What Bit You? Tiny Bugs That Bite Like Mosquitoes

We all know them. They are a pain in the neck. The little pests that look like teensyweensy flies but bite like dire skeeters. After being terrorized once again you yell:

What on earth are those tiny bugs that bite like mosquitoes!?

What are those tiny flies which bite like mosquitoes and leave your skin covered with red itchy welts that take a week or more to heal? Why, you can’t even see what is attacking you!

These tiny biting bugs have several nick-names:

  • (1) no-see-ums,
  • (2) sand flies,
  • (3) biting midges,
  • (4) punkies.

These are a grouping of small flies (just 1-4 mm in size) belonging to the insect family Ceratopogonidae. Over 4,000 species of flies belong to this family.

Figure 1 shows a no-see-um fly on a patch of human skin. Comparison of the fly to the hairs on the skin give a good indication of this fly’s relative size.

Figure_1

 

Where Can They Be Found?

No-see-ums thrive on every continent of the world with the exception of Antarctica. The natural habitats of no-see-um flies vary by species; however they really thrive in and near marshes and areas where highly organic wet soils exist.

These insects will not establish inside homes or other human habitats, and cannot thrive in a dry environment.

 

The No-See-Um Lifecycle

Like other flies, no-see-ums have several life stages, including the egg, larval, pupal, and adult stages.

The complete lifecycle of these tiny biting bugs lasts from 2-6 weeks, depending on the species and environmental conditions. Adults live just a few weeks in the wild, and a bit longer if bred in a laboratory.

Female no-see-ums lay their eggs in a most environment, and when they hatch, the larvae are not strictly terrestrial or aquatic (but they cannot live without moisture).

The larval stages live around swamps, along the shores of ponds or streams, and in muddy areas, where they feed on small organisms.

The larvae morph into pupae, and then emerge as adults after the 2-3 day pupal stage.

Once adult flies emerge from the pupal stage, they are ready to mate to perpetuate their life cycle. Mating occurs in flight.

Adults tend to swarm near productive breeding sites, but will disperse for mating or feeding.

Both males and females feed on plant nectar as adults; however, females require a blood meal in order for their eggs to fully develop.

 

No-See-Um Bites

The female no-see-um pierces the skin with a needle-like sucker, and uses a separate injector tube to squirt a small amount of anticoagulant into the bite to keep the blood flowing as it feeds.

The human body sets up an allergic reaction to this anticoagulant, which produces the characteristic red, itchy welt that can linger for days afterward.

No-see-ums like to bite the back sides of human legs, arms, and backs, because there is less wind resistance in these places on a human who is walking.

No-see-ums can bite multiple times and typically feed in large groups, so you will usually find clusters of bite welts on your skin instead individual bites. Any area of exposed skin is vulnerable to attacks from these insects.

Figure 2 (see Page 3) is a photo of two human ankles covered with no-see-um bites. This person was obviously walking barefoot through an area where these flies were active.

 

How Do You Fight These Tiny Bugs That Bite Like Mosquitoes?

How do you stop them? First, if you are planning a day near the lakeshore or where these tiny bugs thrive, make sure you are prepared.

This might be even more important if there are no or low-wind conditions in the weather forecast, because wind affects their flight.

Insect repellents containing DEET or Citronella are effective at repelling no-see-ums. Avon’s “Skin So Soft” is an excellent repellent for no-see-ums. Make sure you treat all areas of exposed skin, because even a small area left untreated can wind up covered with bites.

The best protection might be wearing a long sleeve shirt and full-length pants; preferably made from a fabric woven tightly enough to prevent no-see-ums from penetrating it.

If camping where no-see-ums are prevalent, having a tent with no-see-um mesh covering any openings will keep them out of your sleeping area. No-see-um mesh generally averages about

Figure_2

1,200 holes per square-inch, and the small holes effectively prevent these tiny biting flies from getting past the screen.

The same no-see-um mesh can be found on some portable screen-rooms, which can be set-up around eating areas.

No-see-um mesh can also found with mosquito nets for camping, mosquito tents and mosquito hammocks for those who want to sleep outside of an enclosure. Alternatively, for minimalist outdoor enthusiasts, a good quality mosquito net might suffice.

It is best to keep in mind that the season during which no-see-ums are most active is during May and June, when the weather is just beginning to warm up. The problem will last for a few weeks before the bugs go away. For the yard you can always get a bug zapper.

 

Treatment of No-See-Um Bites

One of the most important things to remember when you have no-see-um bites is to stop yourself from scratching the affected area. Scratching the welts can cause them to break open, potentially allowing them to become infected.

Wash the affected area of your skin with mild anti-bacterial soap and warm water. This will help remove any leftover saliva from the bugs and reduce the amount of irritation you will feel.

