To make sure your trap is as effective as possible, position it near your front door or somewhere else where no see ums are likely to get inside, such as a screened-in porch mudroom. C02 traps are available online and at all major home improvement and gardening centers. However, these products range in price from $300 to $1,500, which might make them prohibitively expensive.
Going hunting for no see ums may be a lost cause—these minuscule critters are translucent, and often no more than 2–5 millimetres (0. 079–0. 197 in) long! Instead, wait for them to show up and make sure you’re ready when they do. Pesticides can provide a short-term fix by killing off adult flies, but they’re not a permanent solution to more serious infestations.
Dish soaps work by reducing the surface tension of liquids, make it impossible for insects to escape once they’re inside. This method can be a little smelly. Situating your vinegar trap near an open window with good ventilation can make it a less less unpleasant to have around.
Exterminators aren’t cheap, but the peace of mind you’ll get from knowing that an infestation has been wiped out completely can be well worth it.
Don’t forget to peek inside any household items you find sitting out, such as buckets or wheelbarrows, to see if they contain stagnant water. [7] X Research source Walk your property about once a week to check for any standing water that might have accumulated. [8] X Expert Source Chris ParkerFounder, Parker Eco Pest Control Expert Interview. 18 February 2021. You may need to have larger bodies of water like ponds and gulches professionally irrigated in order to dry them out for good.
You can buy rolls of mesh screening at any hardware or home improvement store. They come in various sizes, from standard grade window screen all the way down to ultra-fine 20x20 “No See Um Mesh. ”[10] X Research source Inspect your screens regularly to make sure they’re free of holes or tears, and replace damaged sections if necessary. Even the smallest opening may be big enough to admit a tiny no see um. [11] X Expert Source Chris ParkerFounder, Parker Eco Pest Control Expert Interview. 18 February 2021.
If blasting your air conditioner nonstop isn’t an option (say, if it’s winter), switch on a ceiling fan or portable box fan. This will at least keep cool air circulating throughout the room. [13] X Research source Consider investing in a dehumidifier if you live somewhere with above-average humidity levels.
Not only will shutting your lights off make you less visible to no see ums, it will also save you money on your monthly utility bill! Also, shut your curtains at night—the bugs can be attracted to the light coming out fo your windows. [15] X Expert Source Chris ParkerFounder, Parker Eco Pest Control Expert Interview. 18 February 2021.
Always wear tall socks and closed-toed shoes anytime you’re walking near standing water in no see um-infested areas.
If you do find yourself in one of these areas, try not to hang around too long, or your risk of being bitten will increase.
