What To Wear, Spray, and Do To Keep No-See-Ums From Biting You In Minnesota

You know summer has officially started in Minnesota when the annoying no-see-um bugs start attacking you.  And these biting gnats are brutal.

If you aren't protected in some way, no-see-ums will keep coming after you and their bites are tiny but mighty.  In fact, they can leave marks on your body up to two weeks.

After sitting on my deck last night and getting attacked non-stop, I needed relief from the constant bites and finally went inside.  I hopped onto the internet and immediately started looking for ways to get some repel these bugs for the future.  I did find a few tips...and since I know others in Minnesota are getting attacked by these bugs too, I thought I'd share them with you so the humans can start winning this battle.

READ MORE: 4 Colors To Avoid Wearing Unless You Love Mosquitoes

Items You Can Buy To Spray To Help Keep No-See-Ums (The Biting Gnats) Away From You

Tip #1  Use DEET - look for the solution that is 20%+ for the most effective option

Tip #2 Use Picaridin - if you want an option that is away from DEET, this is the next best choice

Note on these options - no-see-ums are small enough that most bug sprays won't phase them.  The concentration you get matters, so pay attention to those labels if you are looking for true relief from the bites.

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Items You Should Wear To Keep No-See-Ums (The Biting Gnats) Away From You

Tip #1 - Pick clothes that are light-colored and tightly woven.  Unfortunately, these bugs can bite through loose fabric so this is an important point to follow.

Tip #2 - Add some extra protection to your clothes.  You can treat clothes with permethrin - which is a repellent for these bugs.

What You Should Do Around Your Yard To Help Repel No-See-Ums (The Biting Gnats)

Tip #1 - Eliminate standing water and moist soil.  The no-see-ums breed in these environments.

Tip #2 - Add fans to your outside sitting areas.  It seems like a simple thing but these bugs are weak flyers and a fan helps keep them away.

Tip #3 - Add citronella (plants or candles) to your outside environment.  This won't stop a swarm but will help a little.

What You Should Do Around Your Home To Help Repel No-See-Ums (The Biting Gnats)

Tip #1 - Add no-see-um screens to the windows that you open regularly.  These have smaller mesh areas than a regular window screen.

Tip #2 - Consider staying indoors with no-see-ums are most active.  This is typically at dawn and dusk.

What To Do To Help Relieve The Bites From No-See-Ums (The Biting Gnats)

If you have become one of the favorite people that no-see-ums attack, you already know that their bites are painful.  Unfortunately, the pain and swelling from these small bites can last for two weeks.

For those who are looking for ways to get relief, check the tips provided here.

READ MORE: Tips To Help Relieve The Pain From No-See-Ums (The Biting Gnats) in Minnesota