No matter what you call them, some near-invisible pests can make life miserable at times here in Florida.
Biting midges, also commonly called no-see-ums because of how tiny they are, have been making their presence felt.
Theyre not the only insect making life miserable if you head outside. Rain is bringing mosquitoes back and with them comes the threat of mosquito-borne illness. The Centers for Disease control issued a health alert Tuesday, June 25, warning the public about the record number of dengue cases around the world.
The CDC reported there have been 197 cases of dengue in Florida in 2024. Of those, six were acquired locally, and 191 were travel related.
On the bright side, if there is one, biting midges do not pose a health threat for humans, although they do transmit a parasite. Their primary focus seems to be to annoy us and inflict painful bites, both of which theyre very good at.
Florida’s warm and humid climate makes it a haven for various insects and bugs Many of these bugs can bite or sting, causing reactions ranging from mild irritation to severe allergic responses Knowing how to identify and avoid these biting and stinging pests can help you fully enjoy everything Florida has to offer.
Mosquitoes
Mosquitoes are likely the most infamous biting pest in Florida. The state has over 80 species, with the most common being the southern house mosquito. Mosquitoes need only a small amount of standing water to breed. Common biting areas include the arms, legs, and face. Reactions include red, swollen welts that itch. Mosquitoes can transmit diseases like West Nile virus and Zika Prevent bites by using EPA registered repellents like DEET and wearing lightweight long sleeves and pants when outside.
Chiggers
Chiggers are tiny, often invisible mites that inhabit grassy and wooded areas They attach to the skin and inject enzymes that destroy skin cells, causing intense itching and welts Chiggers often bite in lines along the waist, ankles, or other constricting clothing. Treatment involves washing with soap and water and using topical corticosteroids to relieve itching.
No-See-Ums
No-see-ums, or biting midges, get their name from being so small they’re barely visible. They thrive near water and bite exposed skin, especially around the feet and ankles. Their bites cause red, intensely itchy welts. Avoidance and treating bites with anti-itch creams are key.
Fire Ants
Fire ants are found statewide, especially in lawns, parks, and open areas. Their stings cause a burning sensation and fluid-filled blisters. Those allergic may experience anaphylaxis. Treat stings with cold compresses and topical steroids. Prevent by wearing closed shoes outside and treating mounds with boiling water or ant baits.
Bed Bugs
Bed bugs feed on blood at night and hide in cracks near sleeping areas during the day. Their bites appear as red, itchy welts in zigzag lines. Getting rid of bed bugs requires professional heat treatments and diligent inspection of luggage when traveling.
Fleas
Fleas feed on pets and humans. Their bites look like small red spots, often in clusters around the ankles and legs. Use veterinarian-recommended flea control on pets and treat your home and yard to prevent flea infestations.
Spiders
Most spider bites in Florida are harmless, except for the black widow. Black widow bites cause severe pain, swelling, and nausea. Seek medical care immediately if bitten. Wear gloves when moving debris and inspect shoes and clothing when outdoors to avoid spiders.
Scorpions
Florida has around 6 species of scorpions that can inflict painful stings causing swelling, numbness, and tingling. The bark scorpion is the most venomous. Seek medical attention for severe reactions. Control scorpions by removing debris, yard clutter, and proper sealing of entry points.
Wasps & Hornets
Stings from wasps and hornets are painful and may require medical treatment. Look for nests near structures and avoid wearing sweet-smelling perfumes and bright colors. If stung, apply ice and take oral antihistamines for swelling and itching. Those allergic may require epinephrine.
Centipedes
Centipede bites cause sharp pain, swelling, and bruising. They frequent damp, dark areas. Reduce centipede populations by keeping your home dry, sealing cracks, trimming vegetation, and moving clutter away from the structure’s perimeter.
Lice
Lice live on the scalp and skin and cause intense itching. Transmission occurs through close personal contact. Treat lice with medicated shampoos, nit combing, and washing of all clothes and bedding. Avoid sharing hats, brushes, and other personal items.