You can help mitigate the swelling of the welts by applying a cold-compress or ice-pack. Cold-compresses applied in 10 to 15 minute intervals as needed can help numb the affected area for the first 24 hours, and should provide some temporary relief.

A standard over-the-counter analgesic or antihistamine cream (such as one containing Benadryl) can also help reduce pain and itching in no-see-um bites. Creams or ointments are more effective than sprays.

A medication that is a bit stronger than topical analgesics and antihistamines is Cortisone cream.

Cortisones work to block the body from releasing chemicals or activating cells that can worsen itching and swelling around insect bites.

Zinc ointments and creams are also effective medications to help relieve no-see-um bite symptoms.

 

An Ounce of Prevention is Worth a Pound of Cure

Bugged in the backyard?

The best way to prevent these tiny bugs that bite like mosquitoes is to be prepared when you are going on an outing where no-see-ums will be present.

Just make sure you have DEET, extra clothing, and no-see-um mesh screening; along with some Benadryl ointment in case you are bitten.

If the no-see-ums start biting, ditch the short pants and tank-tops for heavier clothing and apply DEET where you cannot cover your skin—minor inconveniences compared to having deal with multiple red itchy welts for a couple of weeks.

 

References

Ceratopogonidae. (n.d.). In Wikipedia. Retrieved July 24, 2015, from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ceratopogonidae

Roxanne Connelly. (2013, August). Biting Midges, No-see-ums. Retrieved from http://entomology.ifas.ufl.edu/creatures/aquatic/biting_midges.htm

Robbeloth, Dewitt. (2013, August 13). Bug bites: The lowdown on no-see-ums. Retrieved from http://mountainx.com/opinion/commentary/bug_bites_the_lowdown_on_no-see-ums/

 

100 thoughts on “What Bit You? Tiny Bugs That Bite Like Mosquitoes

  1. Was in Florida for vacation down south,got bit allover ,a patient of mine looked at them ‘because of his bed bug problem,he said kinda looked like but bites much larger and said no lches at all,he tore of a lot of skin,and scabs not formed,3weeks later it healed but left scares 5 times bigger than bites,I am spending a lot of time, people say sand flies,I think its a blood suckingconenose they done itch and act like bed bugs hiding and they leave bites large ,or the yellow female fly ferosise eaters, u got any idea remember suck blood leaves no itching tears skin open about 1/8 with and depth 3 weeks to heal.

    1. I read a way to solve drain flies but have found that it also kills any other flying small bugs. Mix a portion of white vinegar with a portion of Dawn dishwashing liquid. More vinegar than Dawn. The way it works is the smell of vinegar attracts the bugs, the Dawn makes them stick. I told another friend about this; actually a doctor friend, and he said it worked for him to get rid of fruit flies. Try that. Hope it works. It did for me for no seeums.

      1. will it harm my newly planted/growing clover and flowers? when I walk thru a certain large area newly being used, some kind of tiny flying insects can be seen flying up from the ground ATTACKING you. No pain, but immediate itching like no itch ever. feel like a dog. cant stop scratching til i run in the house, wash with bar soap and then spray my arms with diluted fragrant mr clean. then i scratch it in before i rinse it off. sometimes i dont even rinse off just tap dry with towel. so being effective to kill, can i spray large areas with new seedlings without harming them? Thanks

      2. I spend the night on my aunt’s sofa when I visit. During the night I feel something biting me. And I wake up with insect bites on my hands and arms. The crazy thing is that I never see any flying insect or any crawling bugs. Can you tell me what is niting me? Thank you in advance, Marsha

        1. They are the no- seeums, are the windows open with screens on when you are sleeping? Take a bar of soap and rub it over the window screens which should help.

        2. mites. Many old people have them in their sofas without knowing. They come in general from mice. Not everybody feels them or gets bitten.
          It might also be fleas, their bites are typically 3 to 5 in a line at a little distance of a jump.

        3. I spray Febreze Fabric spray on sofa etc… when I feel anything like biting me and I can’t see it. It works great. I always have it around. Frebreze should pay me for endorsing their product.

    2. I have them n my house. I’ve had an extermater here 3 times. We have bought spray ourself… nothing seems to work.

      1. To get rid of the fruit flies in your house keep all breads, crackers and fruit in refrigerator at all times. And keep your drains clean because that’s where they seem to come from. I think they might come from the fruit we buy then go hide in the drain and multiply lol.

        1. There’s the main issue. Your house drains are not for food, stop being lazy idiots and wasting food. If its left over, compost it or throw in trash. Dont put it down the drain, garbage disposals… only good thing about a garbage disposal would be to put citrus fruit rinds down. It will smell fresh and keep things clean, no bugs will be fighting over orange oil.

