Noseeums are a small blood sucking gnat which are prevalent along coastal territories and regions with a lot of water, dampness and marshland. Also known as Punkies, Black Gnats and No Seeums, these annoying tiny flies are very persistent and prolific. This article will highlight some basic biology about Noseeums and then offer treatment options so you can help to minimize the discomfort and unpleasantness experienced when noseeums are active in your yard.

Related articles:        BITING FLIES        BLACK FLY        DEER FLY        FLEAS        GNATS        HORSE FLIES        MIDGES        MOSQUITOES        NATS        PUNKIES        STABLE FLIES        THRIPS

Other information:      ALL PEST ARTICLES

 

NOSEEUM BIOLOGY

Noseeums are small – usually less than 1/8 inch long – but pack a lot of bite for their size. Only females bite but since she needs several blood meals before she lays eggs, they seem to linger longer than other flying pests like mosquitoes. There are many species of noseeum which are found primarily along coastal water ways where marshland and swamps provide the damp, wet environment in which they like to live. However, activity has been found throughout the mainland as well. It is believed that populations have migrated to previously uninfested regions via plants, dirt and pots. Since noseeums can breed successfully in something as little as the soil of a small house plant in a pot, it has been concluded that they have easily been introduced to virtually any part of the United States. There are simply too many ways for them to find these remote areas and though certain conditions need to exist outside for them to live successfully, it is not uncommon for whole populations to find reproductive sites in the home. For this reason noseeums present a unique dilemma making them hard to control.

Noseeums will hatch in the spring emerging as both larva and adults. Adults will immediately look for a good blood meal; larva will spend their time in the wet damp soil growing through several stages. This growth could take as little as a month or more then six months depending on both region and species. Females need blood to start her egg laying and she will seek this food from birds, amphibians, reptiles, mammals and just about anything which is moving. Closely related to Moth or Drain Flies, Noseeums have a fairly delicate body type. They are easy to kill, not particularly strong and susceptible to many predators. However, what the noseeum lacks in physical presence it more then makes up for in sheer numbers. Noseeums are persistent and annoying. Their bite will cause all types of reactions which range from small swollen bumps to rashes. They are vectors of several diseases including Carrions Disease and Leishmania. For this reason noseeums are feared and rightfully so. Though the likelihood of getting a disease from them is small, the discomfort and pain their bite generates is more then any reasonable person likes to withstand. This is why noseeums are feared more then most any flying biting pest where they are present.

Noseeums are also referred to as No Seeums. This name has been acquired over time because of all the biting stinging pests, noseeums are amongst the smallest. However, they are commonly misidentified and many times blamed for bites or stings when nothing else has been found. There are several insects which could be the cause of such discomfort and if you are not 100% sure that you have Noseeums, you may consider reading up on some of these other prospective pests. The guidelines for trying to determine just what is doing the biting should be first broken down into one of two groups: they can only be either Crawling or Flying pests. There are many crawling and flying pests which could be responsible for bites and stings either in or outside the home. The way to tell what type is responsible is to see where and when the bites occur. If they only occur in one or two regions of the yard or home, you probably have a crawling pest. Flyers can strike from anywhere to anywhere; crawlers take some time to move about and generally will be located in one or two locations. When people and pets are removed from that location they don’t experience any bites or discomfort; as soon as they enter these areas they begin to get bit. Such is the main characteristic of crawling pests.

Here is a short list of such pests which could be biting or stinging.

• CHIGGERS
• FLEAS
• ITCH MITES
• LICE

Flying pests have a much larger range and can attack from greater distances much quicker. With noseeums, it is not uncommon to be attacked as soon as you go outside during certain times of the day.

Her is a short list of flying pests that could behave the same way.

