Painful no-see-ums are back in SC. Here’s how to deal with them
Whatever you call them: no-see-ums, gnats, biting midges or just outright annoying — these tiny, pesky and itch-causing bugs have once again returned to the Lowcountry this spring.
If you’ve found yourself suddenly scratching your ankles and wondering what invisible menace is attacking, you’re not alone.
As the warmer spring weather creeps in and pollen season is still in full force, more of these tiny critters will be biting at the legs, ankles and arms of unknowing Lowcountry residents and visitors.
These insects thrive in humid, marshy environments and are infamous for their painful bites, which often turn into red, itchy welts that can last for days. Unlike mosquitoes, they don’t just ruin a beach day or backyard dinner, they often strike when you least expect it.
While they might feel unstoppable, there are a few ways to fight back. From sprays, to candles and even swatting the air, here are some tips and tricks to hopefully avoid being bitten this year.
What are no-see-ums & why are they hard to avoid?
Chances are, if you live or have vacationed in the Palmetto State recently, you’ve been bitten by no-see-ums. The bites can last for up to two weeks and appear as small, raised red welts, which are painful and itchy.
No-see-ums are a type of biting midge. Holding true to their Lowcountry namesake, no-see-ums can be tricky to spot. They’re incredibly tiny, usually only growing up to 1 to 3 millimeters long and could fit on the tip of a very sharp pencil.
Their small size lets them fit through standard porch screens and they are often invisible to the naked eye.
They are yellow or gray in color and are most prevalent near sources of water such as swamps, marshes, ponds and the edges of streams. These critters usually congregate in large quantities.
They are most active in the morning hours, early evening and on cloudy days but can be found out and about any time of day.
Both male and female no-see-ums consume nectar and pollen as their primary food source. However, it is solely the females who bite to take in blood. This is necessary for her eggs to fully develop.
What works to avoid bites?
There’s never a shortage of methods and tricks to help get rid of Lowcountry pests, but some work better than others. Here’s a breakdown of the most common remedies from Barrier Pest Services and how to decide which is right for you.
Thermacell Devices
These battery-operated or butane-powered repellents emit a zone of vapor that confuses bugs. They’re especially effective for stationary activities like grilling, reading on the porch or watching a game outside.
You can find these devices on Amazon, ACE Hardware and thermacell.com.
Yellow Bug Lights
A more budget-friendly option for stationary purposes, yellow bug lights can be used to replace standard outdoor lights. These emit a wavelength that is less attractive to no-see-ums and other flying insects.
These lightbulbs are available on Amazon, ACE Hardware, Home Depot, Walmart and other home improvement stores.
No Natz Spray
If you prefer chemical and/or DEET-free bug sprays, No Natz uses essential oils like citronella, lemongrass and geranium. It’s favored for its pleasant scent, being pet-friendly and skin-friendliness. It’s often seen as a good choice for kids or those avoiding harsh chemicals and repels mosquitoes, gnats, yellow flies, chiggers and other nearby biting insects. It’s recommended to reapply every 1 to 2 hours.
No Natz can be purchased online at nonatz.com, Amazon, ACE Hardware, Home Depot and other home improvement locations.
DEET-Based Repellents (Like OFF! Deep Woods Spray)
One of the more effective options, particularly in high-bug environments, is DEET-based bug repellants. They offer stronger coverage, but not everyone loves the smell or feel. These kinds of sprays can provide wearers up to 8 hours of protection against mosquitoes and other biting insects.
Products like OFF Deep Woods and other repellent sprays can be found on Amazon, Walmart, ACE Hardware, Target, Kroger, Home Depot and other stores in the Lowcountry.
Apple Cider Vinegar
If you’re a DIY person, you can put out a bowl of apple cider vinegar mixed with water and a splash of dish soap. The vinegar draws the bugs in, while the dish soap cuts the surface tension so they sink when they land on the surface.
Dish soap and apple cider vinegar can be found at your grocery store of choice.
Wear long, loose clothes
This option may be less than ideal in warm weather for some, but wearing loose-fitting, long sleeves and pants can help cover vulnerable areas. This won’t be 100% effective, but it can certainly help. Your ankles and wrists may still be targeted by the no-see-ums.
Avoid standing water
No-see-ums have the same life cycle as mosquitoes. Meaning, they reproduce and congregate near standing bodies of water. Avoid being near standing water like puddles, bird baths, flooded flower pots, lagoons and other small bodies of water near your home. Limiting any time spent outdoors during rain showers, dawn or dusk hours may help prevent further or future bites.
Upgrade your porch screening
For those seeking a more permanent remedy, upgrading your porch screening may help keep these critters at bay. Due to their size, no-see-ums can get through a standard 16-mesh. For any screened-in area you may have, upgrade your screen and use a smaller grade mesh to prevent any potential entry.
Smaller screening and insect liners can be found at Lowe’s, Home Depot, Amazon and other home improvement locations.
Essential Oils & Citronella Candles
Certain essential oils have repellent properties that can deter no-see-ums.
Citronella, lemongrass, lavender, peppermint and eucalyptus oils are known to be effective. If you use essential oils, dilute them with water and spray the solution on exposed skin and clothing. Citronella candles can also be effective, but results often vary.
Avoid Perfumes and Scented Products
No-see-ums are attracted to scents in perfumes and body products. Avoid using strong fragrances before spending time outdoors.
Plant Insect-Repelling Herbs
If you’ve got a green thumb, you can grow insect-repelling herbs like basil, rosemary and lemongrass around your outdoor sitting areas. These plants naturally emit scents that can keep no-see-ums away.
Use fans
No-see-ums are weak fliers. A good breeze, even from a standing fan, makes it harder for them to land and cause itchy bites.
This story was originally published May 3, 2025 at 6:00 AM.