      2. Mites are the actual plague, they are not insects with 6 legs, but tiny spiders or crabs with 8 legs. They survive normal insecticides, only Jacutin kills them, but is very expensive and damages human nerves and memory.

        But a very simple agent kills them: soap. In any form, whether dishwashing product or washing powder for laundry, cleaning products, hand soap, shower gel or shampoo.

        They sit in clothes, fabrics, carpets, sofas, paper. They don’t like plastic, and cannot penetrate it, it keeps them away. This helps for sofas, cover them with plastic. Keep clean clothes in plastic bags, wash dirty clothes as soon as possible, simply put them in soapy water, or lock them and the mites in a plastic bag that must be completely closed.

        To get rid of mites in carpets, either wash with much soap, or use a hot steam machine and go bit by bit.

        You have to keep on repeating complete cleaning processes: first put dirty laundry in the washing machine or in closed plastic bags ( take out later for washing touching them with plastic or rubber gloves), take off bedsheet and wash or put in closed plastic bags, throw old newspapers, put documents in closed plastic bags. Clean the whole house. Take your clean clothes with washed hands and put them in a plastic bag to take them to the bathroom. Stand in the cleaned bathtub or shower, strip off your clothes there, put them in a basin with soapy water or in a plastic bag that you close. Shower with any soap, gel, shampoo. No products for children that contain more juice than soap, they do not kill mites. Wash yourself throughly with a soapy glove, shower off. Wear completely fresh clothes. Shoes might also be cleaned or changed. Use only washable jackets and wash these too. Hanging clothes get less affected, the mites tend towards the ground.

        However, from the ground they crawl on what smells alive and go to find their favorite places. Whether they bite already in the feet or legs, or find their ideal place on your bottom or your upper back, depends on the genetic program of the different species and variations of mites, but also on the quality of your skin. They like tender skin. Therefore take special precautions for babies. The bites may be at once very red, or invisible, eczema may also develop. Some people notice nothing at all.

        Mostly mice bring those mites in the houses, and they mostly transfer bacteria named Yersinia which cause rhumatism: back and joint pains and damages. Therefore it is necessary to get rid of them or keep them as low as possible. Wash floors every day, it helps. Put impermeable plastic on seats with fabric. Also in cars mites can become a plague. Vacuumate frequently. Old seats also need to be covered impermeably. The mites can keep on sitting even on plastic coverings
        Wash with soap.

        New seats and matrasses mostly do not host mites inside, only the surfaces need to be cleaned. Mites can come out alive from the other side of the vacuumator. Therefore carpets need the hot steam treatment.

        Bugs or mites that go under the skin ( starts itching again shortly after the shower) can be killed with concentrate alcohol, like eau de Cologne which is also an effective repellant, or disinfecting alcohol from the pharmacy. Apply on places where you feel them.

        Spraying alcohol is of no use , they die only when fully bathed in alcohol. Sagrotan or other desinfectants do not help at all. Mites survive even getting washed in the washing machine with Sagrotan, but they do not survive washing powder.

        1. Wow thank you! I haven’t even let this all sink in but you’ve help me determine what the F %^~ is going on with in my apartment.
          One week ago I woke up with a kind of bites on the backs of my arms and my shoulders and upper back and the next couple nights a few bites here and there because I slept in a different spot and actually hardly slept at all so I wasn’t in bed much
          For the past 24 hours now I’ve been looking for critters to contain for observation Emma often than that I’m finding these little fast flying fuckers
          I guess I’m kind of relieved it’s not bedbugs although I have found One slow moving crawler under my third layer of sheets and one bouncy jumpy on the other side of the bed

          I’m completely overwhelmed as I seem to now be finding larvae or whatever nonstop especially after vacuuming and seeing the trash bags literally feels like they’re moving But after so much time looking I’m wondering if my eyes are playing tricks on me

          I live in an upstairs apartment with the locked entrance and running down with a trash bag every five minutes is not working out for me

          No read comments and what not and see what I can do to actually make this go away

