Pest control is important to keep living spaces clean and free from diseases. This includes getting rid of difficult-to-spot insects, like no-see-ums. The pests, officially called ceratopogonidae, are also known as biting midges or sand flies. Typically attracted to humid environments, they can also invade home gardens and feed on the blood of humans and animals. Their bites can be painful and itchy. So, here are things to know for getting rid of no-see-ums:

Key facts about no-see-ums
– Also known as punkies and sand gnats, no-see-ums can be one to three millimeters long.
– When they feed on humans or animals, they leave behind uncomfortable and itchy bite marks, which can be more painful than mosquito bites. So, while they are tough to spot, one can detect their presence owing to the bites. The bits can stay on the skin for as long as two weeks.
– No-see-ums usually breed in wet sand or humid environments, so they are found near water bodies like ponds or even gardens. They also tend to be more active in warmer climates.
– The pests are usually attracted to the smell of human skin along with carbon dioxide and lactic acid. Warmer bodies are also more attractive to no-see-ums.

Ways to get rid of no-see-ums
1. Keep the living space cool
As no-see-ums are drawn to warm, humid environments, one should try to keep their home cool. Air conditioning is a great way to get rid of no-see-ums. Keeping the AC on during summer can deter the flies and keep one from being bitten.

2. Get mesh screens
One should consider installing mesh screens on doors and windows to keep the pests at bay. Doing so will also ensure fresh air gets into the house without attracting mosquitoes and no-see-ums. One can either find mesh screens at a local store or online and install them on their own or hire a professional for the job. However, one should choose a mesh screen with a tight weave to completely prevent even tiny pests like no-see-ums from squeezing in.

3. Keep doors shut
Keeping doors and windows shut during the summer is the simplest way to keep insects out. One should avoid letting the doors and windows stay open without mess screens in place.

4. Use repellents
Many repellent sprays in the market work on no-see-ums. One can also opt for natural repellents. However, not all of them can completely eliminate no-see-ums from the house or the garden. But, using repellents may reduce the risk of bites for a while. Even insecticides may not be able to wipe out all the no-see-ums in one place. Nevertheless, one can get a product designed for no-see-um removal and try spraying it according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Alternatively, one can use essential oils to repel the pests. The scent of oils like lemon, eucalyptus, camphor, and mint are known to deter the flies. The oils can be used to make homemade no-see-um repellents. All one has to do is add a few drops of essential oil to a spray bottle filled with water and then spray the solution around the house, especially at entry points like windows and doors. One can also spray the solution onto their wrists. However, one should first ensure that their skin is not sensitive to essential oils.

5. Dehumidify
As the flies are known to thrive in warmer and also humid climates, one can try to keep the air inside the home moisture-free. Here, a dehumidifier can help keep the air dry. This will deter no-see-ums or drive them away. 

6. Try a carbon dioxide trap
No-see-ums are drawn to carbon dioxide (CO₂). So, one can use a CO₂ trap, which is a device containing adhesive or vacuum suction. It attracts flies by emitting CO₂ and then traps the no-see-ums when they get close enough. As the pests are almost invisible to the naked eye, these traps can do the work for one.

7. Inspect plumbing
One should regularly check for leaks around the house and fix them as soon as possible. Leaks can not only lead to moisture damage, but they can also make homes humid, attracting pests like no-see-ums. So, one should immediately address minor and major leaks.

In addition to these no-see-um removal methods, one can reduce the amount of light right outside the home. These pests are drawn to lights, so switching off the bulb on the porch, garden lights, and window blinds can deter no-see-ums. Further, keeping the living space clean and dry is usually the best way to deter pests. Keeping the grass and bushes trimmed can also prevent the accumulation of pests in the garden. However, if one is stepping outside in warm and humid areas, one should wear protective clothing to avoid getting bitten. Finally, one should consider consulting and hiring pest control professionals to keep no-see-ums at bay.