residents simply called a gnat problem.

What Exactly Are No-See-Ums?

No-see-ums are biting midges, tiny flies capable of delivering surprisingly irritating bites considering their minute size. Their name’s no riddle, in fact, with many coming in at less than 1/16 of an inch in length.

The prevalence of no-see-ums in Northeast Florida can be attributed to coastal marshes, waterways, and other moist environments, which make more than suitable habitats for several species of biting midges. According to the University of Florida’s biting midge research (yeah, that’s actually a thing), certain species develop in marshes, muddy areas, tree holes, and other moisture-rich environments.

And while activity varies by species, many are particularly troublesome around sunrise and sunset.

What Other Types of Gnats Are Found Around Jacksonville FL?

The term gnat is used to loosely describe several types of tiny flies. Some of them bite, while others are simply aggravating. Among the types of gnats Northeast Florida residents might encounter are eye gnats, fungus gnats, black flies, and biting midges – with biting midges being the area’s infamous no-see-ums.

So, while these tiny insects might look similar at first glance – if you can even get a good look at them – their breeding habits and behaviors can be quite different.

How Can You Reduce Gnats and No-See-Ums in Your Yard?

It’s important to first determine which type of fly you’re dealing with. If you have fungus gnats hovering around your houseplants, allowing the surface of the soil to dry between waterings can help. Improving drainage, trimming dense vegetation, and increasing air circulation on your patio can help reduce outdoor biting midges. Fine-mesh no-see-um porch screens can also provide better protection than traditional screens.

As for the coastal marshes and other natural breeding habitats…well, there’s not much you can do to eliminate those.

And don’t forget to call in the professionals at Mosquito Squad of Northeast Florida, who can aid in identifying your specific outdoor flying pest problems, and treat them effectively. Because when tiny flies are swarming your backyard, you’re probably less interested in what they’re called than in getting the activity under control.

Where Do We Offer No-See-Um Control Services?

Be more comfortable and have more time enjoying your backyard with fewer pests and less worry about the potential for infestations with a Florida pest control package by Mosquito Squad Plus.

We’re pleased to offer year-round outdoor pest control service in these areas and beyond:

Search for noseeum control near me and choose Mosquito Squad Plus.

Mosquito Squad Plus of Northeast Florida is a trusted tick control and mosquito control company, serving Jacksonville Beach, St. Augustine, Ponte Vedra Beach, Jacksonville Beach, and surrounding areas.

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Put our noseeum control services to work for all your needs. Call Mosquito Squad Plus of Northeast Florida at (904) 844-0816 to learn more about our formulas and outdoor pest control plans.