Sasha CampbellEver feel like something is biting you, but you can’t see anything there? Chances are no-see-ums have bitten you.
These tiny, biting midges are nearly invisible to the naked eye but deliver an annoying bite that can leave you with an irritating welt.
No-see-ums come out at dawn and dusk to feed and love warm, humid weather. The good news is that there are some natural ways to get rid of these pests.
In this article, you’ll learn how to make your yard less inviting to no-see-ums. We’ll also discuss natural remedies to help control them.
Following these tips, you can enjoy being outside without constantly swatting invisible attackers away.
Identification
No-see-ums, or biting midges, are tiny insects that can deliver an annoying bite. At only 1-3 millimeters, these little pests are hard to spot, hence the name “no-see-ums.”
No-see-ums are found near bodies of water like lakes, streams, pools, and marshes. The females need a blood meal to reproduce, so they feed on humans and animals [1].
How to Get Rid of No-See-Ums Naturally
These are some natural ways to control these invisible biters so you can enjoy the great outdoors in peace.
1. Use a Dehumidifier
No-see-ums, like all insects, need moisture to survive and breed.
Using a dehumidifier can reduce the humidity in the air, making your home less hospitable for these pests.
Therefore, multiple dehumidifiers should be placed in problem areas, like basements or attics.
2. Essential Oils
You can also make a homemade no-see-um repellent with essential oils. Oils like citronella, lavender, peppermint, and eucalyptus oil naturally repel no-see-ums.
As such, apply citronella oil (mixed with carrier oil) directly to your skin, especially on exposed areas like your ankles, wrists, and neck.
Before going outside, dab a few drops of lavender essential oil on your pulse points or clothing. You can also place a few drops of your essential oil of choice in a diffuser to repel these pests from the area.
In addition, you can add 15 to 20 drops of essential oil to a cup of water in a spray bottle. This solution makes a simple DIY no-see-um spray to use around your yard.
3. Hedge Shrubbery and Mow the Lawn
Another no-see-um control method is to keep your lawn cut short. Doing this will eliminate potential hiding spots and breeding grounds for these insects.
Also, trim back any overgrown bushes, shrubs, or vegetation around the perimeter of your yard. It will make your yard less inviting to these biting gnats.
4. Fix Leaks
Inspect around pipes and faucets to see if there are any water drips. If so, fix these leaks immediately.
Doing this will help lessen the indoor moisture that no-see-ums love so much.
5. Turn Off Outdoor Lights
One of the simplest ways to make your yard less inviting to nuisance bugs is to turn off outdoor lights, especially those near entryways.
Punkies (as some call them) are drawn to light sources, so turning off outdoor lights will discourage the insects from gathering.
Therefore, turn off the porch, flood, and other bright outdoor lights at night.
6. Remove Standing Water
Standing water is a breeding ground for female no-see-ums. So, eliminate places where water can collect.
Empty pet bowls, bird baths, gutters, and kiddie pools when not in use. No-see-ums need stagnant water to lay their eggs.
Also, clear your yard of containers that collect rainwater, like buckets, pots, and wheelbarrows. Store them upside down or with drainage holes when possible.
Eliminating standing water in your yard reduces the chance of having a no-see-um infestation.
7. Air-Conditioning
Another home remedy to prevent no-see-ums from coming around is to turn on your air conditioner.
These critters are attracted to warm, humid environments. Therefore, cooling the air in your house will make it less inviting to them.
8. CO₂ Trap
You can also set up CO2 traps around areas where these pests congregate. No-see-ums are attracted to carbon dioxide.
You can buy these traps online. Alternatively, you can make a homemade no-see-um trap using a plastic bottle, sugar, yeast, and warm water.
Cut the bottle in half. Next, mix the sugar and water in the bottle.
Now, add the yeast to start the CO2 reaction. Finally, after removing the cap, push (upside down) the top half of the bottle into the bottom half.
The CO2 will lure the no-see-ums into the bottle, but the narrow opening prevents them from escaping. They’ll drown in the water.
9. Vinegar and Soap
A bowl of vinegar and dish soap can help get rid of no-see-ums. Add a few drops of dish soap to the bowl with the vinegar and swirl it around to combine the two.
The vinegar smell will attract the critters, while the soapy water will coat them and disrupt their ability to fly, causing them to drown.
They die almost instantly.
10. Mesh Windows and Seal Cracks
Installing tight-fitting mesh window screens is one of the best ways to keep no-see-ums out of your home.
These tiny insects can slip through the most minor cracks and crevices. Therefore, sealing up any openings in windows, doors, walls, attics, basements, and crawl spaces should be a top priority.
11. Repellent Plants
Some plants naturally repel no-see-ums and other biting insects. Growing these around outdoor living areas can help create an unpleasant environment for these pests.
Rosemary, lavender, basil, catnip, and lemongrass contain compounds that repel these insects. Therefore, plant them around decks, patios, and entryways.
12. Glostik Flying Insect Trap
The Glostik Trap by Catchmaster is an eco-friendly way to catch and kill no-see-ums.
This trap uses adhesive tubes and an LED light to attract and capture punkies. It is ideal for attics, counters, cabinets, and other low-light areas.
Takeaway
So there you have it: natural ways to kill or control no-see-ums without harsh chemicals. Try a few of these remedies and see what works for you.
You’ll be enjoying your yard and outdoor activities again in no time. And remember, prevention is the best medicine.
Stay vigilant and consistent; you will bid farewell to sand flies for good.
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