No-see-ums are the tiny biting midges that leave a sting out of proportion to their size. On Delmarva they peak in summer near the marsh and the Bay, but a mild January afternoon on the lower Shore - or a winter trip south - can put you in their path before you are ready. The bites are small, the itch is big, and a few simple habits cut the misery.
What it looks and feels like
- A sharp pinprick sting first, then a tiny red bump that itches harder over the next day.
- Bites cluster on ankles, hairline, and the back of the neck - anywhere skin meets a breeze.
- Welts can stay itchy for 3 to 7 days, longer if you scratch them open.
What to do right now
- Wash the area with cool water and a gentle soap; pat dry and skip the hot shower.
- Apply a thin layer of 1% hydrocortisone or calamine; reapply two or three times a day.
- Take an oral antihistamine at bedtime if itching is keeping you awake.
- If you are heading outside again, use a repellent with picaridin or DEET - standard mosquito sprays do work on midges, contrary to old internet wisdom.
- Tight-weave clothing matters more than spray; midges walk through standard mosquito netting.
Local note
On the Delmarva marsh edges - think Blackwater, Chincoteague, and the Pocomoke bottoms - no-see-ums show up at dawn and dusk on still, humid days. A light breeze is your best friend; pick the windward side of the dock or porch.
Small bug, small bite, small fix. See you in February.
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