How to Get Rid of No-See-Ums (Biting Midges)

📋 Step-by-Step

Understand why standard screens fail

No-see-ums (Culicoides species) are 1-3mm — small enough to pass through standard 18x16 mesh window and door screens. Effective exclusion requires 'no-see-um screens' with 20x20 or finer mesh. Replacing screens is the most effective long-term solution.

Apply DEET or picaridin to exposed skin

Standard mosquito repellents work against no-see-ums: DEET 25%+ or picaridin 20% applied to exposed skin. Reapply every 2 hours of outdoor exposure. Permethrin-treated clothing adds a layer of protection.

Avoid peak activity times

No-see-ums are most active at dawn and dusk in calm conditions. Wind above 10 mph prevents their flight — if you can't avoid outdoor exposure, time it for mid-day when wind is typically strongest.

Use a fan outdoors

Oscillating fans create enough airflow to prevent no-see-ums from landing on people. A fan blowing directly on an outdoor seating area dramatically reduces biting pressure.

Treat outdoor areas with permethrin

Permethrin barrier spray applied to vegetation and surfaces provides temporary reduction of no-see-um populations in outdoor entertaining areas. Repeat every 3-4 weeks during peak season.

💡 Pro Tips

No-see-um bites are disproportionately itchy for their size — the saliva causes a more intense local reaction than most mosquito bites
Carbon dioxide CO2 traps marketed for mosquitoes are not effective against no-see-ums — they don't respond to CO2 the same way
Coastal marshes and mangroves are the primary no-see-um habitat — beach proximity dramatically increases exposure
Some individuals become sensitized over time and react more severely with repeated exposure

⚖️ Educational use only. Always follow product labels. Disclaimer →

💰 Cost to Fix This Problem

Approach	Typical Cost	Best For
DIY materials only	$25–$75	Mild or early-stage infestations
Professional service (one-time)	$150–$400	Active infestations or when DIY has already failed
Ongoing service contract	$400–$800/yr	Prevention and long-term peace of mind

Approach

Typical Cost

Best For

DIY materials only

$25–$75

Mild or early-stage infestations

Professional service (one-time)

$150–$400

Active infestations or when DIY has already failed

Ongoing service contract

$400–$800/yr

Prevention and long-term peace of mind

Costs vary by region, property size, and severity. Get at least two quotes before hiring.

✅ How to Know It's Working

Pest control success is measured in weeks, not days. Here's what to look for:

Week 1–2: You may see increased activity as pests are flushed from hiding. This is normal.

Week 2–4: Activity should drop noticeably. Bait traps or sticky monitors should show declining counts.

Week 4–6: New activity near zero. Any resurgence means a population was missed or re-introduction occurred.

💡 Monitoring tip: Place sticky traps in corners and along walls before you start treatment. Counting catches weekly gives you objective data on whether the population is declining.

👷 When to Call a Professional

DIY is appropriate for small, contained infestations caught early. Call a licensed professional when:

You've tried DIY twice with no lasting improvement

The infestation involves a wall void, crawlspace, or area you can't safely access

There's a health risk involved (hantavirus, anaphylaxis risk, etc.)

The problem covers more than one room or a large outdoor area

You have children, elderly, or immunocompromised individuals in the household

⚠️ Rule of thumb: If you've spent more on DIY materials than a professional visit would cost, it's time to call.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

How do I reduce mosquitoes in my yard?

Eliminate all standing water weekly. Apply Bti dunks to water features that cannot be drained. Treat the shaded perimeter under decks and along fence lines with bifenthrin spray every 30 days during mosquito season.

Do mosquito misting systems work?

Misting systems provide temporary relief but kill beneficial insects indiscriminately and mosquitoes from untreated areas continually reinvade. Source reduction plus targeted barrier spray on vegetation provides better long-term results.

Which mosquito repellent is most effective?

DEET (20-30%) provides 6-8 hours of protection. Picaridin (20%) provides comparable protection without the greasy feel. Oil of lemon eucalyptus provides 4-6 hours and is the most effective plant-derived option.

Do citronella candles repel mosquitoes?

Citronella candles reduce landings by only 40-50% within a very small radius of 3-5 feet. A portable fan (mosquitoes are weak fliers) combined with personal repellent provides significantly better protection.