        2. I discovered black pepper mites when they burrowed into my cat’s cat tree and then I started seeing all kinds of mites that looked like hair follicles and would get in my food and grow quickly into small white worms. They can look transparent with white bubbles (eggs?) trailing maybe an inch or so and appear to blow them out over the carpet, wall or even the ceiling. I’ve unknowingly ingested them and they can permeate into my food in the pantry and fridge and freezer. I moved sending all my belongings, furniture and clothing to a storage unit. After moving I brought a few things- my 2 TVs, cleaning supplies after cleaning thoroughly. The next day, my car was full of these little white worms and the new apt had them too – everywhere! I hadnot bites, but woke up with little cuts and bruises on one side of my face. Magnified pictures showed them coming out of the pores in my skin! It finally healed, along with the other places on my back, arms and hands and no scarring. I’m afraid to go to sleep ever since. I did use my steamer several times on the bedroom carpet. My Shark vacuum is wearing out and they have sprayed out a fog of new worms before I can even empty the canister outside. Plus, my vacuum pushes sludge away from it that looks like white larvae on top of this thick carpet. I use the floor steamer every day in the other rooms with laminate flooring. I bought all new clothes and use disposable plastic tableware and paper plates. I had told the apt mgr about this, but she just said I could tell their pest control guy who comes every Monday. I feel sure he isn’t licensed to do this and he certainly didn’t even listen when I tried to talk to him about it. The mgr and everyone else thinks I’m seeing things but they don’t crawl, walk or run. They pop from the wall, floor and ceiling to where they want to go. Some of them can even light up, but I’ve been told that’s just paint texture and a popcorn ceiling- nothing more. I went to a dermatologist who Rx body oil and Dx me with anxiety and depression. I’ll readily admit I do have those problems because of these worms! I lost my job because of being off work too long after 4 treatments for scabies didn’t work. This is going on 4 months now and it feels like it’s a matter of survival to get through each day. I am 74 yrs old and I do have thin skin. I used castille soap with peppermint essential oil but as much as it seemed it would work, it hasn’t seemed to. I use hot water to wash my clothes. I opened a new comforter and duvet cover and spotted several long white worms ready to spray inside the duvet cover yesterday. I’ll get them to the laundry today. You’re right. This is a plague! I just can’t seem to keep up with it enough to get over it. What you posted is the closest I have come to anything I’ve experienced. I don’t feel half crazy anymore and I am ready to put more effort into getting rid of them rather than giving up. Thank you

    3. as i know of a grait capain, only ” tea tree oil” works. take spray botle, fill up with water add 3-5 drops of tea tree oil, shacke well and spray on skeen… 100% result. good luck.

    4. 3% gold Listerine 97% water lightly mist yourself, mist house screens they stay away at least 3 hours works for mosquitoes anything that bites any stronger the gold color rubs off onto light fabric. It works!

    5. Use yard foggers that come in cans. This helped but only for less than a week, and they came back. I live in Hawaii. The no see ums are here year around.

    6. My no-see-ums are in my house. I live in
      florida. Exterminator told me to turn my thermostat down to 70. All that is doing is freezing me out and a big electric bill. How do I get them out of house. Where are they coming in from?

      1. i had small water leaks under house ,they love breed anywhere wet.rake leaves away from your house even smallest amount of damp leaves are breeding ground.

  2. Thanks for this article. These little B***ARDS have been penetrating my room every night for years and it’s only now that I can identify them. They are the scourge of the flying insect world! They are incredible aerobats, are waterproof (try drown one in the shower!?), can withstand multiple strikes, are near impossible to see at night and practically always go for the face! We need to rid the world of these blood sucking spawn of satan!

    1. Dude, I have the same fucking problem… the part about them not penetrating human homes is Bullshit, they’ve been tearing us up for almost a week!! I think I saw a bomb that works for them but I’m not a hundred percent sure. Did you find a way to exterminate them?!

    2. Okay, how do you KILL them???? Not just stop them from biting, I don’t want to have you put crap on my skin every night when I’m inside my house! Does anyone know how to destroy the little assjoles?!

      1. I tried a lot of insecticides and pesticides but I cannot get rid of these insects. I also applied different creams to almost every part of my body, but the itch and the look of the skin is so ugly.

        1. Pyrethrins do the trick on the current generation. This means you need to keep spraying until you wipe out the next generation too. Else they will just hatch and it will seem like you had no affect on them.

      2. Dish soap with antibacterial stuff in it kills ants, so I believe it will work with flying insects too, if put in standing water and potted plants. I think I will take the plants outside and if the helps, the plants will stay outside. Some flying insects multiply in any standing water, including bird baths. I think the gutters would draw them too if water does not drain completely. I have read that pyrethins work, which are in flea bombs made for the house. Some companies also make sprays. I am going to get finer material for the screens in the windows too, which are easy to replace.

      3. You can’t because they fly and more will just come just like mosquitos you have to wear a protection. My friend didn’t have any one and they swarmed her head and face and she had to go to ER for help as she was so swollen and itchy.

      4. I went through the same thing ur going through ….Yes I tried lavender oil …10 drops in a 28 oz empty bottle I bought at Walmart fill it up with water….I spray the garage2 x a day in the summertime morning and early eve.. the screen doors the patio and bedroom the sheets.I lightly spray arms legs and ankles… it really works…I’ve used this for 4 yrs now…thank God it works… hope u like it….this summer I have no bites ….. yea I buy the lavender oil before summertime stock up its on 5.99. Hope this really works for you.

