Biting midges, also called no-see-ums, punkies or sand flies, are tiny dark flies 1/16 to 1/4 inch long, small enough to pass through ordinary window screens. Only females bite, mostly at dawn and dusk, leaving small red welts or blisters that itch intensely, often in clusters on the face, neck, arms and ankles. Most bites settle within a few days to a week. To stop them, use DEET or picaridin repellent, fine-mesh screens, fans and dry out the damp ground where they breed.
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What Are Biting Midges?
Biting midges belong to the fly family Ceratopogonidae, and most that bite people are in the genus Culicoides. Under magnification they look like miniature mosquitoes with mottled gray wings. Adults live near moist soil, marshes, shorelines, tree holes, over-watered lawns and even damp potted plants, where their larvae develop. They are most active on calm, humid evenings and early mornings in summer, and year-round in warm climates.
Only females bite, because they need blood to develop eggs. They slice the skin with tiny mouthparts and feed on the pooled blood, which is why the bite feels sharp and burning out of proportion to the insect’s size.
Midge Bite Symptoms
- A sharp prick or burning feeling at the moment of the bite
- Small red welts about 1/16 inch across, often many in one area
- Intense itching that can last several days
- Small fluid-filled blisters in sensitive people
- Bites around the hairline, ears, neck, wrists and ankles, where skin is exposed
Scratching can break the skin, cause bleeding and lead to infection or longer-lasting itchy bumps.
How Long Do Midge Bites Last?
For most people the itch peaks in the first day or two and fades within a few days. People with strong reactions can have itchy welts or blisters for a week or longer. See a doctor for spreading redness, warmth or pus, or signs of an allergic reaction such as swelling of the face or trouble breathing.
How to Treat Midge Bites
- Wash the bites with soap and cool water.
- Apply a cold compress to reduce swelling and itch.
- Use 1% hydrocortisone cream or calamine lotion.
- Take an oral antihistamine for widespread itching, especially at night.
- Keep nails short and avoid scratching.
Home remedies such as aloe vera gel or a baking soda paste can cool the skin and ease itching for some people. They soothe symptoms but don’t speed healing.
How to Prevent No-See-Um Bites
- Repellent: DEET and picaridin, which work on mosquitoes, also repel biting midges. Follow the label.
- Fine-mesh screens: standard 16×16 or 18×16 window screens let no-see-ums through. Use 30×30 mesh or “no-see-um” netting on windows, porches and tents.
- Fans: midges are weak fliers. A strong fan on a porch or patio keeps them away.
- Timing: avoid being outdoors at dawn and dusk on calm, humid days near water or marsh.
- Clothing: long sleeves and light, tightly woven clothing; permethrin-treated clothing adds protection.
How to Get Rid of Biting Midges Around the Home
- Stop over-watering lawns and fix poor drainage, leaking hoses and splash areas.
- Let potted plant soil dry between waterings, indoors and out.
- Clean gutters and remove standing water, wet leaf piles and rotting organic matter.
- Use yellow bug-light bulbs outdoors; midges are drawn to bright white light.
- Insecticide fogging gives only brief relief because midges fly in from wide breeding areas.
Some Culicoides species spread livestock diseases such as bluetongue in sheep and cattle. In most regions, they are a nuisance to people rather than a disease risk. Compare with other insect bites.
No-see-um protection
- Picaridin repellent for skin
- No-see-um screen mesh in 30×30 for windows and porches
- Outdoor patio fan to keep midges off seating areas
- Hydrocortisone cream for itchy bites
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FAQs
Biting midges, or no-see-ums, are tiny flies 1/16 to 1/4 inch long in the family Ceratopogonidae. Females bite people and animals, mostly at dawn and dusk near moist ground or water.
Midge bites are small red welts about 1/16 inch across, often in clusters on exposed skin. Some people get small fluid-filled blisters. They itch intensely.
Most no-see-um bites stop itching within a few days. Strong reactions can last a week or longer.
Yes. They pass through standard 16×16 and 18×16 window screens. Use 30×30 or no-see-um mesh to keep them out.
DEET and picaridin repellents work against biting midges. Fans, fine-mesh screens and avoiding dawn and dusk near water also help.
Sources
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