Inundated With Small Black Biting Bugs This Summer – What Are They?

You may or may not have noticed this very hot and humid summer that there have been an influx of little black bugs.  And they seem to bite too!  Not all the time, but every so often there's like a pinch feeling, and there's one of those little bugs.  They are bigger than a gnat.  What are they?

HAVE YOU NOTICED MORE OF THESE LITTLE BLACK BUGS IN YOUR AREA

We happen to have a pool on our property, and I have never seen so many of those little bugs around as I have this Summer.  Cleaning out the pool seems completely useless. Clean it out, and about a half an hour later there are a ton of them again.  Mostly dead - probably drowned.

THESE LITTLE PESTS SEEM TO BE EXTRA HEAVY THIS YEAR MORE THAN OTHERS

So, what are they and why are they so bad this year?

Turns out, after some research, that they are No-See-Ums. Otherwise known as Biting Midges or Punkies.  Punkies are the ones that we mostly see here in Minnesota.

These little pests can make a great day in the water - lake or river or in a pool less than desireable.

So - how do you get rid of the other than just trying to keep them away from yourself?

HERE ARE SOME REMEDIES THAT HAVE BEEN SUGGESTED

The easiest thing is to run some fans outside.  The breeze will help keep them away.  It's been very hot, humid and not much breeze which is perfect for these little pests to come and terrorize you.  So, the fan is the easiest thing.  Also - make sure that trees and bushes around the area are trimmed.  That can be hard if you live near a wooded area like I do.  Finally, try a barrier spray. Treat the surrounding lawn and shrubs with a professional-grade residual insecticide or natural essential oil sprays (like lemongrass or peppermint)

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I'm going to try any and all of these suggestions.  Hopefully it works and maybe help someone else out too.