Noseeums Are The Tiny Pests Ruining Your Outdoor Fun

As summer winds down, many of us like to spend our evenings outside, or as much time as we are able, soaking up those last warm days. But this year, there’s an unexpected pest making that tough to enjoy. Biting midges! Yep, they're the tiny flying insects often called 'no-see-ums' and they have taken over backyards across the area.

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These little bugs are so small, most people don’t even notice them until it’s too late. Unlike mosquitoes, which are easy to spot, biting midges are barely bigger than a speck of dust. But their bites pack a punch. They leave behind itchy red welts that can last for days, especially on ankles, legs, and arms. Trying to get in some last of the warmer days sun? It can be tough!

Midges are most active during dawn and dusk, which just happens to be when many of us are grilling, sitting on the deck, or watching the sun go down. According to the experts, they thrive in damp areas like ponds, lakes, or even standing water in the yard. This year’s late summer heat and humidity have made perfect conditions for them to explode in numbers.

While their bites are annoying, the good news is that biting midges here are not known to spread diseases to humans. Still, these biting little buggers can make outdoor time less fun for many families.

Experts suggest a few simple steps: use insect repellent, wear long sleeves and pants in the evenings, and set up fans on decks or patios. The airflow makes it harder for midges to fly.

The cooler fall weather should bring some relief soon. Until then, if you’ve been scratching more than usual after a night outside, chances are the “no-see-ums” have found you.

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