Noseeum defense: Some serious, not so serious solutions, to fend off this annoying bug

Mark H. Bickel, Fort Myers News-Press
Updated ·4 min read

If someone could ever figure out a sure-fire way to fend off noseeums, it would be like winning the lottery. Mega millions would come their way.

Meanwhile, back to reality, a sure-fire spray or oil or lotions doesn't exist. At least not for the masses. Individually, yes, some have found what works for them but doesn't necessarily work for others standing right next to them.

What are noseeums? They are tiny flying insects that are incredibly difficult to spot. And they bite. If you pay attention to what people are saying on social media this summer, this bug, also known as a biting midge, has never been worse. They are swarming on Sanibel all the way to Marco Island.

This is a noseeum, also known as a biting midge.
This is a noseeum, also known as a biting midge.

What can you use to control noseeums?

Not surprisingly, social media is also full of advice, tips and recommendations for what to use to help keep the noseeums at bay.

We have tried to make things a little easier for you but aggregating the suggestions in this space. These are some of our favorites −serious and not so serious:

(NOTE: These are not the recommendations of The News-Press or Naples Daily News but what people are posting on social media threads.)

Bug population thriving: Annoying, blood-sucking noseeums invading Southwest Florida: What we know

More: Alarmingly high water temperatures capture attention of FGCU's expert researchers

Serious solutions

  • Absorbine Junior

  • Peppermint oil mix with water in a spray bottle

  • B12 (1000 mcg daily)

  • Essential oils all mixed in water for an all natural spray: Lavender, Eucalyptus Radiata, Purification, Lemongrass. 10 drops of each for a two-ounce spray bottle. Add a splash of witch hazel.

  • Baby oil

  • Coconut oil

  • Sunscreen

  • Deep Woods OFF (I've tried everything else. Been down here 10 years. Only thing that works for me.)

  • Picaridin. Was just there (Sanibel). Had zero issues!

  • The best is a strong wind, followed by a strong portable fan, followed by $1 bug bands on your wrists and ankles. The bug bands last a week, are waterproof and non-toxic to the environment, plus you don't have to spray film all over your body because they will bite you anywhere and everywhere you don't get spray on. The bands keep that from happening.

  • Avon Skin So Soft. I have used it for years.

  • Avon has a specific bug spray that's incredible and comes in a wipe, too.

  • California Baby Lotion with citronella or just the citronella spray. Only things that have ever kept them off me.

  • Bodyguard Bugspray

  • VBS (Vanilla Bug Spray)

  • Johnson's Baby Creamy Oil with aloe and Vitamin E (green tube)

  • I have lived here since 1979 and this is the best thing I've ever found: Cutter Lemon Eucalyptus.

  • Neutrogena Sesame Oil, liberally. And dryer sheets in your pockets! No poison necessary!

  • That new Zevo works well! Now they have it in lotion and spray.

  • My sister gets eaten alive (bit), but when she does the Vitamin B before we go to Sanibel it actually works.

  • PESKY bug spray is by far the best.

  • 50% rubbing alcohol, 50% Skin So Soft.

  • Use 30-40% Deet and treat bites and irritation with Vick's Vapor Rub. Yep. Vick's. And avoid early mornings and evenings on the beach unless you wear long sleeves.

More: The endangerment of this Gulf of Mexico whale by humans deserves our attention

Not so serious solutions

Larry MacLean, of Rochester Hills, Mich., will return to Benton Harbor on Saturday and Sunday for a flame-thrower demonstration at Southwest Michigan Regional Airport. Last year, he displayed flame-throwing equipment used during World War II, shown here. This time, he¿ll trigger a flame-thrower used in the Vietnam War. (Photo provided/DENNIS HAFER)

  • Nothing. They eat you alive.

  • I work on the (Sanibel) island. I think a flame throw be best.

  • Make sure you bring some cortisone. They are terrible this year.

  • Run. Really fast.

  • A purse-sized portable flame-thrower seems to deter the most zealous insects.

  • It does not exist. Just keep moving.

  • Nothing works. Best thing is sitting outside using a fan. Blows them away.

  • A lot of bug spray and a wing a and a prayer. They are relentless.

  • I have never found anything that works for me. They either like you or they don't. I go out with a group of four people. They don't bother the others. They eat me alive.

  • Whatever works for you. Everyone has different body chemistry.

  • Torch.

This article originally appeared on Fort Myers News-Press: Noseeum population hitting Sanibel florida hard after hurricane ian