    3. white rub on anti persperant works to keep them off of you , just lightly rub on arms ,legs around ears ,and any where else ,works perfect

      1. I have been fighting these buggers for three years. Are they related to a common fly in Oklahoma? Skin So Soft is great. But, I think I’m gonna spray it on my floors? thank you

    4. Lmao….have you dealt with scorpions /bedbugs….they own banyantree apts in Phoenix slumlords berry company pass it on

    5. Try pouring Coca-Cola down your drains, don’t rinse for 2hrs and that’s how I cleaned out my drains, that’s where they were coming from in my house

      1. Wow I believe it’s the same thing happening in my home as well. My children have been bitten and I don’t know of any other bugs in my home other than those flies before and after the bites. Have you seen any since your resolution?

    6. fan will suck them through even the best window screen.They are attracted to bright light especially new led lights

  3. So glad to know what these little bastards are. We live across the road from a marshy area, and these little “flying beasts” have been biting the he k out of me! Glad to also know about the Skin SoSoft.

      1. this is probably so true in my case, as i always get bitten when i wear long sleeves, white cotton clothing. and the option to clean the probable breeding ground is beyond me as i always get bitten when i m at work. i live in malaysia, hot n humid all year round, perfect breeding place for these biting buggers.

      1. I did call the City Vermin Dept about my situation. A woman came by my apt -and since I rent, I can’t have a pest control company come in and advise or guide me on how to deal with this – I can only deal with the apt’s unlicensed pest control guy, who I might as well have been trying to make him believe in ghosts for all the good it did to ask him for help with this – .
        Anyway, the woman with the City Vermin Dept told me I had to have proof of these things and I didn’t, but if I actually caught one on the floor I could call her and she would return. A few days later, I decided to use Press and Seal in a 2 ft area on the kitchen ceiling. I had to use duck tape to keep it up
        and within a minute there were 3 large 3″ long white worms full of eggs, which they started spraying inside the press and seal. There were several shorter white worms that were making their way under the duck tape and many more were showing themselves through small holes in the paint texture. I called the Vermin Dept and reported what I had done. The girl even had me wait while she contacted this same woman at that time to notify her of my call. I was able to hear it all and it was 6:45 am. The woman showed up about 5:15, said what I had inside was a reflection -grabbed my step ladder and took down the press and seal and said nothing was there. I suppose after they sprayed out all those tiny worms, they would dry up and those worms can permeate through most anything in 10 or 11 hours. She tried to tell me she wasn’t notified until 4:30, and I still didn’t have enough proof to have my apt fumigated. That’s what happened here in El Paso. I realized then that there wasn’t anything I could do to get their help without any knowledge of what these things actually are and no way of actually catching any. She seemed so triumphant in her efforts to prove me wrong and I won’t be calling them again.

  4. Thank you thank you thank you
    For telling me the satans name
    I shifted to a new apartment near mountain area, incredible flora and founa, and incredible insects,
    I have no way to guard myself against them but i think keeping a 200w high heat bulp outside windows (balcony) keeps them off (not confirmed but you can try)

  5. Hi you says what midges are but exactly what is the best killer machine inside the home? They are to small for wide zappers I never saw one zapped… Michael please tell me one cheap zapper or sucker is available..

    1. If it’s fruit flies, keep all breads and fruit in refrigerator and keep you drains clean, pour Coca-Cola down drain don’t rinse for 2 hrs. they breed in the p traps of your sinks

  6. Omg these little bastrads ate me up,in minutes. Thanks for the great info
    They are unproductable – I’ve lived in the home for 6 years and I can’t prodict when they struck.

  7. Can I send you a photo which I would ask you to identify? It’s different from yours – very tiny, mosquito-like in Italy, Abruzzo National Park.

    1. I live in France and the tiny white insects whose bite is very painful (but I’m not allergic and the pain is limited to the moment of puncture) are maybe the same as yours. They attack singly, like mosquitos, not in groups like midges. Plus, they’re too quick and impossible to swat, not like ordinary mosquitos. I, too, am wondering what they are. I’d love to see your picture.
      Paula

  8. The bites I get sting like crap. I think they are coming out of my air conditioning system. At late afternoon and evening, I’ll be sitting watching TV, start stinging and can never swat one in time. I live in the desert, its very dry here. So, the only water source is my airconditing (which I don,t have on when this happens, or my swamp cooler. I’ve used benedryl, Aquaphor, and because I thought it was a reaction to antibiotics , I was perscribed steriods. One was on my shin and it make my skin bleed, that one I was able to squash.