• BITING FLIES
• MOSQUITOES
• THRIPS

Of all the other pests you might have besides Noseeums, Thrips might be the most aggravating and common which are found biting people. Unlike most biting insects, thrips are not interested in blood. For this reason they are not targeting people due to CO2 or Octenol, two common gases people exhale which biting flies, mosquitoes and noseeums find attractive. Instead, thrips are attracted to wet, moist and damp surfaces like that of a sweating person. They thrive in mulch, flower beds and other damp areas where Noseeums can live as well. However, the treatments for either pest will vary. For this reason it is important that you know just which one you have. Only this knowledge will enable you to make the right decisions regarding which line of products to use and where to apply them

The next section of this article will detail products and treatments that can be used when combating noseeums. First, we will review repellents that can be used on people and premises; next we will detail treatment options which can be done to turf and adjoining property where activity is present.

 

NOSEEUM REPELLENTS

Since noseeums are attracted to people for much the same reasons that mosquitoes are attracted to people, there are several repellents which can be used to help keep them away from people and property. Some can be applied to the turf, others are applied to people. The following is a compilation of products which have proven to help repel noseeums on and around the yard.

If you are planning a party or some outdoor activity, the use of some NOSEEUM REPELLENT is a good product to apply about 12 hours prior to the event. It works by releasing a slight odor barely detectable by people but one which b;as don’t like. Used a lot for repelling mosquitoes, this product won’t hurt children or pets and will last a week or two depending on local weather patterns.

Noseeum Scat:  http://www.bugspraycart.com/repellents/granules/mosquito-scat

 

NOSEEUM REPELLENT CANDLES

Combine this with some Linalool Candles for superb control. Made with essential plant oils, these candles will effectively “block” you from biting pests like no-seeums. The burning process will release a nice odor to people which is citrus smelling. In the process the Linalool will permeate the area making biting pests like mosquitoes and no-seeums not able to locate targets. The SMALL CANDLE will last over 30 hours, the LARGE CANDLE will last over 65 hours and the JAR CANDLE will last 75-85 hours. Excellent for decks and patios, these candles can be brought on camping trips and picnics too.

Conceal Candle:  http://www.bugspraycart.com/repellents/fumigant/conceal-candle

Conceal Jar Candle:  http://www.bugspraycart.com/repellents/fumigant/conceal-jar-candle

 

NOSEEUM BITE RELIEF

If you experience bites or expect to be getting bit during a field trip or other outdoor activity, bring some STING RELIEF SWABS. This material will both take away the itch and help the wound to heal.

Bite Swabs:  http://www.bugspraycart.com/equipment/first-aid/stinger-relief-swab-10-pk

 

Another great device for use out on decks, patios or just out in the yard are MOSQUITO BLOCKERS. These are unique repellers which works to “hide” people so noseeums are not able to find you. It releases a scent which works on No Seeums by confusing and taking away their ability to use their olefactory senses properly. By not being able to “smell” people, they are not able to track them down. Noseeums track people by detecting two gases we release called Octenol and CO2. These gases are exhaled when we breathe. As we sit outside exhaling, these gases will permeate out and flow with the local air current. They can be detected by noseeums as well as mosquitoes for over 100 yards. Once these biting pests get on the trail, they will follow it back to it’s source eagerly searching for a blood meal.

Mosquito Blocker:  http://www.bugspraycart.com/repellents/electric/mosquito-blocker

 

By placing these Blockers out slightly downwind from where you are sitting, noseeums won’t be able to do any tracking. Your exhales are basically being masked so you can sit outside invisible to the local biting insects like noseeums. It is important to understand that any noseeums which are close to where you first go outside will immediately be drawn to you since they are reacting to your visible stimulus and not your exhales. Once this first wave of activity ceases the Blockers will serve to keep new ones away. Be sure to turn them on at least 10 minutes before going outside to get maximum benefit. Also, be sure to keep plenty of BLOCKER REFILLS around so you can change them out as needed.

Mosquito Refills:  http://www.bugspraycart.com/repellents/electric/mosquito-blocker

 

NOSEEUM REPELLENTS FOR PEOPLE

Another fairly effective repellent are the BUG BANDS which can be used on children and adults. They are light, barely noticeable and will confuse biting flies and mosquitoes so they are not able to find you quite as easily as normal. Though one will work well on either wrist, consider keeping one on an ankle as well if you will be wearing shorts.

