Midges: They're Annoying, But Are They Dangerous?

No-See-Ums, Sand Flies, Midges: How Dangerous Are Their Bites?

As soon as spring hits each your, you know that they are coming. The sand flies, midges, no-see-ums… it doesn’t matter what you call them… they are coming. These tiny little mosquito-like nuisances can seem to swarm around you, especially in areas close to the marsh or the beach. They are also known as blind mosquitoes because they buzz around you just the same as any other mosquito they just don’t bite as much. So while midges may not leave you itching days later, they still are likely to drive you back indoors.

While these pesky insects are annoying, are no-see-ums dangerous in Florida?

When No-See-Ums Do Bite

Let us point out that when we say midges don’t bite as much, it means that  sometimes they do and that’s important to know.

Sand flies and no-see-ums can transmit disease, although it is rare.

The disease is called Bartonella bacilliformis or Carrion’s disease. The CDC says that it only exists in the higher elevations of South America however, as we know, vector-borne diseases can travel. We had a client who recently shared with us that her child became ill from a no-see-um bite.

The symptoms of Bartonella come in two phases. First comes fever, headache, muscle aches, abdominal aches, and anemia, this phase is called Oroya fever.

Next, come lesions that appear under the skin as nodular growths. They are red and purple bubbles through the skin that are prone to ulceration and bleeding. For people with a compromised immune system, there is the possibility of two other complications: Bacillary angiomatosis, which causes lesions on skin, tissue, bone, and other organs and Subacute endocarditis, which is an infection of the heart valve. Bartonella is treated with antibiotics and can be fatal if it goes untreated. The bacterium can also be persistent and resurface over time, long after a bite from that midge, no-see-um, or sand fly. 

Sand Fly Protection

Infection from a midge maybe very rare, but that doesn’t change the fact that they are incredibly annoying and nobody wants them to ruin their outdoor time this season. That’s where Mosquito Squad of Northeast Florida comes in. Our barrier treatment is the simplest way for you to keep midges out of your yard.It eliminates 95% of them on contact. There is no reason to deal with sand flies this summer, let’s talk about what we can do for you. The consultation is free and we look forward to helping you have a pest-free summer. 

Call us today at (904) 844-0816 or contact us online for control services targeting no-see-ums, midges, and sand flies in Florida.