No-See-Ums in Central Arkansas
The biting midges or no-see-ums are found in the United States and are a significant human pest. These pests are found primarily in farming operations and coastal areas, these small gnats feed on warm-blooded vertebrates. These gnats are frequently confused with black flies as they have similar bites. The female midges bite as they need protein from blood to produce their eggs. Due to the need for blood, biting midges will attack all types of animals, including birds, livestock, amphibians, and reptiles. The Native Americans from Maine designated the name as “no-see-ums” as they have a bite that is out of proportion with their size.
No-See-Um Habitat
The natural habitats of no-see-ums and biting midges vary by species. These flies breed in coastal salt marshes, mud-caked flatlands, freshwater areas, and damp holes in trees. Breeding places are often in densely shaded areas at the edge of grass marshes. Their favorite locations are near decaying leaves that are protected from the heat of the sun. Adult midges prefer to lay their eggs in wet organic matter, such as mud around settling ponds on livestock operations, decaying leaf litter, manure, and other vegetation.
No-See-Um Behaviors, Threats, or Dangers
No-see-ums or biting midges are described as annoying pests. Fortunately, they are not known to transmit any diseases to humans but can transmit diseases to animals. When experiencing a bite from the gnat, many don’t notice the bite itself but it will cause intense itching and welts. In North America, the most dangerous disease that is transmitted by biting midges is the bluetongue virus. This virus causes serious diseases in cattle and sheep that can potentially lead to death.
Contact your local fly exterminator for assistance with no-see-ums or midges.