Bug Bands:  http://www.bugspraycart.com/repellents/wearable/bug-band-adult

 

A step up from the Bug Bands is the PERSONAL BITE SHIELD. This device uses the latest natural repellent which is basically comprised of plant oil. Several plants have a natural insect repellent and this compound has been identified and used in the Bite Shields. The device clips on your belt or can be set on a table where you are sitting. When turned on, the little built in fan will blow over replaceable cartridges which in turn will release the active repellent. This product will prove to work the best of all “natural” type products available. Cartridges will last a long time and their odor is barely noticeable and yet pleasant.

Bite Shield:  http://www.bugspraycart.com/repellents/wearable/bite-shield

 

If you want to step up in strength to some true “chemical” repellents, there is always MAXI DEET. This is as strong as it gets; Deet has been proven to effectively repel all kinds of insects and it lasts a long time. We have some scented forms which are not as strong smelling as when Deet is used straight by itself. We also have low odor 100% Deet which is as strong as it gets. Use this on arms, legs, necks and anywhere No Seeums are landing. It will keep them off and away.

Deet 100%: http://www.bugspraycart.com/repellents/liquid/deet-100

 

You can also treat clothing, equipment and anything else you are carrying on your person with some PERMETHRIN AEROSOL. This is another repellent which many insects just don’t like. They will avoid where it is found and combined with Deet will provide the best personal protection you can get. You can use this on inanimate objects since it will last longer then just deet – usually several days.

Permethrin Aerosol: http://www.bugspraycart.com/repellents/aerosol/permethrin-aerosol-6-oz

 

NOSEEUM YARD SPRAY

Since noseeums like to live where it is moist, damp and shady, there are many locations on anyones property which can serve as both a nesting and breeding ground for this pest. Unlike mosquitoes, noseeums don’t need standing water to reproduce. All they need is moisture. Though you may be subject to getting new ones all the time from surrounding areas like marshes, swamps and shorelines of rivers and oceans, keeping their populations in check on your property will benefit all who live there.

Since noseeums like to nest and live where food is available, once they start biting you on your property they will undoubtedly start laying eggs as close to you as they can. Such “pockets” of noseeums can present a major problem to anyone who walks outside. This is because adult females are poised and ready to feed once they become an adult. If they are growing elsewhere, the chances of you becoming a target are a lot less then if they are breeding right on your property. Furthermore, once they start to feed on your property, they will try to take advantage of any moist areas that can be found. Such areas include clogged gutters, mulch, wood chips, lawn thatch, dripping faucets, planters – both inside and outside, water in tires or other objects found in the yard, drainage ditches, sewers, leaves and just about any place on or close to the ground which is wet. If you irrigate a garden or grass, you have prime turf for noseeums to live!

The good news is that they are easy to kill. Though strong in numbers, noseeums are quite vulnerable to many products which can be applied to either the turf or the air. Deciding which to use will depend largely on just how much of an area you want to treat. If you reside on a small plot of land or if you have only a small area of land less than 1/2 acre which needs to be protected, you can consider the use of either CYONARA RTS or VEGETABLES PLUS PERMETHRIN. Both are odorless and work well on a wide range of insects. The Cyonara is good for yards 1/4 acre or less and it comes with it’s own hose end sprayer. The Permethrin will prove better cost wise if you plan on treating yards 1/4 to 1/2 acre or larger. Use a HOSE END SPRAYER to treat and be sure to focus your efforts where conditions are good for noseeums to thrive. Applying this product once a month will assuredly prevent any turf area from becoming a reproduction site.

