You might not know what a no see um looks like because of its tiny size, but if one bites, you won’t miss it! The no see um is a bloodsucker many times smaller than a mosquito, but with a bite inversely more painful. The sting from a no see um causes a large welt that can irritate the skin for several days, causing severe itching. It is tiny enough to pass through window screens, making it a nuisance to people and pets.

The scientific name for the no see um is Ceratopogonidae, but it has accumulated many common names. These include the sand flea, sand fly, biting midge and punkie or punky. Common to beaches, wetlands, creek and lakebeds, the no see um purportedly stays within 350 feet (107 meters) of its breeding ground. Therefore, if you find yourself under attack at a camping site, on a picnic or at the beach, moving a short distance can provide relief.

The no see um lays its eggs in standing water, where larvae hatch to feed on dead vegetation. Within a few days, the larva becomes a pupa, then an adult no see um, leaving the nesting grounds in search of food. The no see um is most active at dawn and dusk, and if you are unlucky enough to pass through a dark swarm of these insects, they might fly into the eyes, ears, nose or mouth.

Like the mosquito, it is only the female no see um that requires protein-rich blood meals for egg laying. When a no see um pierces the flesh, it injects a liquid that thins the blood to keep it from clotting, causing irritation and triggering the body’s immune system. Many species of the no see um are found in Alaska, Florida, the southern states, and the California coast, though they can be found anywhere conditions are ideal. The best way to protect yourself from a no see um bite is to stay clear of breeding grounds and empty standing water from yard decorations, empty pots or discarded tires. Insect repellent containing DEET will also help to repel this tiny predator.