No-See-Ums season has arrived in Virginia

No-see-ums are busy in VirginiaPhoto byWikipedia

You never see them coming

No-see ums are pesky insects that bite, but you cannot see them. Also known as BitingMidges, Best Bees Brothers reports that their season in Virginia is from June until September.

I had been sitting on my front porch and spending time in the front and back yards this spring and summer without a problem until yesterday.Within three minutes of sitting on the front porch my arms and legs were stinging and itching.

You feel the sting of their bite

My grandchildren came to visit and also complained of being bitten for the first time this summer. Since early spring we have taken walks on trails and in the woods and spent time in local parks without being bothered.

The Bug Suad says No See Ums are attracted by CO2 that humans (and other animals) exhale and enjoy locations with water. Unfortunately, there is no guaranteed method to keep these insects at bay.

Their sting is painful and annoying but the Bug Agenda lists suggestions to deter them including wearing long sleeves and pants and using insect repellents containing DEET.