Ticks
Ticks transmit diseases like Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever. Perform tick checks after being outdoors, especially in wooded and grassy habitats. Grasp ticks with tweezers close to the skin and pull straight out. Identify ticks and watch for fever, rash, or flu-like symptoms.
Caterpillars
Caterpillars like the puss caterpillar have venomous spines that cause stinging pain, swelling, and rashes. The saddleback caterpillar has spines that break off into the skin, causing severe irritation. Avoid handling fuzzy or spiny caterpillars and wear gloves when gardening.
The takeaway is that while Florida’s bug population can’t be avoided, taking preventive measures and promptly treating bites and stings can allow you to experience everything this state of sunshine has to offer!
Biting midges have plenty of nicknames, including no-see-ums
Biting midges go by a variety of names, depending on where you are, according to Perdue University.
Some call them sandflies. Others call them no-see-ums. Some in the Northeast call them punkies.
When are no-see-ums active?
Midges are primarily a warm-weather species, which begin to appear in large numbers as soon as temperatures warm up in the spring.
The greatest biting activity is around dawn and dusk. Some biting may continue through the night, but midges rarely bite during the day, unless the sky is heavily overcast and the winds are calm, according to the Environmental Protection Agency.
Biting females are abundant throughout the summer, with numbers decreasing as temperatures drop during the fall and winter months. Depending on local conditions, some species may continue to be a pest in South Florida even during the winter.
Bug Bite Showdown: Identifying Flea vs. Bedbug Bites
FAQ
What bug keeps biting me in Florida?
Key Takeaways. Mosquito, fire ant, flea, and no-see-um bites are common in Florida and cause red, itchy bumps treatable with hydrocortisone or antihistamines. Bed bugs and mites are indoor pests that often leave itchy welts, especially in places where people sleep.
What do noseeum bites look like?
Their bites become small red dots or raised welts that hurt, burn, and/or itch. No-see-ums prefer to bite the back of the neck and the legs. Bites appear to look like a cluster of red dots, and it is very unusual to have just one bite.
What are the tiny brown bugs in Florida that bite people?
No-see-ums are tiny flying insects that are incredibly difficult to spot. Also known as biting midges, punkies, sand flies or biting gnats, these flying insects are small enough to fit through the mesh screens of windows and doors.
How do I identify my bug bite?
- swelling.
- rash.
- pain in the affected area or in the muscles.
- itching.
- heat on and around the site of the bite or sting.
- numbness or tingling in the affected area.
Do bugs bite in Florida?
Florida is home to microscopical bugs that bite, various biting flies and mosquitoes, spiders, scorpions, and even ants that bite, sometimes repeatedly! The hot-humid climate of the state and its multiple marshes also favors biting bugs that lay eggs in the water or in mud.
What kind of biting pests are common in Florida?
Florida’s rich ecosystem produces a wide variety of biting pests, ranging from microscopic insects to biting flies, mosquitoes, spiders, scorpions, and ants. While widespread incursions by biting are uncommon, certain species do deliver painful, variable-intensity bites.
How many bugs are in Florida?
With its sunny weather and humid climate, Florida is home to at least 12,500 species of bugs and pests. This guide reveals 13 biting bugs in Florida that cause intense itching and red welts on the skin. But bites from some of these bugs can cause serious diseases too!
Are all stinging bugs in Florida?
Not all stinging species in Florida are bugs. Caterpillars can also sting, sometimes with longer-lasting effects. The Saddleback Caterpillar (Acharia stimulea) is often considered the most painful stinging caterpillar in the state, although not confirmed by actual comparison data.
How common are bedbug bites in Florida?
Bedbug bites are as common in Florida as in other nearby states. These small bugs end up in homes from contact with an infected person. They can also come indoors through furniture, clothes, or bed sheet purchases. Bedbug bites mostly go unnoticed until you see small red skin patches on the body.
Do stick insects bite people in Florida?
The most common stick insect species in Florida, the Two-Striped Walkingstick (Anisomorpha buprestoides), does not bite people frequently. It is usually seen grazing on the leaves of trees and bushes.