  9. We just went to the Virgin Islands…and it seems if you are out for dinner somewhere, they come out of nowhere, and your legs and arms are fair game. We had the best vacation, but now home, and I must have at least 100 bites. After getting home, I just have not felt that good…not sick…but just lathargic, and tired…does anyone know if you can feel like this as a reaction from the bites??? Just wondering…

    1. Yes, I think you do feel lathargic,malaise and sometimes have chills/fever.
      I am a retired RN and have been traveling to the ocean annually with my
      husband for years.
      We are divers and snorkelors wearing all types of great protection gear
      and still get many bites from the no see ums in the ocean especially when
      the water is rough and full of algae. You can hear them hitting your mask
      and immediately and open or uncovered body part gets bitten.
      I use a variety of ointments with pain relief and some times a good doc
      will give me a homemade prescription entailing 3 creme ingrediants mixed
      up at the pharmacy which really helps take the little guys out of your skin,reduce pain and finally become normal. The meds are a mix of:
      Neosporin Creme w pain relief, Asa and tylenol for fever.
      I actually are suffering with the little guys as I write this bc we just got
      back from snorkeling in the Pacific Ocean which at times we could not get
      away from the seaweed in the rough water which carries thousands of the
      fun lovin biten things…………..God bless and do your best..

  10. I have had several types of tiny flying bugs; the white ones, brown, black–all of them. I have also been bitten by a fly called the “black fly” which causes river blindness. I got these from a filthy dog house. But for the tiny ones I read a method to clean your drains of flies, as they can “grow” flies. I also had all the tiny ones to deal with. I found if you mix 2 parts of white vinegar with 1 part Dawn liquid and leave little dishes around, it attracts the bugs–even noseeums. The vinegar smell attracts them and once they land the Dawn sticks them in there. You will eventually see the cloudy “crap” they leave behind and will have to change it periodically. Hope it works for you–it did me.

  11. Wow! For the last 5years I’ve been called crazy,delusional or just lieing! Please please someone say tell me why in the only one in the house of 3 who has this problem? And how can I get rid of the problem?????

    1. Not just you! I’m getting bit at work- feel them landing on my hair, eyelashes, and get in my eyes.They particularly like biting my ears.
      I notice them all day, only one other person has experienced same
      I was able to capture one that landed on my arm hair-
      slightly larger than a grain of salt, white, could barely make out wings with magnifying glass
      Not a fruit fly
      No plants in office, so not sure what source is.
      Bathroom is across hall,
      Tried ammonia in drain, but still getting them
      But don’t know how to get rid of them!

      1. For a year I have experienced the same exact thing that you are. Have tried everything, spray’s so many all kind. They have tapered off some, but are still around bitting, my feet, in my hair and my back, legs and other places I won’t mention. They attach themselves to me at bed time. I’m being bit underneath my covers. It’s driving me crazy. Don’t know what to do anymore.

        1. So did u actually get rid of them cause I’ve been goin thru the same he’ll for about 2 would just like to know if any1 got rid of em

        2. To M G hou, I have the same problem. However, I know exactly where they’re coming from : My landlords! They’ve tried everything except talking to me to force me out. They’ve now hired my neighbor to make holes and release these bug into my home – 24/7. I use essential oils mixed with mineral oil for my bed but they still get into my mouth, ears, nose, hair and eyes. Meanwhile I wear goggles and a mask all night and most of the day. I cover my hair with a cheap hairspray, use Vicks in my nose and ears, and a strong fan. I’ll try some of what I’ve learned today. Good luck.

    2. Blood type positive…biting bug magnet. Just got bit by a bunch of no see ums. I made a repellant out of apple cider vinegar, rose geranium and citronella essential oils. Ratio to ounces. If 2 0z vinegar…5 drops each oil shake. Do not smoke or light fires until it settles. No bites now.

  12. TO CATCH INDOOR ONES. GET SOME BUTTER OIL COOKING SPRAY. (FAKE PAM OR WHATEVER)FROM THE DOLLAR STORE. SPRAY IT ON A COUPLE STYROFOAM PLATES AND LEAVE IT UNDER A LITE. I LEAVE IT ON MY GLASS TOP STOVE, WITH THE HOOD LITE ON. A SMALL OLD JAR LID WORKS UNDER BATHROOM VANITY LITE FOR ME. CAN USUALLY WATCH MOVIES FOR THE EVENING, JUST SHOOING A COUPLE. WAY BETTER THAN BEFORE. HOPE IT HELPS.

  13. cured it with vinegar (ascetic acid which acts as a skin penetrator and assimilator for the next mineral) sea salt or any salt (sea salt contains numerous trace minerals your body needs… optional is lugols 5 or 7% iodine (cheap on etsy)

    mix into a large container sea salt however much you want and vinegar any kind (white vinegar regardless of being gmo can kill the HIV protein and cure cancers)

    spread on bite (it will sting but it will subside, the stinging is from the cells bad bacteria dying out and being replaced by the salt which is beneficial to the cells)

  14. Now we have had 2 exterminator here they have no idea what to do.. does anyone know how to get rid of these nasty things… I am extremely alegric to them.. having an awful time…

    1. Go to an army navy surplus store and ask them for military grade repellent. The police when I lived in South Georgia used these during march and October when the little pests emerged. The DEET was what kept them away.

