We Now Know What The Tiny, Annoying Bugs Are That Bite in Minnesota

Our fall weather in Minnesota has been amazing!  Checking out apple orchards, figuring out when those pumpkin patches are getting a visit, and obviously finding just the right mums to help add color to my front entry are all being checked off.  However, there is one thing I am hating right now...and from the chatter around town, I'm not the only one.

No matter how happy we are feeling as we sip on that Starbucks PSL, that joy quickly plummets as soon as we have to start swatting at those annoying No-See-Um bugs.  AHHHHH! 

If you are now angry about fall, below are a few facts about these annoying creatures and tips on how to avoid their penetrating bites.

READ MORE: The New Way To Kill Fruit Flies in Minnesota

Annoying No See Um Bugs Are Back and Biting With A Vengeance in Minnesota

I'm not sure why God decided to add No-See-Ums into our world. I'm sure there is some sort of purpose, but I feel like Earth would keep on spinning without them.

If you've found yourself swatting at bugs that are almost invisible, or noticed a bunch of red spots on your legs or arms after you were outside, there is a really good chance No-see-ums got you.  Mosquitonix.com describes a No-see-um as a super-small flying insect.  These nasty creatures also go by a few other names, including biting midges, punkies, sand flies, or biting gnats.

What's the Difference Between a No-see-um And A Mosquito bite?

In the Land of 10,000 Lakes, we are used to bites thanks to all of the mosquitoes that we have.  The bite that a No-see-um leaves is different, and Mosquitonix.com spells those out for us:

Mosquito bite: 

• You can typically see a mosquito when it is on your body.
• Their bite welts might be puffy but are fairly flat.  As long as the scratching doesn't start, the bite will disappear in a day or two.
• Mosquito bites are typically isolated.

No-see-um bite:

• They are super tiny, only about 1-3 millimeters long. You may not notice when the insect is on your skin.
• Bite marks will appear a day or more after the insect bit you.
• The pain of a No-see-um bite can be more painful than a mosquito bite.
• The bites will usually look like multiple red dots in a cluster and will slowly get larger into raised welts and could be 2 inches in diameter.  The welts can be noticeable for 2 weeks or more.

When and Where Are No-See-Ums At in Minnesota?

No matter where you go in the United States, you will find No-see-ums.  Our neighbors in Iowa and Wisconsin are dealing with the wrath of these pesky bugs right now too.

If you are around water, your chances of seeing a No-see-um is higher.  This includes wetlands, damp soil, and especially areas along shorelines.

Be aware during dawn and dusk, because just like mosquitoes, this is their most active time.

How to Prevent No-See-Um Bites?

There's some good news and bad news about these bites.

The bad news is...No-see-ums are so small that they can go through the standard screens that are on most homes.

Good news is...repellents like DEET, picaridin, and oil of lemon eucalyptus can help deter No-see-ums.  It isn't always successful so it is also recommended to cover up with lightweight clothing.

If you do notice symptoms from a No-see-um bite, these next steps may help relieve some of the pain:

• Wash the bite area with antibacterial soap and warm water - this will help get any residual saliva off your body.
• Try not to scratch the bites.
• If swelling has occurred, use an ice pack for about 10 to 15 minutes.
• Have an adult take hot water that is the point just under boiling, dip a Q-tip into it and put that on the tip of the bite.  This may sting for a moment but should help stop the itching.
• Use over-the-counter products to help with pain, itchiness, or swelling.
• If symptoms are severe or you notice an allergic reaction, excessive pain, discomfort, or infection, contact a doctor.