The question of whether gnats bite you in your sleep stems from the common misidentification of tiny flying insects found indoors. While many small flies called “gnats” are harmless nuisances, specific species within this broad category are capable of biting humans, sometimes while a person is asleep. The term “gnat” is a colloquial label applied to various small, winged insects. The actual culprits are minute blood-feeding insects that enter homes seeking a protein meal required for reproduction.
Identifying the Real Biting Insects
The insects responsible for bites often attributed to gnats are Biting Midges, also known as “no-see-ums,” belonging to the genus Culicoides. These insects are small, typically measuring between 1 and 3 millimeters, allowing them to go unnoticed until after they have fed. Their size means standard window screens, designed for larger pests, are often ineffective against them.
Female biting midges bite because they require a blood meal for egg maturation. Unlike mosquitoes, midges use scissor-like mouthparts to cut into the skin, resulting in a sharp sensation followed by irritation. They are most active during calm conditions, especially at dawn and dusk, but their activity can continue throughout the night. Midges are attracted to carbon dioxide and body heat, guiding them to a sleeping host.
Differentiating Non-Biting Household Pests
The majority of small flies found inside a home are non-biting species often mistaken for blood-feeding relatives. Fungus Gnats, slender black flies with long legs, are common indoor pests. These harmless insects are attracted to the moist potting soil of houseplants, where their larvae feed on fungi and decaying organic matter. They are weak fliers and are typically seen hovering near indoor plants or accumulating on window sills.
Another common non-biting insect is the Drain Fly, sometimes called a moth fly due to its small, fuzzy appearance. Drain flies breed in the gelatinous organic sludge lining plumbing and drain pipes. They pose no threat to humans and lack the mouthparts necessary to bite, instead resting on walls near their breeding sites.
Symptoms and Care for Gnat Bites
Bites from insects like the biting midge typically manifest as small, raised red welts that often appear in clusters on exposed skin. This reaction is caused by the body’s localized immune response to the anticoagulant compounds the insect injects during feeding. Because the insect cuts the skin to draw blood, the resulting itch is intense and often more irritating than a typical mosquito bite. Bites may develop into small blisters or remain as itchy papules for several days, sometimes lasting up to two weeks.
Immediate care involves cleaning the bite area thoroughly with mild soap and water to reduce the risk of secondary bacterial infection.
Treatment Options
- Applying a cold compress or ice pack can help reduce localized swelling and temporarily numb the intense itching sensation.
- Over-the-counter topical treatments, such as a one percent hydrocortisone cream, can minimize inflammation and reduce the urge to scratch.
- For widespread or severe itching, taking an oral antihistamine, like cetirizine or loratadine, can help manage the systemic histamine reaction.
Keeping Biting Pests Out of the Bedroom
Preventing biting midges from entering the bedroom requires a multi-faceted strategy focused on physical barriers and environmental control. Standard window and door screens, typically featuring an 18×16 mesh count, are inadequate because midges can easily pass through the openings. To create an effective barrier, homeowners should install specialized “no-see-um” mesh screens, which boast a finer weave of at least 20×20 strands per square inch. This tighter mesh physically blocks the tiny insects while still allowing for adequate airflow.
Prevention Strategies
- Since biting midges are weak fliers that prefer still air, placing an oscillating fan near the bed or window creates an environment they struggle to navigate.
- Apply an insect repellent containing proven active ingredients like DEET or Picaridin to exposed skin before sleep for personal protection.
- Minimize nearby breeding sites by eliminating any standing water or areas of damp, organic-rich soil around the home’s perimeter, as these are ideal locations for female midges to lay eggs.
- For severe issues, drape a fine-mesh mosquito net over the bed, offering a final, non-chemical layer of protection while sleeping.