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Insects and Pests

No-See-Ums: The Tiny Pests That Pack a Powerful Bite | Prevention, Treatment, and Control

by Gregory
written by Gregory 5 minutes read

No-See-Ums: The Tiny Pests That Pack a Powerful Bite

What Are No-See-Ums?

No-see-ums are tiny insects that are so small, they can barely be seen with the naked eye. They are a type of biting gnat or midge, and they are found all over the world. No-see-ums are also known by a variety of other names, including punkies, 50’s, pinyon gnats, and moose gnats.

How Do No-See-Ums Bite?

No-see-ums have sharp mouthparts that they use to pierce the skin and suck blood. Their bites are small and often painless, but they can be very itchy and irritating. In some cases, no-see-um bites can even cause allergic reactions.

What Are the Symptoms of a No-See-Um Bite?

The symptoms of a no-see-um bite typically include:

  • Small, red bumps
  • Itching
  • Swelling
  • Pain
  • Allergic reactions (in some cases)

How Can I Prevent No-See-Um Bites?

There are a few things you can do to prevent no-see-um bites, including:

  • Wear long sleeves and pants when you are outdoors.
  • Use insect repellent that contains DEET or picaridin.
  • Avoid being outdoors during dawn and dusk, when no-see-ums are most active.
  • Keep your yard free of standing water, which attracts no-see-ums.

How Can I Treat No-See-Um Bites?

If you get bitten by a no-see-um, there are a few things you can do to treat the bite, including:

  • Wash the bite with soap and water.
  • Apply a cold compress to the bite.
  • Take an over-the-counter antihistamine to reduce itching.
  • If the bite is severe, you may need to see a doctor.

How to Identify No-See-Ums

No-see-ums are very small, so they can be difficult to identify. However, there are a few things you can look for, including:

  • Their size: No-see-ums are typically less than 1/16 of an inch long.
  • Their color: No-see-ums are usually gray or black.
  • Their wings: No-see-ums have clear wings that are covered in tiny hairs.
  • Their mouthparts: No-see-ums have sharp mouthparts that they use to pierce the skin and suck blood.

How to Get Rid of No-See-Ums

There are a few things you can do to get rid of no-see-ums, including:

  • Use insect repellent that contains DEET or picaridin.
  • Keep your yard free of standing water, which attracts no-see-ums.
  • Install mosquito traps around your yard.
  • Hire a professional pest control company to treat your yard for no-see-ums.

Natural Remedies for No-See-Um Bites

There are a few natural remedies that you can use to treat no-see-um bites, including:

  • Aloe vera gel: Aloe vera gel has anti-inflammatory properties that can help to reduce itching and swelling.
  • Baking soda: Baking soda can help to neutralize the acids in no-see-um saliva, which can help to reduce itching and pain.
  • Oatmeal: Oatmeal can help to soothe the skin and reduce inflammation.

How to Prevent No-See-Um Bites While Camping

If you are planning on camping in an area where no-see-ums are known to be present, there are a few things you can do to prevent bites, including:

  • Bring a mosquito net to sleep under.
  • Use insect repellent that contains DEET or picaridin.
  • Wear long sleeves and pants when you are outdoors.
  • Avoid being outdoors during dawn and dusk, when no-see-ums are most active.

How to Control No-See-Um Populations in My Yard

If you have a no-see-um problem in your yard, there are a few things you can do to control their population, including:

  • Remove all sources of standing water from your yard.
  • Keep your grass mowed short.
  • Trim back trees and shrubs around your yard.
  • Apply a larvicide to areas where no-see-ums breed.

Conclusion

No-see-ums are tiny pests that can be a nuisance, but they can also be dangerous. By following the tips in this article, you can help to prevent no-see-um bites and keep your yard free of these pests.

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Insects and Pests

Wasps: Beneficial Predators, Not Just Pests

by Donna
written by Donna 4 minutes read

Wasps: Beneficial Predators with a Bad Reputation

Introduction

Wasps are often seen as pests that ruin picnics and sting people. However, these insects play a vital role in our ecosystem. They are natural pest controllers and pollinators. By understanding their lifecycle and behavior, we can learn to coexist with wasps and appreciate their benefits.

What Are Wasps?

Wasps are closely related to bees, but they are carnivores. There are over 7,000 species of wasps in the UK. Most wasps are solitary, meaning they live alone and build their own nests. However, some wasps are social, meaning they live in large colonies with a queen and worker wasps.

The Lifecycle of Wasps

  • Solitary Wasps: Solitary wasps mate and then build a small nest in which they lay eggs. The female wasp stocks the nest with insects, grubs, and spiders to feed her young. The female wasp dies after laying her eggs, and her young develop and emerge from the nest on their own.
  • Social Wasps: Social wasps live in colonies with a queen and worker wasps. The queen wasp lays eggs, and the worker wasps gather food to feed the grubs. In return for food, the grubs secrete a sugary solution that the worker wasps drink.

Wasps as Pest Controllers

Wasps are voracious predators of other insects, including caterpillars, aphids, and other garden pests. By eating these pests, wasps help to keep our gardens healthy and productive. Some solitary wasps even specialize in hunting a particular type of insect.

Wasps as Pollinators

Wasps also play a role in pollination. Some wasps have a close relationship with specific flowers, such as figworts and angelica. When these wasps visit the flowers to feed on nectar, they inadvertently transfer pollen between the flowers, helping them to reproduce.

Why Are Wasps Annoying?

Only a few species of wasps are responsible for the problems that we experience in summer. These wasps are typically workers from social wasp colonies. In late summer, when the queen wasp stops laying eggs, the worker wasps are no longer needed to feed the grubs. With no job to do, these wasps become more active and start to seek out sugary foods. This is when they are most likely to come into contact with humans and cause problems.

How to Deter Wasps

There are several things you can do to deter wasps from your home and garden:

  • Avoid leaving sugary foods and drinks unattended.
  • Keep your garbage cans covered.
  • Avoid wearing perfume or scented products in the garden.
  • Hang a fake wasp nest in your garden.
  • Plant wasp-repelling plants, such as mint, basil, and lavender.

How to Remove a Wasp Nest

If wasps are nesting in your home or garden, it is important to remove the nest. However, it is best to leave this task to a professional. Wasps can be aggressive when they feel threatened, and it can be dangerous to try to remove the nest yourself.

Conclusion

Wasps are beneficial insects that play an important role in our ecosystem. By understanding their lifecycle and behavior, we can learn to coexist with wasps and appreciate their benefits. By taking simple steps to deter wasps, we can reduce the likelihood of being stung and enjoy our gardens without fear.

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