How to Get Rid of No See Ums?

how to get rid of no see ums

No See Ums are pesky little bugs that can enter your home. They are little flies that prey on the blood of humans and pets and cause itchy bites. Most people will close their doors on these pests but there are many ways to keep them out. A screen mesh that keeps them out, mosquito traps, apply insect repellents, wear body coverage clothing, make use of air conditioning, dehumidify your space, or clear wet spaces around you. 

What are No See Ums?

No See Ums are small flies and can leave you and your pets with bites, get into your food, and disturb your sleep and everyday life. They are small, between one and three millimeters long, and prey on the blood of humans and pets. They like humid environments and are mostly found near bodies of water in warm climates. Places like Florida are very accustomed to No See Ums. A No See Um bite is a cluster of red dots that can eventually grow into larger welts.

How Do I Know If I Have No See Ums in My Home?

When it comes to insects, they can be extremely irritating. No See Ums are miniscule in size and are therefore hard to spot to either smush or to capture. They are only 1-3 millimeters in length and their size can be compared to a tip of a pencil. They are more common in warm climates. If you notice small red spots in clusters that are raised and itchy they could be No See Ums. They are usually quite small but they are visible. Retractable screen mesh is designed to keep them out. With the tightly woven mesh, they keep the smallest insects out.

What Attracts No See Ums?

No See Ums are attracted to bodies of water and human heat. They flock to the smell of blood and human skin. Dark clothing is also said to attract them. If you live in a home with a pond or body of water nearby, they will be attracted to that.

How to Identify A Bite by A No See Um?

No-See Um bites are usually a cluster of red dots on the skin. With time, they can develop into welts but are usually not itchy for more than a couple of days. They usually go away in a couple of days like a mosquito bite.

How to Get Rid of No See Ums?

Learn the easiest ways to get rid of No-See-Ums.

Install No See Um Repellent Mesh Screens

To keep No See Ums out of your home install retractable screens with mesh that is tightly woven to not allow these small insects in. The Mirage tuffscreen keeps all insects out. 

Use Mosquito Traps

Purchase mosquito traps to catch the No See Ums. You can use a sticky trap, LED trap, or CO2 traps that are highly effective. Place them where the No See Ums seem to get in your way. 

Apply Insect Repellents

Use insect repellent to keep the bugs away. Choose from a repellent spray or lotion that can both work well, or opt for the natural route and spray essential oils like lemongrass, eucalyptus, or mint. The No-see ums don’t like this smell and will stay away. You can also purchase a repellent machine that emits a smell that they don’t like. Depending on what you prefer, all are good options.

Wear Body Coverage Clothing

If you are still worried about No See Um bites, cover up with longer sleeves and pants to prevent them from getting to you. This however can be difficult when it’s warm. This is why retractable screens can be an amazing alternative to keep you cool but also protected.

Make Use of Air Conditioning

You can also stay inside and use the air conditioning to stay cool. Not everyone has the luxury to have built-in AC but you can also have AC units in the home as well as fans to keep you cool but keep you free from the insects that may bite you.

Dehumidify Your Space

No See Ums are attracted to humidity, therefore getting a dehumidifier for your space will help keep the insects out, especially No See Ums. When it comes to sitting outside you may just want to have some motorized screens installed to make an outdoor area that’s protected from the mosquitoes and No See Ums. 

Clear Wet Spaces Around You 

If you have puddles or a body of water nearby, it’s best to clear it the best you can, as well as any moisture, as it will attract the unwanted No See Ums. Try to also stay away from bodies of water such as a creek or pond. If your backyard is near one, a retractable screen might be the best solution to enjoy your backyard but also stay protected.

Get Mesh Screens to Repel Insects

Whether you want to sit outside to enjoy your patio or if you want to sit inside and enjoy your home without insects or pests, think about investing in a mesh screen to repel them. A motorized screen is best for a patio or outdoor living area, and a retractable screen for your french door, single door, or sliding door works great. If you have a large opening, bi-fold door, or multi-panel sliding door, a large opening retractable screen would be perfect for it. 

All of these Mirage Screen Systems offer a mesh that keeps No See Ums out. Tuffscreen No See Um mesh is the best one to keep them out. It is made with tightly woven mesh that keeps the tiny insects out. 

Mesh screens are the best option for outdoor living and for sitting inside while allowing you to keep the doors open when needed.

FAQs

If you are wanting to keep no see ums away from you, consider staying inside around dusk as this is when they like to spend the most time.Stay covered to keep the insects away and opt for a bug spray. You can also buy some citronella candles and put some lemongrass scented oils in the area you are sitting outside to deter them.

A tightly woven mesh is best for No See Ums as it helps keep the smallest bugs out. Opt for a tuffscreen no see um mesh. Not only will it just keep no see ums out but other insects as well.

You can put citronella candles or something with a lemongrass scent where the patio is as insects don’t like the scent.

Usually if you are wearing protective clothing, no see ums will stay away. But they still can make it through thin clothing material. A tip is to wear a material like jeans and a thicker top to cover your arms. Some people attract insects more than others, so depending on if you notice yourself getting more attacked than your friends are family, try layering up.

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