No-See-Um Bugs in Florida

No-see-um bugs, also called biting midges, are part of a group of more than 4,000 species (47 species in Florida alone) of small biting flies. They are generally considered more of a nuisance than a health risk, but bites from no-see-ums can cause itching, welts, lesions and allergic reactions. Victims of a no-see-um bite often feel a biting sensation without any evidence as to its cause due to their extremely small size.

Habitat

• The no-see-um bugs in Florida live predominantly in the coastal regions along southeast Florida. However, they can make their homes in any environment wet enough for breeding. No-see-ums often swarm together in a single place, usually in the dying plants along the edge of salt marshes or in damp leaf litter. No-see-um bugs may also make their home in mangrove swamps or muddy areas.

Life Cycle

• No-see-um bugs progress from egg to larva to pupa in two to six weeks depending on their species and temperatures. The eggs are laid in batches, as many as seven in an adult's life, and must exist in moist conditions. They can hatch in less than three days with ideal temperatures. The larvae are extremely hardy but also cannot develop without moisture. No-see-um larvae then develop into the pupae, though this stage only lasts a few days at most. Adult males will feed on nectar while the female feeds on blood to nourish her eggs, and the eggs will be subsequently laid in a moist area.

Prevention

• No-see-ums are so small -- between 1/4 and 1/8 of an inch long -- that they easily fit through the standard mesh popularly used around porches, patios and decks. Using a smaller grade mesh to enclose living spaces will prevent the bugs from entering, but existing mesh may be treated with approved pesticides to kill any no-see-ums that land on the mesh. A blowing fan may also be used to deter no-see-um bugs, as they are notoriously weak fliers. Personal bug repellants often used for mosquitoes may be effective in preventing painful, itchy bites.

Treatment for Bites

• No-see-um bites are typically itchy and painful but seldom life-threatening, though, there have been reports of allergic reactions to varying species. Bites often begin as small red welts or water-filled blisters that may burst but continue to itch. Anti-inflammatory drugs may be taken, and the use of topical cortisone creams is frequently recommended by doctors. Victims experiencing allergic reactions or more severe symptoms should seek professional help immediately.

• In Florida, no-see-ums can seem like the nuisance that just won't go away. However, understanding their habitat, life cycle and prevention methods can better help you avoid them and their aggravating bites.