Learn to Control Sand Flies, No-See-Ums, Midges, or Biting Gnats Indoors

By DoMyOwn staff

Overview

Sand Flies, No-see-ums, Midges, Punkies, Biting Gnats - Control them Indoors

Sand flies, no-see-ums, midges, punkies, and biting gnats are common names that are often used interchangeably to describe small biting flies. This type of pest can be especially annoying to people and pets once they have invaded a home.

Sand Fly Habits and Behavior

These insects do not truly infest a home as they do not reproduce in the indoor environment, but they may still be abundant inside if their breeding site is close by. Unfortunately the breeding sites for these flies are so numerous and varied, it is difficult to eliminate them all. These tiny pests are small enough to crawl through the average window screen and fit through cracks and crevices around windows and door frames.

Biting indoor flies are able to produce a very painful bite out of proportion to their size. With some species of fly the bite symptoms may last several hours or up to several days causing major discomfort.

Sand Fly Management

You can help prevent these flies from entering your home by spraying a barrier application of Talstar, Tempo, Demand, or Suspend, paying special attention to window frames, window screens, door frames, and cracks and crevices that may be used as points of entry. A screen with a very fine mesh (smaller than 16 mesh) will help prevent entry. Additionally, it may be helpful to keep ceiling fans and window fans on at high speeds to keep insects out of small areas.

If flies have already entered your home and you need immediate control, use Microcare, P.I. Aerosol, or EcoPco ACU. These products offer fast knockdown and kill of flying insects and can offer immediate relief.