      1. Yep, that DEET in the green Army bottles is the strongest you can buy, its 100% active ingredient, I once had a bottle of it in the back pocket of my fatigues, I was using a nylon tri-fold wallet at the time, the DEET completely melted my wallet and ALL of the plastic cards in it! It DOES however work on noseeums and other little flying vampires…

  15. This is a nightmare, I work from home, I have to turn on AC, because only spray Kills them, I am extremely allergic, it must have a way to clean them, this is Los Angeles not to much water around, I live in a condo, they start to show off around 3 p m. . repellents almost don’t work, I look a baby with chickenpox all over my body, I am desperate, around me I put citronella candles, my home office looks a sanctuary. Help me

  16. i’m at home and keep being bit by these bugs that are the same size and look like the no-see-ums but they jump and the bite looks different like my skin swells a little but i need to know how to get rid of them and what they are PLS HELPPPP the bites hurt

    1. These are definitely fleas. They are jumping and very difficult to catch and kill. You have to squeeze them between your nails to kill. You have to look for some sprays or also if you have carpets on the floor you can use a mix of salt and baking soda to kill their eggs and prevent from getting new ones.

  17. This is all very good information. I thought I was being eaten by mosquitos, but had never had bites in clusters before. I put an indoor zapper (Stinger Cordless Insect Zapper, $30.00 at Walmart) between myself and the back door. When I check the tray it never has mosquitos, but instead is full of these teeny tiny lime-green monsters. I’m going to move it to the bedroom when I’m sleeping from now on.

  18. I thought I had bed bugs but we lifted the covers of my bed, next to an open screened window, and there was a cluster of little winged flies… I cannot say for sure this is the same, but these flies are all over the house near areas with windows open. I have a cluster of bites all over my back and assumed bed bugs but I am told by my boyfriend that these little winged things probably bit me instead since there were three in my bed. Want to send a photo to see if this can be identified.. not sure who I can email it to.

  19. I’m having a problem with bug bites I have to many on my feet and now is going on my legs I can’t with them scars but I recently just saw a bug that looked a bit strange it is small like a fruit fly but a bit smaller and black but its not a flat looking bug its like if its upwards is hard to explain the thing is when I tried to squish it with paper it wouldn’t die so I just threw it in the toilet and weeks later after washing all my blankets I just found an exact one on my arm but it jumped I have no idea what this is but I’m tired of it does anyone know what this bug can be ?

  20. I’ve been getting these bug bites all month long. And recently I have been get thing them in my own room. And wearing pants and long sleep shirts does not help me.

  21. We have never had them before IN our area of East County San Diego. This year we have been invaded by no- see-ums . In our household I am the only one being bit by them. Each time I go out if I am no covered in bug spray they come at me. several neighbors have the same problem. For some reason they like the area that has jade. With it being a good fire break we have a lot of it to get rid of. Have been told to wipe the bites with rubbing alcohol than peroxide until it no longer foams that cover with a skin cream

  22. I was in Belize and got covered in bites on my legs no matter how much spray I used and I never saw anything biting me except an occasional mosquito. The mosquito bites only itched for a few minutes. The other bites would wake me up at night . I applied calamine lotion, oils, took antihistamines…. The only thing that helped was lime juice. One of the locals saw my legs and recommended it and even cut one open and applied it. Slight sting at first but immediate relief. And its healing up the bites quickly too! LIME JUICE! Try it!!!!

  23. Me and my family just moved to a new house and these things are biting us like crazy. Me and my dad are having this issue while my mom, brother and sister aren’t. At first, we thought it was the fur (the old owner used to have pets that shed alot) But, I saw these small bugs with my own eyes. Everytime I sit somewhere, a no see um just has to bite me. My parents think I’m crazy but its true!

  24. it had rained so hard n water flooding thru front door. i cleaned the water off. then next day i woke up with welts all over my face n body.i freaiked out n left my home.went stood friend few days.glad am moving out.the house is magnet for them n landlord ignores the problem.glad i finally found what they were on this site thanx.ive tried bed bug spray,flying bug spray,sprayed ammmonia,then bleach but they didnt die just multiplied.then for my bites i tried calamine lotion,alcohol,lice shampoo, worked littie but only for bit n they still were biting.ive rubbed vaseline all over my body n was able to remove most of them.then my sis said to try vicks vapor rub then showered..i did get most of them but had to repeat the process n put vicks n alternating it with vaseline to catch them on me.it worked for me hope it works for someone else.

