Are No-See-Ums Real?

During the dog days of summer, it is not unusual to be pestered by nearly microscopic biting flies.

What are they? Where do they come from and are they a health risk?

According to a Purdue University public health statement, a common term for such insects in Indiana is “no-see-ums.” Another common name is “punkies” in the northeast, “five O’s” in Florida because they are known to bite around 5 p.m., “pinon gnats” in the southwest and “moose flies” in Canada.

What do these insects share in common? They are actually all biting midges.

Biting midges do have a health impact on humans and a greater impact on non-human species as being vectors of disease agents. “Blue Tongue virus” is a major disease contracted in cattle in the western United States that is directly linked to biting midges.

The adult midge fly is only about 1-3 mm in length being nearly unseen by the human eye and has 4-minute razor sharp mouthparts that cut flesh allowing feeding on blood. Males and females emerge in late spring and summer. The males feed on nectar, breed and die while females needing protein feed on blood and lay eggs.

Some species of biting midges develop in semi-aquatic environments or highly organic sites like around ponds, bogs, tree holes and even livestock manure. These insects are drawn to humans and other animals by following a carbon dioxide trail from breathing beings.

Treatment of biting midges is very difficult. Using an insect repellent containing deet is a great idea when going outside. Deet also is very useful in repelling mosquitoes and other blood feeing insects.

Trying to just kill the adults is normally not effective. The most effective way to control biting midges is to maintain habitat modification and to treat while the midge is in the larval stage. Both of these ideas are very hard and expensive to implement.

Physical modification is possible to homes and tents by using “biting midge screening” which is a much smaller mesh size.

Bottom line is biting midges are a near curse to victims. Modify habitats, concentrate on larval elimination, wear repellents and limit activity outdoors during the highest midge biting times which are normally early morning and evening.