What type of insect? - Ask Extension
There are tons of these insects on my screens and coming up from the grass when I walk. They’re on my house and door too. I’m hosting a grad party...
Knowledgebase
What type of insect? #934084
Asked June 03, 2026, 7:12 PM EDT
There are tons of these insects on my screens and coming up from the grass when I walk. They’re on my house and door too. I’m hosting a grad party in a week and not sure what to do.
Washington County Minnesota
Expert Response
These web pages identify the insect.
https://uwm.edu/field-station/bug-of-the-week/phantom-midge/
https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/129901-Chaoboridae
https://www.bugguide.net/node/view/456045
To combat them.
https://extension.entm.purdue.edu/publichealth/insects/bitingmidge.html
https://www.cam.ac.uk/research/features/whats-the-point-of-midges-and-how-do-you-stop-them-biting
An on line search may reveal more sources of information.
Good luck!
https://uwm.edu/field-station/bug-of-the-week/phantom-midge/
https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/129901-Chaoboridae
https://www.bugguide.net/node/view/456045
To combat them.
https://extension.entm.purdue.edu/publichealth/insects/bitingmidge.html
https://www.cam.ac.uk/research/features/whats-the-point-of-midges-and-how-do-you-stop-them-biting
An on line search may reveal more sources of information.
Good luck!
Thank you. They don’t seem to bite though. Is it possible they’re something else?
Sent from my iPhone
Sent from my iPhone
On Jun 3, 2026, at 7:20 PM, Ask Extension wrote:
Another Master Gardener logged in on your question. They do not bite. Delete the last two web pages.
An online search on "repelling phantom midges" brought up several You Tube videos. Deet or other insect repellants are suggested.
An online search on "repelling phantom midges" brought up several You Tube videos. Deet or other insect repellants are suggested.