  25. How do I get rid of yellow jackets? They come out whenever I want to eat outdoors. I’ve put out traps and killed hundreds of them but they keep coming! They are extremely aggressive and will attack. I can’t find their nests, in ground or trees or under the house eaves.

  26. Hi there,I log on to your blogs named “What Bit You? Tiny Bugs That Bite Like Mosquitoes – BugOfff.com” on a regular basis.Your writing style is awesome, keep up the good work! And you can look our website about daily proxy.

  27. I’m not trying to be a know-it-all, but fruit flies do not bite. These noseeums( biting flies ), have been biting me every night I thought that they were fruit flies too. I turn off the lights in the den where I was sleeping before on the couch, I had to kill them one by one with a wet paper towel and the TV on I would wait till they flew up onto the TV screen and just grab them with the wet paper towel and squish them one by one.

  28. The moment I walked outside yesterday, I became a thanksgiving buffet for these little demons. Now my arms and legs look and feel like the valley of itchy death.

  29. I just moved to this house of pain roughly 2 mos ago & have been dealing with these suckers for a month & half. Last nite was the first time I slept w/o being bitten – but some got me this am when I made coffee – some bites are worse than others. I had bites around my hips (both sides) broke out in a itchy rash – used apple cider vinegar (non gmo) straight – burned & itched more just for a couple of minutes, put a cold paper towel dabbing the areas itching stopped & after 2 days rash pretty much gone. I also get bites everywhere (butt as well) Im a very neat & clean person too! Yesterday I spent all morning washing sheets & towels & mattress cover adding 20 mule team borax to the wash & covered my bed pillows with plastic garbage bags. They are also in my vehicle & I cant even vacuum for fear of getting bit in my garage. I tried the white vinegar & Dawn – didnt work. There are soooo many of us that are going thru this BS, I cannot even imagine for those who have been going thru this for as long as you have stated in your comments.

    1. I usually use Febreze to stop biting but you sure you don’t have bedbugs? You just have to use bedbug stuff to get rid of them.

  30. Wow !!! all over the world this is happening to people. I have been dealing with the no see ums and mosquitos too. they fallow me everywhere. At first I thought it was the gnats, biting everywhere on my body…I live with 4 other people and no one but me is affected by the terrible bitting and torment it is every day…almost all morning and all day. Just lately they are really attacking my head and the pain is unbearable. I have tried baby powder all over my body and head and got some relief. i have gone to bed with shampoo on y head… got some sleep ! I have had to wrap my foot in a plastic bag to keep it off of me. some times I wrap both feet in plastic bags and got some sleep. I did catch a mosquito, so that is how I know it was one. A few days later I had powder on my head and captured a beatle that was biting my head. HELP US !!! PLEASE

  31. For fleas JJillee has a home remedy of vinegar, baking soda and water. I used it where I thought fleas were and they crawled and died. Check for the recipe

  32. Omgoodness.. I have searched and searched for help with what I actually thought were root aphids because all of my houseplants seemed to be crawling. I have been fighting these damn biting little f**kers since moving back ton Iowa 3 years ago. I have tried everything! I have spent hundreds of dollars and more man hours than I care to know. Spraying bayer insecticide, ortho, neem oil, Diatomaceous earth, many bug bombs for your house, viniger, alcohol, every kind and mixture of essential oils. I vacuum and keep drains plugged. I did catch a few in a shallow plate of water with a few drops of dawn dishsoap in it under a pretty bright light. Nothing has really stopped them. It is now in the 30 degree weather and i woke up with tremendous itching yesterday. Today there are huge welts and swelling on both backsides of my calfs. Last time they got me in my arms and still have scars there. I even called the state agriculture expert… NOTHING HAS HELPED. People have almost convinced me that I am going crazy. I feel like it. I have said many times that I guess I am just gonna have to burn down my house. I am thankful that I am not alone in this nightmare… Please…. Someone figure out a way to kill these damn things. PLEASE!

    1. I been looking for what is biting me but can not see a thing but mine started when they put a contrast in my IV for heart echo test. I itched for a month like I was getting ate up with fleas and red bumps that itched like hell and I about went crazy. I called my Doctor and asked what the nurse gave me and they told me it didn’t make my itch and blew me off. Before that call I accused my daughter came up to visit and I blame her at first and thought that her dog gave me fleas. Look around you and I hope you haven’t made the locals mad because I did and I think they are the ones did it to me!

  33. I’m going nuts too. tried DE, raid, essential oils, rubbing alcohol, washing, drying, steam and can’t figure out where they are coming from and can not kill them. thought it was bedbugs but dont see any. please help

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