Cyonara RTS:  http://www.bugspraycart.com/insecticide/liquid/cyonara-32-oz-rts

Vegetables Plus Perm: http://www.bugspraycart.com/insecticide/liquid/veg-plus-10-perm

Hose End Sprayer:  http://www.bugspraycart.com/equipment/sprayers/gilmour-20g-390

 

ORGANIC NOSEEUM SPRAY

If you have an organic vegetable garden and need to spray the plants directly, MULTI PURPOSE INSECT KILLER CONCENTRATE will do a good job. It mixes with water and should be applied with one of our PUMP SPRAYERS and can be used as needed. For large open yard areas, ORGANIC MOSQUITO AND TICK KILLER RTS comes with it’s own sprayer like the Cyonara. Just hook it up to your garden hose and you’re ready to go. Neither one of these organic products will last long so expect to do weekly treatments till the populations are knocked down enough to acceptable levels. Remember, these all these liquid options will be treating the ground and plants and not the air. This is particularly helpful if you know the problem is focused on your property. If you are not sure where they are reproducing or centrally located, consider volumetric or “open air” treatments.

Organic Insect Killer: http://www.bugspraycart.com/organic/liquid/multi-purpose-insect-killer-24-oz

Pump Sprayer: http://www.bugspraycart.com/good/pump-sprayers

Organic Mosquito Killer: http://www.bugspraycart.com/organic/liquid/mosquito-tick-killer-32-oz-rts

 

NOSEEUM AEROSOL TREATMENTS – GOOD FOR INSIDE AND OUTSIDE THE HOME

Space spraying has long been the standard way to treat for mosquitoes and may be necessary for your noseeums problem. Since noseeums are able to fly, they may be coming to your yard for food and living directly alongside your land in wet, swampy conditions that offer shade and moisture. Such conditions, when large, are hard to treat with Permethrin as described above. To penetrate dense foliage or to cover large areas quickly, space spraying is the preferred method of treatment.

You may be able to treat small areas like this with an aerosol like PT-565 XLO. This product uses pyrethrum as the active ingredient and will kill noseeums quickly. Spray it around decks and picnic areas to provide yourself with a few hours of relief. It is easy to use and is great for around the garden, deck, patio or back yard area. It’s safe enough to be used inside the home too. Use it daily in any room experiencing problems. It just takes a second or two of release to treat the average room.

PT-565: http://www.bugspraycart.com/insecticide/aerosol/pt-565-xlo

 

If someone has a “pyrethrin sensitivity issue”, then use a new synthetic called FLYING INSECT KILLER. It has a different odor and is definitely a “stronger” material for noseeums and has certain advantages. Besides using a different active, Flying Insect Killer is also water based. This means its ideal for indoor use as well. Water based aerosols are less likely to have a reaction with treated surfaces and if you intend on using either in the home, this could be a matter of consideration. However, either aerosol product is limited for small areas only.

Flying Insect Killer:  http://www.bugspraycart.com/insecticide/aerosol/flying-insect-killer

 

Now if want something more “permanent”, install an AEROSOL MACHINE with some PURGE 3. These machines can be set to go off hourly, can be safely used in the home and won’t pose a hazard to people or pets. They’re ideal for ongoing flying pests like no seeums, mosquitoes, biting flies and gnats.

Aerosol 1000:  http://www.bugspraycart.com/equipment/foggers/aerosol-dispenser-1000

Purge: http://www.bugspraycart.com/insecticide/aerosol/purge-iii-6-25-oz

 

 

NOSEEUM ORGANIC AEROSOLS

If the areas you want to treat are being used for something like organic gardening, you should consider one of our organic products. These products will not last as long residual wise like the aerosols listed above but they do provide quick relief from most any pest and can be used as needed since they don’t pose a hazard to people or the environment. We now have two options that work well for noseeums. For small outside areas like a deck or patio, ORGANIC FLYING INSECT KILLER is a good choice. It can be used inside and outside for space or open air spraying. If you are finding the noseeums only on your plants or in the house, get the ORGANIC HOUSEPLANT INSECT KILLER. It’s labeled to sprayed directly on the plant and can be used in the garden, in the house and pretty much anywhere you need to spray.

