No-see-ums, also known as biting midges, sand flies, or punkies, are tiny flying insects that deliver an irritating bite. Measuring only about 1/16 to 1/8 inch in length, these pests are often difficult to spot. Many people who experience their bites indoors wonder if these minuscule insects might be living in their beds.
Do No-See-Ums Live in Your Bed?
No-see-ums do not “live” or infest beds in the same way that bed bugs or fleas do. They are primarily outdoor pests. While they can enter homes and bite individuals in bed, they do not establish permanent colonies or reproduce indoors. Their presence indoors is temporary, as they are transient visitors focused on seeking a blood meal before returning to their outdoor habitats.
No-See-Um Habitats and Life Cycle
No-see-ums thrive in moist, outdoor environments where they complete their life cycle. Their natural breeding grounds include damp soil, muddy areas, marshlands, the edges of ponds and lakes, and water-filled tree holes. Some species are also found in coastal salt marshes and wet sand. These insects undergo complete metamorphosis, passing through four stages: egg, larva, pupa, and adult.
Female no-see-ums require a blood meal to produce eggs, which they lay on moist surfaces. Eggs typically hatch within two to seven days, depending on environmental conditions. The larval stage, where they appear as small, worm-like creatures, can last from two weeks to a year, during which they feed on decaying organic matter. This stage requires moisture. Following the larval stage, they enter a pupal stage, which lasts two to three days, before emerging as adult no-see-ums.
How No-See-Ums Enter Your Home
The small size of no-see-ums allows them to easily enter indoor spaces. They can pass through standard window screens, which typically have a mesh size too large to block them. Gaps under doors, cracks in foundations, or other tiny openings around windows and vents also serve as entry points. No-see-ums can also be inadvertently carried indoors on clothing or pets after spending time outdoors. Their attraction to carbon dioxide, body heat, and certain body scents can draw them toward homes.
Keeping No-See-Ums Out of Your Home
Preventing no-see-ums from entering your home involves several strategies. Install fine-mesh screens on windows and doors, as standard screens often have holes large enough for them to pass through. Screens with a 20×20 mesh or tighter, such as a 30×30 configuration, are recommended to block these tiny insects. Sealing any cracks or gaps around windows, doors, and foundations can further reduce entry points.
Controlling indoor temperature and humidity can make your home less appealing to no-see-ums. Running air conditioning helps, as these insects prefer warm, moist environments and struggle in cooler, drier air. Using fans, whether ceiling or portable, creates airflow that deters their weak flight. Reducing outdoor moisture sources near your home, such as standing water in buckets or clogged gutters, eliminates their breeding sites. Applying insect repellents containing picaridin or permethrin offers personal protection when outdoors.