What Do No See Um Bugs Look Like? Pictures, Bites, and Identification

What Do No See Um Bugs Look Like? Pictures and Identification

No see ums, also called biting midges, are tiny insects that can inflict painfully itchy bites. Their diminutive size makes them hard to spot, so what do these mysterious bugs look like? Keep reading for photos and tips for identifying no see ums.

Why Are They Called No See Ums?

No see ums get their name from being virtually invisible. At only 1-3 mm long, they're too small to see with the naked eye. You may feel their bite, but never see the actual bug.

Their tiny size allows them to sneak through mosquito netting and other barriers. No see ums are best identified by the irritating bites they leave behind.

No See Um vs Gnats

Gnats and no see ums appear almost identical. Both are tiny flying insects that inflict itchy, painful bites. However, there are some subtle differences:

• Gnats range from 1-5 mm long, while no see ums max out at 3 mm.
• Gnats have a dark brown or black hue, versus the orange/red color of no see ums.
• No see ums have a humpbacked appearance, while gnats look similar to mosquitoes.
• Gnats primarily bite during the day, but no see ums feed at dawn and dusk.

Without seeing the actual insect that bit you, it can be tricky to identify gnats vs. no see ums. Assume either bug is the culprit if you notice small, itchy bumps after time outdoors.

What Do No See Um Bites Look Like?

No see um bites share some common characteristics, although reactions can vary by individual:

• Small bumps in clusters or lines
• Raised, red, and swollen welts
• Itchy and irritating
• Can resemble mosquito or flea bites
• Last up to 2 weeks

The pattern of multiple bites close together helps distinguish them from bites by other insects. Let's examine no see um bites more closely.

Size of Bites

Each individual no see um bite measured on its own is small, typically 1-3 mm across. This reflects the minute size of the insect's mouthparts.

However, the close grouping of numerous bites together results in large, swollen areas of skin. The affected area may span several inches across, with dozens of tiny individual bumps merging together.

Shape of Bites

Up close, each bite appears as a round, raised welt. The clustered pattern of multiple circular bumps sometimes resembles braille lettering on the skin.

As bites become swollen and inflamed, they can take on more irregular shapes. Deep scratching may also distort their appearance.

Color of Bites

Initially, no see um bites look bright red as blood rushes to the irritated skin. Over the next few days, the bumps turn a darker burgundy red.

Eventually fluid leaks into the bite and they develop a pale red/pink hue with a small water blister in the center. Healing bites fade to a bruise-like purplish color.

Areas Bitten

No see ums target exposed skin, often concentrating on the following areas:

• Legs
• Ankles
• Feet
• Arms
• Hands

They can bite through thin fabrics, so covered areas like the neck and back may also be affected if clothing is tight and snug.

Pictures of No See Um Bites

Pictures are the best way to get an accurate idea of how no see um bites look. Here are some photos of typical bites people experience:

Close Ups of Bites

This close up shows the small red bumps and welts characteristic of no see um bites. Each is only 1-2 mm wide. The numerous clustered bites result in a large impacted area.

Another example of multiple, itchy no see um bites on an ankle. The grouping pattern and tiny red bumps help distinguish them from other insects.

Bites on Legs and Ankles

This is a common place to get bitten, as no see ums target exposed skin. Many small bites often merge into larger red areas and swollen welts.

Another photo showing numerous bites concentrated around the ankles and feet. The itchy bumps often wrap entirely around the ankle bone.

Arm and Hand Bites

The hands and arms are also prime targets, since they are frequently left uncovered outdoors. Bites may span the entire wrist, hand, and fingernails.

In some cases, severe no see um bites can look like a skin rash. The arm may develop swollen, red marks over large surface areas.

How to Tell If It's No See Um Bites

Putting together clues from when, where and how you were bitten along with the appearance of bumps can help confirm no see ums as the culprit:

Timing

No see ums bite mainly around dawn and dusk, unlike mosquitoes that feed any time. Bites that appear after sunrise or before sunset point to no see ums.

Location

Are there bodies of water nearby? No see ums breed in muddy lake or swampy areas. Proximity supports them as the source.

Grouped Bites

The clustered pattern of tiny, red, itchy bumps is classic for no see ums. A dozen or more bites in one spot indicates these insects.

Repeated Exposure

If the same areas are bitten repeatedly when spending time in the same outdoor environment, it likely means no see ums live there.

Visibility

Not seeing any bugs on your skin prior to bites points to no see ums as the perpetrators.

Where Do No See Um Bugs Live?

No see ums thrive in hot, humid climates. Their larvae depend on water to breed:

• Coastal beaches and marshes
• Lakesides
• Swamps and wetlands
• Slow moving streams and canals

Adults remain close to these water sources. Distance from water needed to bite varies by species, but some travel up to several miles.

In the U.S., no see ums plague coastal states in the Southeast like Florida, Georgia, South Carolina and Louisiana. They also inhabit the Great Lakes region.

Worldwide Range

No see ums live on every continent except Antarctica. Regions with high populations include:

• Central America
• South America
• Sub-Saharan Africa
• Southern Europe
• South Asia
• Southeast Asia
• Australia

Any tropical, subtropical or temperate area near water sources provides potential no see um habitat.

No See Um Bite Prevention

Avoiding no see um bites requires keeping away from areas they inhabit or taking preventive measures:

Avoid Dawn and Dusk

Stay indoors during peak feeding times - the hour after sunrise and before sunset. This is when no see ums are most active.

Eliminate Standing Water

Drain or fill in any sources of standing water on your property to disrupt breeding. This includes old tires, buckets, and stagnant bird baths.

Protective Clothing

Wear light-colored, long sleeve shirts and pants when outdoors to create a barrier. Tuck pants into socks.

Insect Repellent

Apply EPA-approved repellents like DEET or picaridin directly on skin and clothing for protection.

Fans

Use ceiling fans indoors or stand fans outdoors to help deter no see ums with air currents.

Screened Shelters

Stay in screened-in structures like porches to enjoy being outside while shielded from biting insects.

Treating No See Um Bites

To ease discomfort from bites try:

• Anti-itch creams
• Cold compresses
• Antihistamines like Benadryl
• Hydrocortisone cream
• Oral steroids for severe swelling

Avoid scratching bites to prevent infection. See a doctor for bites that worsen or become filled with pus.

Conclusion

While no see ums themselves remain invisible to the naked eye, the irritating bites they leave behind are all too apparent. Understanding what these distinctive bites look like helps identify no see ums as the culprit.

Look for telltale clusters of small, red, swollen welts near lakes or marshy habitats. Avoiding their dawn and dusk feeding times, eliminating breeding grounds, and protecting skin can help reduce painful encounters with these tiny pests.

Though no see ums go unseen, recognizing the signs of their bothersome bites at least provides answers and aids treatment after you have been bitten.

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.