Organic Flying Insect Killer: http://www.bugspraycart.com/organic/aerosol/flying-insect-killer-14-oz

House Plant Insect Killer: http://www.bugspraycart.com/organic/aerosol/houseplant-insect-killer-10-oz

 

NOSEEUM CONTROL FOGGING MACHINES

If you are treating a really large area, use a fogging machine like the FM6309. These machines are able to pump a lot of chemical over a large area in a short amount of time. They create a “fog” or “mist” which floats around plant leaves and other areas noseeums like to hide. This machine produces a cold fog which is adequate for most home owner applications. It is able to treat 1/4 to 1/2 acre in less than 20 minutes. (The machine will pump a gallon of material in around 12 minutes, but it takes extra time to drag the extension cord to new treatment areas.) If you have a lot of small areas to treat, you may prefer the FM6208. This fogger is a step up from the FM6309 because it has a volume control switch which allows you to adjust the rate of flow. It still uses electricity to power it, but unlike the FM6309 it has a rotation switch which can be set to off, low, medium or high. This can be a real help for two reasons. First, you are able to turn it keep it low when treating around the home and you only need a light mist. Such treatments can be tough with the FM6309 because it only fogs at one speed – high! When you try to treat alongside a structure, the fog is so strong it will bounce off the building and come back at you. If you have to do a lot of this type of fogging, get the FM6208. It not only lets you turn it down for these types of delicate applications but the rotating switch will let you turn chemical flow off. Though the machine is still on and trying to fog, it will quickly run dry. This is handy if you are interrupted during treatment. Simply turn the switch to off and let the fogger use up what’s in it’s system. Now you can store it for a few days without worrying about the insides getting clogged.

FM6309:  http://www.bugspraycart.com/equipment/foggers/fogmaster-6309-120-v

FM 6208: http://www.bugspraycart.com/equipment/foggers/fogmaster-6208-trijet-120-v

 

Two other models you may want to consider are the FM7807 and the MINI FOGGER. The FM7807 features the same controls as the FM6208 but also has a long extension. This extension is great for reaching high, under and around things which other machines have difficulty covering. The FM7807 also features a quick on/off control on the wand; great for when you need precise control of flow. The Mini Fogger is basically a compact version designed for the person who has only a very small area to treat. It can cover areas from 2500-5000 sq/ft very well. It uses electricity, has a volume control and a quart holding tank. Great for the condo or townhouse owner who has a small area to treat.

FM 7807:  http://www.bugspraycart.com/equipment/foggers/fogmaster-7807-120v-w16-ext

Mini Fogger: http://www.bugspraycart.com/equipment/foggers/fogmaster-5330-120-volt

 

All these foggers are great for jobs around the home but they do require electricity and are not nearly as portable as the BACKPACK FOGGER. This device has over a two gallon tank and is gas powered. Perfect for those large jobs where electricity is not available. Simply fill up the holding tank, make sure you have enough gas in the tank and you can go wherever the noseeums may be hiding! Great for property where being free from electric cords is necessary or if you have a lot of areas to treat on a regular basis but need to move from one point to another as you treat.

Back Pack Fogger: http://www.bugspraycart.com/equipment/foggers/solo-mistblower-backpack

 

NOSEEUM FOGGING CONCENTRATES

Once you decide on which type of fogger will fits your needs, you will have to get some chemical. Use water as the carrier with these machines and try to reach as much of the shady, undercover where noseeums tend to nest. Though products like Malathion have been used over the years for such applications, you will achieve better results with Pyrethrum and Permethrin and they have little if any odor. PYRETHRUM 6% is natures own pesticide and is very active on noseeums. It will kill adults on contact and works on many other flying insects as well. As good as Pyrethrum is, it will not provide any residual. Mix PERMETRHIN in the tank for better results. Permethrin does not provide the quick kill like Pyrethrum but it does last from 1-2 weeks.

