**Noseeum Midges** (Ceratopogonidae family, sometimes called Biting Midges, sand flies, or punkies) are minute, dark, biting flies that are a severe **nuisance pest** in warm, humid, and coastal environments. They are known for their ability to pass through standard window screens due to their tiny size. The conflict is the painful bite they inflict, which causes intense localized itching, redness, and sometimes a long-lasting, allergic reaction (similar to a mosquito bite), severely limiting outdoor activity.
Taxonomy and Classification
Noseeum Midges belong to the order Diptera (flies). They undergo complete metamorphosis. Only the **female** midges bite mammals, needing a blood meal for egg development. They are difficult to detect, as they often bite in swarms, and the victim only feels the irritating reaction after the bite has occurred.
Physical Description
Adult Noseeum Midges are extremely small, 1/16 inch long.
- **Appearance (Key ID):** Too small to be seen clearly by the naked eye, appearing as a tiny black speck. They often have speckled or patterned wings (visible under magnification).
- **Behavior (Key ID):** The bite is felt but the insect is rarely seen. They are most active at dawn, dusk, and on cloudy, humid days, often favoring calm, windless conditions.
- **Conflict:** Severe nuisance, intense biting, and allergic skin reactions. They are also known to vector some viruses and parasites in specific tropical regions.
Distribution and Habitat
Noseeum Midges are found globally, concentrated near coasts, marshes, swamps, and damp, muddy environments where the larvae breed. They are particularly problematic in Florida, the Gulf Coast, and the Caribbean.
Behavior and Conflict
The conflict is intense, localized irritation and population density.
- **Screen Penetration:** Their extremely small size allows them to easily pass through standard window screen mesh (18×18 threads per inch), requiring specialized, finer mesh screening (e.g., 32×32).
- **Persistent Biting:** They are highly persistent in seeking a blood meal, often swarming and landing silently on exposed skin.
- **Allergic Reaction:** The reaction to the midge’s saliva can be more severe than a typical mosquito bite, sometimes forming large, itchy welts that persist for days.
Management and Prevention
Control is integrated pest management (IPM), focusing on exclusion and personal protection.
- Use fine-mesh screening (32-mesh or finer) on windows and doors.
- Ensure window and door seals are tight.
- Minimize standing water and overly saturated soil near structures.
- Apply EPA-approved repellents (DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus), which are effective.
- Wear light-colored, long-sleeved clothing during peak activity times (dusk/dawn).
- Area fogging can offer temporary relief but must be managed by professional pest control operators or mosquito control districts.
Conservation and Research
Noseeum Midges are managed as a severe nuisance pest. Research focuses on improving larval source reduction in marshes, developing effective personal protection measures, and understanding their potential role in vectoring diseases outside of current known high-risk areas.