Sioux Falls Facing An Onslaught Of Pesky ‘No-see-ums’ Bug Bites
Lately, if you've found yourself scratching like you're auditioning for a role in The Walking Itch, and you're wondering “what the heck bit me?”, allow me to introduce you to your new arch-nemesis: the "No-see-ums bug."
Yes, that's actually what they're called. These microscopic menaces, also known as Biting Midges, are currently partying like it's 1999 all over the Sioux Empire. Except the party is on your skin. And you, my friend, are the All-You-Can-Eat Buffet.
So, what exactly is a No-see-um?
Well, imagine a mosquito… but sneakier, meaner, and about the size of a poppy seed with anger issues. If you’ve spent time outdoors lately and come back looking like you lost a fight with a porcupine, congratulations, you’ve become a “Human Hors d'oeuvres" for Biting Midges.
Ryan Anderson, owner of Anderson’s Pest Control, told Dakota News Now, "They're similar to mosquitoes. But instead of politely jabbing you with a needle like a vampire at a blood bank, these little guys use scissor-like mouth parts to literally cut you open.”
According to Anderson, once they slice and dice, they inject their saliva, which prevents your blood from clotting. Your body, in return, throws a histamine party, which, lucky you, causes all that relentless itching.
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How do you fight back?
Well, here’s where things get depressing. Anderson says we basically have to wait for the first freeze. That’s right. Jack Frost is our only hope now. Until then, it’s you vs. the no-see-ums in a battle of bites.
In the meantime, for a little relief, Anderson suggests trying bug repellents that contain DEET, or if you're more into the natural thing, try using vanilla. Evidently, these tiny little terrors hate anything that smells like birthday cake.
The good news, their reign of terror won’t last forever. Once Mother Nature gets moody and sends temperatures plummeting, these miniature little Draculas will disappear faster than your willpower to say no to a third donut.
Until then, scratch responsibly, friends. And yes, it's perfectly acceptable to itch and bitch, we're only human, right?
Source: Dakota News Now