How Do You Get Rid of Noseeums?
If you’ve ever been outside enjoying a Florida evening only to be bombarded by tiny, biting insects, chances are you’ve encountered noseeums. These pesky pests, also known as biting midges, can leave you with itchy, painful bites that are hard to ignore. But how do you get rid of noseeums and take back your lawn? Here are some strategies to help you manage these biting insects.
What Are Noseeums, and When Are They Active in Florida?
Noseeums are small, biting flies, scientifically known as biting midges. They thrive in warm, humid environments, making Florida the perfect breeding ground. Florida’s noseeum season generally peaks during the warmer months, but in subtropical areas, they can be active year-round. These pests are most active during dawn and dusk, which is why you often feel their bites during a relaxing evening outdoors.
Noseeum vs. Gnat: How to Tell the Difference
While noseeums and gnats are both tiny, flying pests, they are quite different in behavior and bite patterns. Noseeums are blood-feeding insects, meaning they will bite humans, while gnats are more of a nuisance without leaving itchy marks. Knowing the difference between these pests can help you take the right steps to eliminate them.
What Do Noseeum Bites Look Like?
Noseeum bites are often small, red welts that are incredibly itchy. These bites can sometimes swell and become painful, and their small size makes them hard to identify at first. If you notice clusters of tiny bites after spending time outdoors, you may have been bitten by noseeums.
Preventing Noseeums: Practical Steps for Your Home and Yard
One of the most effective ways to get rid of noseeums is by making your outdoor spaces less inviting to these biting pests. Mosquitoes and Noseeums breed in areas with standing water, so eliminating these sources can reduce their population. Here are some preventive measures:
- Drain standing water: Remove stagnant water from flowerpots, clogged gutters, birdbaths, or any equipment in the yard that can collect rainwater. This helps eliminate breeding grounds for noseeums and mosquitoes.
- Improve yard drainage: Wet yards attract noseeums and mosquitoes, so ensure your landscape has proper drainage. This may involve regrading certain areas or adding drainage solutions.
- Maintain landscaping: Keep your yard free of leaf litter, tall grasses, and overgrown weeds, as these areas can harbor moisture and provide hiding spots for noseeums.
- Use insect repellents: When spending time outdoors, especially during dawn or dusk, applying an insect repellent with DEET can help keep these biting midges, noseeums, and mosquitoes away.
Sealing Entry Points and Managing Outdoor Spaces
To prevent noseeums from invading your home, inspect windows, doors, and any other entry points for gaps or damage. Ensure proper caulking, and use fine-mesh screens to keep these tiny insects out, as they can squeeze through standard window screens. Additionally, keeping your yard well-maintained and free of debris will make it less attractive to noseeums.
Partner with Hulett for the Best Pest Control in West Palm Beach!
For the best protection against noseeums, mosquitoes, and other biting insects, professional pest control is key. Hulett Environmental Services offers monthly treatments that target noseeum breeding areas and mosquito activity in your yard and landscape. Our pest management experts can identify the conditions that attract noseeums to your property and develop a custom plan to reduce their activity. Our proactive pest control strategies will allow you to enjoy your yard again. Don’t let noseeums keep you indoors, and JUST CALL HULETT for a free inspection today!