What Are No-See-Ums and How Do You Control Them?

Posted by Mosquito Squad Plus

August 6, 2026

What Are No-See-Ums and How Do You Control Them?

What Draws No-see-ums to Homes in Omaha, NE?

Omaha residents are already accustomed to the frustrating reality of mosquito season, but there is another pest found in Omaha which acts in a similar way. No-see-ums are microscopic pests which fly and are smaller than the size of a pencil tip. Similarly to mosquitoes, the female no-see-ums are the ones known to break open the skin in order to feed on their host. The Missouri and Elkhorn rivers create the perfect breeding grounds for no-see-ums to lay extensive eggs undisturbed. These slow moving bodies of water collect decaying matter and agricultural runoff which contribute to the perfect egg laying conditions. Because the Omaha Metro is nearby, no-see-ums can easily travel into residential and agricultural areas after hatching.

No-see-ums prefer areas where decaying vegetation, humidity, and cool shade create nesting and resting grounds. The humid Omaha summers help to extend the life of no-see-ums and limit the drying effects of the sun. Decaying vegetation, such as old leaf litter or brush, create breeding grounds where no-see-ums can lay eggs and grow. The cool shade and overwatered lawns provide an extensive network of moist shaded areas where no-see-ums can rest and wait for passing prey.

Similar to mosquitoes, no-see-ums are drawn to people and pets in order to extract the nutrients they need for laying eggs. CO2, body heat, and sweat all act as a beacon to draw in no-see-ums from hundreds of feet away. Once no-see-ums have found a host, they use their pincer-like mouth to cut open the skin in order to feed on the pooled blood. Unfortunately, their microscopic size leads them to go unnoticed until after the damage is already done. By the next day, local residents will notice the presence of itchy raised welts which showcase where no-see-ums have been present.

Reduce No-see-ums at Your Omaha Home

No-see-ums are known to nest and rest around areas where dense vegetation, humidity, and cool shade combine to create the perfect environment. Damp garden beds, wet lawns, and decaying leaf litter contribute to extending the lifespan of no-see-ums and expanding their ability to lay eggs. You can reduce transition zones around your home in Omaha by trimming along the borderlines of your property which run up to wooded lots, bodies of water, and local parks. Consider limiting grass and garden waterings to reduce the areas where no-see-ums can live and hide away from the drying effects of the sun.

For patios, keep blinds closed at night and porch lights turned off. No-see-ums are drawn to these bright lights and can begin to cluster around areas where you and your family may be relaxing for the evening. Ensure that your window screens are the proper size, ultra-fine 20x20 mesh, to limit the ability of no-see-ums to squeeze into homes through open windows. Use repellents such as DEET or citronella candles to mask your scent and deter no-see-ums from congregating in your general area.

For more tips and pest control insights, head over to our dedicated Omaha Metro blog.

Professional No-see-ums Control Services in Omaha, NE

Our team at Mosquito Squad Plus is proud to offer comprehensive pest control to fight against no-see-ums, mosquitoes, and other common outdoor pests in Omaha. Our Barrier Treatment Plus plan runs on a recurring 3-week basis and creates a barrier which binds to the surface to reduce and control no-see-um activity. For more robust outdoor protection, we offer our Yard Defender package which uses liquid and granular treatments to reduce and repel over 20 common pests.

To learn more about the services offered to Omaha residents, check out our pest control service page.