Can Midges Bite?

Yes — many midges can bite, depending on the species. The ones that cause problems are usually biting midges, often called no-see-ums, punkies, or sand flies. These tiny flies have sharp mouthparts that can pierce skin and feed on blood. Non-biting species also exist, especially around water, but those don’t attack people.

Biting midges are most active in warm, humid environments and tend to swarm at dawn and dusk. Their bites can feel like sharp pinpricks and often leave behind small, intensely itchy welts. Some people develop stronger localized reactions with swelling or clusters of red bumps.

Do Midges Bite?

Biting midges tend to attack under very specific environmental and behavioral conditions, which is why people feel “swarmed” one moment and untouched the next. They’re most likely to bite in the following situations:

When humidity is high and air is still: Midges thrive in warm, moist conditions. They become most aggressive on overcast days, in shaded areas, after rainfall, and anywhere the air is damp with little breeze. Even a light wind can disrupt their flight, so calm air dramatically increases biting pressure.
Near water and organic-rich breeding sites: People experience the worst biting when they’re close to marshes, wetlands, and bogs, coastal areas and mangroves, slow-moving streams, or damp leaf litter, compost, or muddy ground. These locations produce the moist substrate midges need to breed.
At dawn and dusk: They’re crepuscular, meaning they peak in activity during early morning and early evening. These low-light times offer the optimal temperature and humidity they require for feeding.
When people produce stronger attractants: Midges are drawn by carbon dioxide, body heat, and skin odor. You’re far more likely to get bitten when you’re sweating, exercising outdoors, working or relaxing near water, or wearing dark clothing that absorbs heat. Groups of people also produce more CO₂, which can intensify swarming.
During warm seasons or sudden temperature spikes: Late spring through early fall tends to be the worst, though southern and coastal regions may experience prolonged or year-round activity. A quick warm-up after rainfall can trigger intense bursts of biting.
When standing still or sitting outdoors: Stationary targets are easier for midges to locate and land on. Gardening, fishing, camping, grilling, or relaxing around dusk almost always increases the chances of being bitten.

Midge Bites

Midge bites are usually more of a nuisance than a serious health threat, but they can still cause a range of problems depending on the species and a person’s sensitivity:

Intense itching and skin irritation: Biting midges inject saliva that triggers an allergic reaction in the skin. This often leads to small, red, itchy welts, clusters of bumps in areas where multiple midges fed, burning or stinging sensations shortly after the bite. Scratching is the main driver of complications, not the bite itself.
Secondary skin infections: Persistent scratching can break the skin, opening the door for bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus. This may result in increased redness, warmth or swelling, pus or crusting, or pain that worsens instead of improves. These infections typically need medical attention if they progress.
Allergic or hypersensitivity reactions: Some individuals react strongly to midge saliva, experiencing large, swollen welts, significant redness, or long-lasting itch that persists for days. Severe systemic reactions are extremely rare in North America but can occur in people who are highly sensitive.
Risk of disease transmission (region-dependent): In most of North America, biting midges are not known to transmit human diseases. However, in certain parts of the world—particularly tropical regions—specific species can transmit pathogens such as Mansonella (a parasitic worm), and Oropouche virus. These risks are location-dependent and not a concern for typical U.S. exposures.
Intense discomfort impacting outdoor activity: Midges often attack in swarms, and the sheer volume of bites can cause enough irritation to keep people indoors or make outdoor work unpleasant. This is a practical—though not medical—risk for anyone living or working near wetlands, shorelines, or heavily vegetated areas.

What Do Midge Bites Look Like?

Midge bites are often small but surprisingly irritating, and they tend to appear in clusters because midges attack in groups. Their appearance can vary from person to person, but they typically look like:

Small, red, itchy bumps: Most bites are tiny—often no bigger than a pinhead—but they become red and inflamed as your skin reacts to the midge’s saliva.
Clusters or “patches” of welts: Because midges feed in swarms, people usually develop multiple bites in the same area, creating a cluster of bumps rather than one isolated mark.
Raised welts or blister-like bumps in sensitive individuals: Some people react strongly and develop larger welts, sometimes up to the size of a pea. These can feel warm or firm to the touch.
Central pinpoint marks (occasionally): A small central dot may be visible where the midge pierced the skin, but it’s often hard to see because the bites are so small.
Severe itching that intensifies over hours: The irritation tends to ramp up rather than subside quickly, especially if multiple bites are concentrated on one part of the body.
Common bite locations: Ankles and lower legs, arms and shoulders, neck and hairline, and areas not covered by tight clothing.

What To Do About Midge Bites

If you’re getting bitten by midges, the goal is to calm the reaction quickly and stop further bites. Here’s exactly what to do:

Get out of the swarm immediately: Step into a breezy area, go indoors, or move away from wetlands or shaded vegetation. Even light wind drastically reduces their ability to land and bite.
Wash the bite area: Rinse with cool water and mild soap. This removes residual saliva and helps reduce irritation.
Apply something to reduce itching and swelling: Useful options include hydrocortisone cream, calamine lotion, a cold compress, aloe vera gel, and OTC antihistamines (like cetirizine or diphenhydramine) if itching is intense. Avoid scratching — it’s the fastest way to create infections or prolong the reaction.
Watch for signs of infection: If redness expands, the area becomes warm or painful, or you see pus or crusting, it may be a secondary infection that requires medical attention.
Prevent more bites in the moment: If you need to stay outdoors, apply an EPA-registered repellent (DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus). Wear long sleeves, long pants, and light-colored clothing. Choose tighter-weave fabrics — midges can slip through mesh or thin material. Turn on a fan; airflow disrupts them better than almost anything else.

Persistent biting often signals nearby moisture-rich breeding sites such as damp soil, decaying vegetation, or pond edges. Managing these areas or using targeted treatments can significantly reduce local populations. Contact us to learn about how our professional pest control services can help.