6 % Pyrethrin: http://www.bugspraycart.com/insecticide/liquid/exciter-16-oz

Permethrin 10:  http://www.bugspraycart.com/insecticide/liquid/permethrin-10

 

For sensitive areas around water ways, the ESSENTRIA IC is a federally exempt concentrate made from essential plant oils that’s both safe and effective. This mixture is very effective for flying pests like noseeums and can be used around boat docks, marshlands, streams, ponds and lakes without posing a hazard to people, animals or aquatic life.

Essentria IC3: http://www.bugspraycart.com/exempt/liquid/eco-excempt-gal

 

For even longer control, add some NYLAR to the mix. This special material is a “growth regulator” which means it intercepts or blocks the development of certain insects like noseeums, gnats and black flies. In the long run, using Nylar will effectively be able to stop the noseeums from reproducing. It will also last long so new ones entering the area won’t be able to lay eggs that will prosper.

Nylar: http://www.bugspraycart.com/insecticide/igr/igr-nylar

 

You can get a ready to use mix from us which is water based. AQUACIDE uses Pyrethrin as the active and that’s it; there is no component to provide residual protection. That means you’ll need to use it over and over. However, there are some situations which require a pyrethrin based product alone and if you have a small area to treat, Aquacide might be a good choice.

Aquacide:  http://www.bugspraycart.com/insecticide/liquid/aquacide-wb-gallon

 

If you have larger areas to fog than an acre, you should consider moving up to a thermal fogger. Thermal foggers are “hot”; that is, they heat the chemical before it is released. This type of fog is lighter and comprised of smaller sized particles than that of a cold fog. This enables the applicator to cover a much larger area in a lot less time since you don’t have to make as much of an effort to get complete coverage. Air movement will help to carry and distribute the fog out to areas which are remote and hard to reach with a cold fog. Thermal foggers are more thorough during application and require an oil based formulation instead of water. The fog will stay in the air longer and penetrate more providing better performance than fogs created by electric machines. However, there are some tradeoff for this better performance.

First, machines are costly. Don’t waste you time with $100.00 to $200.00 units found at some hardware stores. These devices will create some fog, but the flow is so weak and slow you are better off using the PT-565XLO listed above. If you have anything larger than a few thousand feet to treat, these cheap machines are just not able to do the job adequately. If you have a large area that you want to keep noseeum free, invest your money with a machine that will do the job.

PT-565: http://www.bugspraycart.com/insecticide/aerosol/pt-565-xlo

 

The GE THERMAL FOGGER is gas powered, electric start and lightweight. It can be carried easily to treat large areas or you can let it run out the back of your ATV or truck as you drive through the property you are treating. This machine will create a fog which is light, penetrating and very effective for blackfly control. Be sure to use the proper material when fogging to achieve the best results.

Golden Eagle:  http://www.bugspraycart.com/equipment/foggers/golden-eagle-hot-fogger

 

You’ll need our OIL BASED PYRETHRUM for this machine. This formulation will provide a quick knockdown of existing populations and you can add some Permethrin to the mix as detailed above to get extra residual. If you intend on doing a lot of fogging, you should consider getting our DEODORIZED OIL in bulk form and then adding the Pyrethrum and Permethrin mentioned above to create your own mix. This will prove to be the most economical formulation to use in the long run and probably a smart investment if you intend on treating a large areas many times during the season. Like fogging with electric foggers you may need to treat twice a week initially to get control of bad problems, but once you knock down the local population you will probably only have to treat once every week or two.

Oil Based Fogging Compound: http://www.bugspraycart.com/insecticide/liquid/insecticide-300-ob-gallon

Deodorized Oil: http://www.bugspraycart.com/insecticide/liquid/deodorized-oil

 

In summary, noseeums can be a tough pest once active around your yard. To help keep them off people who are active outside, use any of the repellents we have featured above. If you want to control local populations which are breeding on or near where you are living, use some Permethrin. Fogging with any of the machines we feature is better suited for large areas since it will get coverage faster and more thoroughly. Remember to treat throughout the active season and you should be able to keep this persistent and problematic pest under control.

CONTACT US

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Email questions here:   http://www.bugspray.com/about-us/contact-us

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