You’ve likely heard them referred to by a range of names: gnats, midges, punkies, sand fleas, and no-see-ums. So what are No-See-Ums? They’re small flies found in humid, swampy, and coastal areas. These kinds of sand fleas or sand flies cover a range of individual species. Some feed on nectar while others feed on insects, but females of most of these biting pest species will suck blood from a host animal before laying her eggs.
This is a particular form of reproduction known as anautogeny. Don’t worry, you won’t have to remember that word, but what it means is female sand fleas actually need to have a specific meal before being able to lay eggs. This meal is the blood of a vertebrate animal. This means they can’t get this sustenance from other bugs. Instead, they must get it from reptiles, amphibians, birds, fish, or…mammals. That includes people.
You can typically find no-see-ums in damp territory – where there’s compost, mud, rotten vegetation and trees, near streams. They’re small enough to actually pass through the mesh of regular window screens – this is why many tent screens are made with a fine mesh to stop most (but not all) sand fleas.
Because of their small size, you normally won’t notice them until you feel their bite. Humans have an allergic reaction that is localized but not life-threatening. These bites can later turn very itchy and even develop into welts.
To deter no-see-ums, make sure you dump standing water on your property. Use an insect repellent when you go outdoors (make sure you consult a veterinarian about what repellents are and aren’t safe for your pets). Certain mosquito traps that emit carbon dioxide can be effective in distracting no-see-ums. Finer mesh screens will keep most no-see-ums out of your home. If you suspect you have no-see-ums on your property, consult a pest control company in Brevard County like Slug-A-Bug.