Recognize the Flying Insects Biting Santa Clarita Residents
We’ve all been there…
You spend a day outside in your backyard, playing with your kids, hosting a family BBQ, or even relaxing by the pool. And later that evening, you realize: a bug (one you never even noticed!) has snacked all over your legs, leaving you with red, unseemly, itchy bites on your ankles.
Bug bites often go hand-in-hand with the great outdoors, but with the right preparation and care, you can mitigate the number of flying insects feasting on your family.
We’ll go over everything you need to know about two of the worst pests in Santa Clarita, No-See-Ums and Ankle Biters…and what steps you can take to keep them away from your property.
No-See-Ums in Santa Clarita
Why Are They Called No-See-Ums?
No-See-Ums (or biting midges) are called that for a reason – they’re tiny flying insects that are so small, they’re practically impossible to spot. But though you may not notice them flying around, you’ll definitely notice the mark they leave – itchy bites on legs or other exposed skin.
No-See-Um bites leave a small red dot right away, which may expand to a raised, itchy, mildly painful 1-2 diameter welt. Since No-See-Ums travel in large groups and often bite multiple times, you may notice a cluster of bites in one spot.
Since No-See-Ums are so small, they’re hard to swat away or keep out of your home. In fact, they’re even small enough to get through screens on your windows and doors. If you got a No-See-Um bite while in your home or backyard, that may be a sign that a group of them have made a home in your neighborhood and will be back for more.
What Time of Year Do No-See-Ums Come Out?
No-See-Ums cause a lot of damage for a small fly that only lives 2-7 weeks. They are more prevalent in summer but are a year-round problem for Santa Clarita residents. And we aren’t the only city struggling with these flying terrors; in fact, they aren’t even native to the West Coast. No-See-Ums have earned the monikers “punkies” in the northeast, “50’s” in the southeast, and “pinyon gnats” in the southwest. Our friends in Canada have likewise taken to calling them “moose flies” because they swarm and make outdoor activities unbearable.
Are No-See-Ums Dangerous?
The good news: They are not known to spread diseases that harm humans. The bad news: They can infect animals with diseases, such as epizootic hemorrhagic disease and blue tongue.
The Aedes Mosquito in Santa Clarita
Why Do Ankle Biters Bite Ankles?
Mosquitoes are hardly new to Santa Clarita, but they’ve definitely gotten worse in recent years. Around 2011, a non-native mosquito species called the Aedes Mosquito made its way to California and has been wreaking havoc on outdoor events ever since.
Commonly known as Ankle Biters, these annoying mosquitos typically feed during daylight hours. They leave bites similar to other mosquito bites – flat, puffy welts that are very itchy but tend to go away rather quickly if you don’t scratch (good luck).
You might think that any old insect who leaves a bite on your ankles is an Ankle Biter. But Ankle Biters usually refer to a specific type of mosquito that notoriously leaves multiple bites on the lower leg. They target our ankles and feet because they are less likely to get swatted away.
If you got a bite from an Ankle Biter while on your property, this may be a sign that a group of mosquitos has made a home in your shady yard. To avoid future bites, it’s best to eradicate them right away
How to Get Rid of No-See-Ums & Ankle Biters
Insect repellent can help you avoid No-See-Um and mosquito bites… but avoiding bug bites is only half the battle. If you’ve noticed No-See-Ums and Ankle Biters on your property, rest assured you don’t have to live with them. It’s YOUR home – take it back!
No-See-Ums and Ankle Biters are flying insects, which makes widespread control impossible. Fortunately, there are a few steps you can take to help minimize contact with them inside and around your home. And if you need a few DIY itch reliever for those bites, check out 5 Home Remedies to Soothe Mosquito Bites.
Home Remedies for No-See-Ums and Ankle Biters:
- Apply mosquito repellent to any exposed skin before going outside.
- Avoid being outside during dawn and dusk – this timeframe is when No-See-Ums are the most active.
- Install screens (smaller than 16-mesh insect wire) on windows and porches.
- No-See-Ums are clumsy fliers with weak stamina, so use ceiling and portable fans to help with interior infestations.
Eliminate Standing Water Sources Inside & Outside Your Home:
- Dump and drain containers filled with water.
- Be mindful of flowerpot saucers and plants that hold water (bamboo, bromeliads).
- Do not share or transport plant stems rooted in water.
- Clean and scrub bird baths and pet water bowls at least once a week.
- Dry/fix cracks around your sink where water can pool.
Need Pest Control? Get the Best!
If you live in Santa Clarita, No Bugs Termite and Pest Control, Inc is your choice for pest control solutions that are safer, more organic, and highly effective. Our Santa Clarita mosquito control experts can inspect your property for objects that attract flying insects, determine personalized treatment options, and help you enjoy a property that is less hospitable for flying insects like No-See-Ums and Ankle Biters.
