No-see-ums develop in damp or wet places rich in organic matter. Local activity can increase near moist soil, marshy edges, shorelines, poorly drained areas, and other humid habitat. Adults are tiny enough to pass through many standard window screens.
No-see-ums at a glance
Biting midges are closely tied to moisture. Some breeding habitat may be on or near the property, while other populations can move in from nearby wet areas.
Homeowner action: Correct avoidable drainage and irrigation problems, remove wet decaying material, use fine-mesh screens where practical, run fans around seating areas, wear protective clothing, and use an EPA-registered repellent according to its label.
Fans, fine screens, repellents, and moisture correction can reduce exposure, but they may not fully address recurring outdoor activity—especially when nearby wet habitat continues to produce biting midges.
Professional outdoor control adds three layers:
No-see-um control can be challenging because some breeding habitat may extend beyond the treated property. Treatment is intended to reduce activity, not create a bite-free guarantee. Related outdoor pests include mosquitoes, gnats, and flies.
Mosquito Shield uses property-specific outdoor treatment to help reduce biting midge activity in the spaces people use most.
Nearby marshes, shorelines, or other unmanaged wet habitat can continue producing no-see-ums. Strong airflow, fine-mesh screening, protective clothing, and labeled repellents remain useful companion measures.
