n o see ums - Ask Extension
I have been battling no see ums in my home for a couple of years. I really need some help. I am at a loss to know where to turn. They bite constant...
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n o see ums #880259
Asked August 05, 2024, 1:08 PM EDT
I have been battling no see ums in my home for a couple of years. I really need some help. I am at a loss to know where to turn. They bite constantly, I have paid four exterminators to get rid of them with no success. I have also used various methods (sprays, o-zone generator, sweeping everyday, etc). I truly need some help from someone with the knowledge to get rid of them. Can you help me?
Franklin County Ohio
Expert Response
Good afternoon and thank you for your question. I too have been battling with these midges as well as mosquitoes. The larvae of these flies are aquatic or semi-aquatic, so eliminating standing water is key. I realize this is difficult with all of the rain we've had recently. Additionally, even with your recent pesticide treatments, their breeding sites are extensive and could be coming from a neighboring area.
The absolute best thing you can do is to wear bug repellent, long sleeves and pants, etc. to cover your skin. Keep your window and door screens in good repair and replace with smaller mesh if necessary. Keep windows closed and run fans where possible. One final thing to try, is placing a small bowl of vinegar or red wine nearby with a few drops of dish soap. The smell of vinegar will attract the flies and they will drown with the soap which breaks surface tension.
Here are two factsheets for your reference: https://cales.arizona.edu/apmc/docs/No-See-Ums-IPMShort.pdf
https://cals.cornell.edu/new-york-state-integrated-pest-management/outreach-education/whats-bugging-you/non-biting-flies
Thank you.
The absolute best thing you can do is to wear bug repellent, long sleeves and pants, etc. to cover your skin. Keep your window and door screens in good repair and replace with smaller mesh if necessary. Keep windows closed and run fans where possible. One final thing to try, is placing a small bowl of vinegar or red wine nearby with a few drops of dish soap. The smell of vinegar will attract the flies and they will drown with the soap which breaks surface tension.
Here are two factsheets for your reference: https://cales.arizona.edu/apmc/docs/No-See-Ums-IPMShort.pdf
https://cals.cornell.edu/new-york-state-integrated-pest-management/outreach-education/whats-bugging-you/non-biting-flies
Thank you.
Is there something your can recommend to get them out of my living space?
I can't sleep at night ( I am almost 80 and have dark circles around my eyes for lack of sleep). My
doctor said to take more3 B12 and so far that is not helping. I have tried the vinegar/dish detergent and it does not work for me.
Thanks for any input.
I also wanted to ask about the condo swimming pool. It keeps leaking and the water is going into the mechanical room under the club house. They aren't able to get it fixed.
We also have a run off pond at the back of the community with stagnant water. They tell me they will be soon be putting a fountain in it which will move the water. No one seems to know when is. Is there anything I can do to get this fixed?
Good afternoon. You could try a dehumidifier in your house to reduce moisture. Perhaps some CO2 (carbon dioxide) traps, although their efficacy is debatable. Again, keeping your skin covered and wearing repellent will also significantly reduce your chances of being bitten. Unfortunately, OSU Master Gardeners are not equipped to handle swimming pool leaks.
Thank you for your responses . A dehumidifier only incriimseased my electric bill substantially. I have DanpRid hanging in most of my rooms. I planted lavender around my patio. I have lavender and lemon grass infusers inside . They mostly bite my hands and wearing gloves doesn't help. They also bite my face when I am trying to sleep.
Do you know of anyone else who might be able to help?
Thank you for responding. I appreciate your help.
Good afternoon, are you certain they are no-see ums? Are you able to send over some photos? Thank you.
Hello,
I am personally not sure they are No See Ums, but two exterminators told me they were. It is really hard to get their picture as they are so small and the picture comes out blurry. They are active at dawn and in the evening. They look like a tiny mosquito. I also have a white flying bug which looks like a fly. I started using an ozone generator again yesterday. I slept last night with no bites. I have spent almost $4,000 on exterminators, sprays, zappers, ozone generator etc, I can not keep throwing my money away, but don't have any idea where to turn. Apex and Terminix told me no over the phone.
Orkin wanted $5,000 and I said no. There are no guarantees with any company. I called OSU Entomology Dept and they said they were outside bugs; end of the conversation. I have a few in a jar that I could send to you. They are dehydrated but I think you can tell what they are.
Thank you for trying to help me.
Hello,
I found this picture on line. It looks like what I have. After running the ozone generator, I had a lot of the white ones lying dead on the dresser in my bedroom.
Thank you, unfortunately, the photo is too blurry for me to make anything out. I would encourage you to submit a sample of the insects to the plant and pest diagnostic clinic to confirm that you are in fact dealing with no-see ums. Here are instructions on submitting a sample: https://ppdc.osu.edu/submit-sample
Thank you.
Thank you.
