Does anyone know what a 'no see-um' mite or bug is? and how rid them

Barbie j
by Barbie j
  12 answers
  • Sco19943475 Sco19943475 on Jun 29, 2017

    We always referred to something others called "sand fleas" that you get bit but cannot see them. Look like bites and itch like heck. Seem to get it on legs or where you touch sand, dirt, or high grasses. We just used calamine lotion or Benadryl. I have never known them to get in houses but possibly could. shower and change clothing as soon as note bites or itching. Washing clothes then also wouldn't hurt. Good luck. Good thing it only lasts few days normally.

  • Cheryl Davis Cheryl Davis on Jun 29, 2017

    Probably spider mites - very tiny - love to sting tomato leaves, etc. I use Neem oil which is a combination insecticide, fungicide and miticide and safe to use on vegetable plants.


  • Han26385404 Han26385404 on Jun 29, 2017

    "No-see-ums in northern Idaho are teeny black gnats/flies that bite like heck! Insect repellant for mosquitoes, etc. has worked for us for generations.

  • Sharon Sharon on Jun 29, 2017

    It could be a bed bug they're very prevalent in the United States now it's an epidemic

  • K_a7863698 K_a7863698 on Jun 29, 2017

    Little bugs that Land on you while outside.

    You might feel them bite or have a tiny itchy raised a spot later but you didn't see them flying around or landing on you, that's what & why we always refer to them as no-see em' s.

    Probably anything you'd use to keep mosquitoes off should keep them from biting. 😀

  • Janet Pizaro Janet Pizaro on Jun 29, 2017

    The no see ums could be many insects. For annuals,and vegetables spray the plants with horticultural oil.

  • Jeanne Martin Jeanne Martin on Jun 29, 2017

    "No see um's" are tiny little bugs that fly around your head, usually at dusk. They do not bite, just bug (ha!) the heck out you. That's what we called no see um's anyways.

  • Jeanne Martin Jeanne Martin on Jun 29, 2017

    P.S. If you discover a way to get rid of them you'll be a billionaire!

  • Barbie j Barbie j on Jun 29, 2017

    I am so glad others know that 'no-see-ums' are a fact. The bites I get are almost always on my ankles and legs. They itch terribly and the itch and the bite lasts for WEEKS ! I now spray my legs and feet every time i go outside. I live in Mesa Arizona. I think they especially like the dry hot weather here , because that is when the biting starts. Thanks to all who responded. B

  • Cr180 Cr180 on Jun 29, 2017

    No see-ums! They are a tiny flying, biting black bug. You can actually see them crawling on your skin if you look close. We spend a lot of time in Florida and they usually come out about 4 o'clock in the afternoon, but not every day. If there is little to no breeze they are present. They get in your hair, as well as biting you everywhere you have skin exposed. They make you absolutelymiserable! We use No Natz bug spray, which works great against them, has no deet and smells pretty good also. We just live with it and figure its part of where we live. Good luck!!

  • Tannmills10 Tannmills10 on Jul 27, 2021

    Thanks for writing, all, and for describing no-see-ums. I have bites!! And, as described and shown in online images the guilty parties are definitely no-see-ums and they're in my home now, briefly and barely seen and swatted at unsuccessfully, as recently as yesterday. Bitten suddenly today, as well, are my hands, arms, jaw, and neck. Yes, they itch horribly and the bites look just like mosquito bites, with clear liquid in them at first, then blood follows. I am Extremely allergic!! Hydrocortisone cream is topping my shopping list, but I don't know how to get rid of these flying pests. ** I have recently picked gardening back up, with hollyhocks, marigolds, and lavender, all supposedly pest-repellers, ...but also outside, there's chamomile and dog.....dander, feces, hair, etc, which I'm also allergic to, but it isn't the dog next door who's bitten me. Maybe allergy-caused hives, but I do have the little fliers in three of my rooms, I've seen, myself. Do these gnat-like things follow us inside when gardening? I have an oil diffuser. Can I put Neem or something else repelling in it,.... but safely for my cats and me to breathe? I have used lavender, eucalyptus, mint, musk, lemon, etc.. I guess no-see-ums aren't repelled by those oils. Arrrrgh!