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Pest Education • DFW Pest Control
No-See-Um Control in DFW
No-see-ums are tiny biting midges that deliver an outsized bite near water at dusk. Learn how to reduce them around patios and yards.
Family-OwnedVeteran-OwnedSince 2016
Reviewed and updated June 2026
At a Glance
No-see-ums are tiny biting midges that breed in moist soil and water edges and bite at dawn and dusk. Moisture control and fans help most.
Quick Facts
- Look: Nearly invisible biting midges
- Bite: Painful, itchy; often at dawn and dusk
- Breeds: Moist soil, mud, water edges
- Concern: Slip through standard window screens
What Are No-See-Ums?
No-see-ums, or biting midges, are tiny flies so small they can pass through ordinary window screens, yet their bite is sharp and itchy out of proportion to their size. Like mosquitoes, it is the females that bite.
They are most active at dawn and dusk and breed in moist soil, mud, and the edges of ponds, drainage, and other water, so properties near water often see more of them.
How to Reduce No-See-Ums
No-see-um control overlaps with mosquito management: reduce damp breeding habitat, protect outdoor spaces, and use airflow to keep these weak fliers away.
- Reduce standing water and damp organic matter near outdoor living areas.
- Use fans on patios; midges are weak fliers and avoid moving air.
- Use fine 'no-see-um' mesh screening where standard screens fail.
- Use EPA-registered repellents per the label and consider yard treatment near harborage.
Treat the Source
Match the approach to the pest and conditions, not just the ones you see.
Explore services →Prevent Return
Reduce moisture, food, and entry points so the problem does not come back.
Request an estimate →Treatments are selected and applied per their labels. Tell us about children, pets, edible gardens, beehives, and other sensitive areas before service, and follow all preparation and re-entry instructions. More on pet- and pollinator-conscious treatment →
Common Questions
Why can't I see what's biting me?
No-see-ums are tiny biting midges, often nearly invisible, that can slip through standard screens. The bite is far more noticeable than the insect.
When are no-see-ums most active?
Typically at dawn and dusk, similar to some mosquitoes, especially near water, damp soil, and drainage.
How do I keep no-see-ums away?
Reduce damp breeding habitat, run patio fans, use fine no-see-um mesh, apply EPA-registered repellent, and consider yard treatment near harborage.
Sources & Further Reading
Guidance changes over time. Follow current product labels and local recommendations. This page is educational and is not medical advice.
Need Help With No-See-Um?
Call or email for a free estimate. We’ll recommend an approach that fits your property.