I. Introduction
Do you find yourself itching and scratching after spending time outside? It could be no see ums, pesky insects that are hard to see but leave behind itchy welts. These tiny insects, also known as biting midges, are common in warm and humid environments.
In this article, we’ll explore different ways to get rid of no see ums. We’ll cover everything from physical barriers to natural remedies, bug sprays, and even DIY traps to help keep these annoying insects at bay.
II. 10 Proven Ways to Keep No See Ums Away from Your Home and Garden
To keep no see ums from invading your home and garden, there are several measures you can take:
A. Implementing physical barriers
One of the most effective ways to keep no see ums away is to implement physical barriers. This can include mosquito netting, screened-in porches, and window screens. If you’re spending time outdoors, consider setting up a canopy or tent with mesh netting to keep insects out.
B. Removing standing water
No see ums are attracted to standing water, so it’s important to remove any sources of stagnant water near your home. This could be as simple as getting rid of any empty planters or buckets that collect water. You should also clean your gutters regularly to prevent water from pooling up.
C. Using essential oils as a repellent
Essential oils such as lavender, citronella, and eucalyptus can help repel no see ums. You can apply them directly to your skin or dilute them in a carrier oil such as coconut oil. You can also use essential oil diffusers to create a no see um-free zone in your home.
D. Using fans to keep no see ums at bay
No see ums are weak fliers, so using fans can be an effective way to keep them away. Consider installing outdoor fans on your porch or patio, or bring indoor fans outside. The wind they create will help keep the insects away from your skin.
E. Installing bug screens
Bug screens are an effective way to keep no see ums out of your home. Make sure to regularly inspect and repair any damaged screens, and consider adding screens to doors as well.
III. Natural Remedies That Actually Work Against No See Ums
When it comes to natural remedies for preventing no see um bites, there are several options:
A. Using neem oil
Neem oil is a natural insecticide that works against a variety of pests, including no see ums. Dilute the oil in water or a carrier oil and apply it to your skin. You can also use neem oil as a spray for your home and garden.
B. Applying apple cider vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is a natural insect repellent that can help keep no see ums away. Apply it directly to your skin or mix it with water to create a spray. You can also add a few drops of essential oils such as lavender or tea tree oil to boost its effectiveness.
C. Utilizing lavender
Lavender is known for its calming scent, but it’s also a natural insect repellent. You can use lavender essential oil directly on your skin or add a few drops to a diffuser to repel no see ums from your home.
D. Making a garlic and lemon juice solution
Garlic and lemon juice are both natural insect repellents. Blend one bulb of garlic with two cups of water, strain the mixture, and add two tablespoons of lemon juice. Spray the solution around your home and garden to keep no see ums away.
E. Using Citronella
Citronella is a natural essential oil that has been used for centuries to repel insects. You can apply it directly to your skin, diffuse it in a diffuser, or burn citronella candles to keep no see ums away.
IV. The Top 5 Bug Sprays for Getting Rid of No See Ums
If natural remedies aren’t effective enough, bug sprays can also help. Here are five effective bug sprays for getting rid of no see ums:
A. Review of bug sprays and their effectiveness
When choosing a bug spray, it’s important to look for one that specifically targets no see ums. Look for sprays that contain permethrin or DEET, which are effective against biting insects.
B. Pros and cons of each spray
Each bug spray has its pros and cons. DEET-based sprays are highly effective but can be harsh on the skin. Natural sprays may not be as effective, but they’re safer for the environment.
C. Recommendations for best bug sprays
The best bug spray for you will depend on your personal preferences and needs. Some effective options include Off! Deep Woods Insect Repellent, 3M Ultrathon Insect Repellent, and Sawyer Products Premium Insect Repellent. Do your research and find the one that works best for you.
V. How to Make Your Own DIY No See Um Trap with Common Household Items
You can also make your own no see um trap using household items:
A. Materials needed to make the trap
You’ll need a plastic bottle, scissors, tape, sugar, and yeast to make a DIY no see um trap.
B. Step-by-step instructions on constructing the trap
Cut the top off the plastic bottle and flip it upside down. Mix 1 cup of sugar with 1 cup of warm water and pour it into the bottom of the bottle. Add 1/4 teaspoon of yeast and tape the top of the bottle back on. The yeast will create carbon dioxide, which attracts no see ums.
C. Tips for maintaining the trap
Replace the sugar and yeast mixture every two weeks to keep the trap effective. Place the trap in areas where no see ums are most active, such as near standing water or outdoor dining areas.
VI. Effective Home Remedies for No See Ums
Here are a few more home remedies to try:
A. Homemade repellent recipes
You can make your own no see um repellent by mixing essential oils such as peppermint, tea tree, and lemongrass with water or a carrier oil. Use a 1:10 ratio of essential oils to water or oil.
B. Using tea tree oil
Tea tree oil is a natural insecticide that can help keep no see ums away. Dilute it with water or a carrier oil and apply to your skin or clothing.
C. Utilizing eucalyptus
Eucalyptus is another natural insect repellent that can help keep no see ums away. Mix eucalyptus oil with water or a carrier oil and apply it to your skin.
D. Using vanilla extract
Vanilla extract has a strong scent that can help repel no see ums. Mix it with water and apply to your skin as needed.
E. Making an aloe vera spray
Aloe vera has soothing properties that can help relieve itching from bites. Mix aloe vera gel with water and apply it to bites or use it as a repellent spray.
VII. Tips and Tricks for Preventing No See Ums from Invading Your Home and Yard
Here are a few more tips for keeping no see ums away:
A. Keeping outdoor areas clean
No see ums are attracted to overripe fruit and other decaying matter. Keep outdoor areas clean and free of debris to reduce the number of insects in the area.
B. Proper maintenance of screens and doors
Properly maintaining screens and doors can help keep insects out of your home. Regularly check for holes or tears in screens and repair them promptly.
C. Clearing out overgrown vegetation
No see ums thrive in outdoor areas with overgrown vegetation. Keep your lawn trimmed and remove any overgrowth around your home.
D. Proper clothing choices to avoid bites
Wear light-colored and loose-fitting clothing to cover your skin and reduce the risk of bites.
E. Applying repellent when outdoors
If you’re spending time outdoors, apply insect repellent to exposed skin or clothing to keep no see ums away.
VIII. Conclusion
There are many different ways to get rid of no see ums, from physical barriers to natural remedies, bug sprays, and DIY traps. Try a few of these methods to see what works best for you and use caution when using insecticides or other chemicals. With a little effort, you can enjoy your outdoor space without the annoyance of no see ums.
Remember to maintain screens and barriers around your home and to keep outdoor areas clean. No see ums are a nuisance, but with the right approach, you can keep them away from your home and garden.
