Understanding No See Ums and Why They Bite
No see ums, also known as biting midges or sand flies, are tiny flies that can deliver incredibly itchy bites. Though they are usually found near beaches, lakes, and rivers, these tiny pests can sometimes make their way indoors and into bedrooms in search of a blood meal.
Female no see ums need blood in order to develop their eggs. They use their sharp, needle-like mouthparts to pierce skin and draw blood from mammals and birds. Their bites often cause small, red, swollen welts that can itch intensely.
Why No See Ums Bite in Bed
There are a few reasons why you may find no see ums biting in your bed at night:
- Open doors or windows at dusk allow them to fly inside
- They can fly through small openings like torn screens
- Bedrooms are attracted to exhaled carbon dioxide
- They seek out warmth under sheets and blankets
Identifying No See Um Bites
Identifying no see um bites can be tricky since the bites themselves are very small. Typically they will appear as small red dots or welts on exposed skin. They can be seen singularly or in groups of small red bumps. The bites usually cause severe itching disproportionate to the size of the bite.
How to Get Rid of No See Ums in the Bedroom
Getting control of no see ums starts with understanding their habits and life cycle. Female no see ums lay their eggs in moist soils or mud near water sources. The eggs hatch into larvae which eventually form pupae before emerging as adults. The flies cannot reproduce without access to water.
Here are the most effective ways to clear no see ums out of the bedroom and keep them from biting at night:
Install Tight-Fitting Screens
Start by checking all windows and doors for any gaps or holes in the screens. Tight-fitting screens can help block entry points into the bedroom. Make sure you repair any tears right away.
Use a Fan at Night
Run a fan on low speed and aim it towards the bed. The gentle airflow will make it harder for no see ums to reach exposed skin. Just enough breeze will blow them away without drying out the air.
Apply an Insect Repellent
Before going to bed, apply a no see um repellent containing DEET or picaridin. These ingredients effectively deter biting insects. Apply the repellent generously on exposed skin and reapply if necessary during the night.
Set Up a Fly Trap
Place a small fan nearby and set a bowl with water, sugar and yeast underneath. The concoction will lure and trap no see ums overnight. Just remember to clean it out in the morning.
Seal Off Entry Points
Carefully seal any small openings like cracks, crevices or holes where pipes meet walls. This will close off access routes into the bedroom. Apply weatherstripping and caulk for the tightest seal.
Repelling No See Ums Inside
In addition to keeping them outside, certain steps can also be taken to repel any indoor no see ums and prevent bites at night:
Burn Repellent Candles
Burning citronella or eucalyptus scented candles releases natural oils that drive away no see ums. Place a few candles around the room, especially near the bed for maximum impact.
Sleep With a Fan On
Run a ceiling fan on low speed or place a box fan nearby to create just enough of a light breeze. This will prevent no see ums from landing and biting exposed skin.
Use Essential Oils
Dilute eucalyptus, lavender, lemon or vanilla essential oils with water and apply lightly to skin. You can also let oils diffuse into the air overnight to repel pests.
Stay Under Bed Netting
Protect your bed with mosquito netting draped from ceiling to floor. Make sure it is tightly tucked under the mattress so no see ums cannot reach exposed skin through gaps or openings.
Treating No See Um Bites
While prevention is ideal, treating bites quickly can help manage irritation. Here are some effective remedies if you do wake up with bites:
Apply a Corticosteroid Cream
Hydrocortisone cream containing 1% corticosteroid can help reduce inflammation and itching from bites. Apply a small dab directly on the bites up to 3 times daily.
Take an Oral Antihistamine
Over-the-counter antihistamines like loratadine or cetirizine will relieve swelling, redness and itching systemically. Follow dosage instructions on the package.
Use a Cold Compress
Wrap an ice pack or cold towel on the bites for 10-15 minutes to numb nerve endings and dull the urge to scratch. Reapply as needed for continued relief.
Try Natural Anti-Itch Oils
Applying a few drops of coconut, jojoba or calendula oil can hydrate skin and ease itching caused by bites. Lavender and tea tree oils also have anti-inflammatory effects.
Seeing a doctor is recommended if irritation persists beyond a few days or you develop signs of infection like oozing pus, red streaks, swelling or fever.
With smart preventative measures to block access, repel indoor flies and treat bites, getting a full night of sleep without no see um interruptions is possible. Consistency both inside the home and out is the key to successfully keeping these pests from biting in bed.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.
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