Nasty Bug in Minnesota is Leaving Bites that Cause Pain for 2 Weeks

Minnesota officially sucks now.  The days of being outside and not worrying about bug bites are over.  Unfortunately, one of the nastiest bugs, in my opinion, have hatched and they are back with a vengeance.

What are the nasty, small, biting, black bugs in Minnesota?

They bite. They make your skin extremely itchy and painful.  And because they are super tiny, you may not even know they are biting you until it has already happened. And nope, this is NOT a mosquito. No-see-ums are back with a vengeance in Minnesota.

Here's an up-close picture of the nasty no-see-um.

Those annoying bugs that you are swatting at in Minnesota could be No-see-ums.

You usually never even see these super tiny and annoying bugs but if you've ever found a bunch of red spots on your legs or arm after you were relaxing outside, good chance No-see-ums found you.  According to Mosquitonix.com, these super small flying insects also go by a few other names including:

• biting midges,
• punkies,
• sand flies or
• biting gnats.

How is a No-see-um bite different than a mosquito bite?

Here are a few differences in how these bites look and feel according to Mosquitonix.com.

Mosquito bite: 

• You can typically see a mosquito when it is on your body.
• Their bite welts might be puffy but are fairly flat.  As long as the scratching doesn't start, the bite will disappear in a day or two.
• Mosquito bites are typically isolated.

No-see-um bite:

• Because of their size, you may not notice when the insect is on your skin.
• Bite marks will appear a day or more after the insect bit you.
• The pain of a No-see-um bit is more painful.
• The bites will usually look like multiple red dots in a cluster and will slowly get larger into raised welts and could be 2 inches in diameter.  The welts can be noticeable for 2 weeks or more.

Tips that might help if you have been bit by the nasty No-see-um insect.

These insects are so small that they can slide right through your screens on your windows.  The bites can literally happen anywhere.  If you've noticed some red bites and welts, these tips from mosquitonix.com might help relieve some of the pain from a no-see-um bite.

1.) Notice your symptoms. Initially, the bite will be a small red dot but could grow to 1 to 2 inches and be raised slightly.  If it does raise, that area will be itchy and mildly painful.

2.) Look for more bites. The bug usually travels in large groups and tends to bit the legs, hands, and back of the neck but can bit on any skin that is exposed.  Look for groups of red dots.

3.) Wash the bite area.  To help reduce chances of infection and to also get any residual saliva off your body, use warm water and a mild antibacterial soap and wash areas where bites occurred.

4.) Try not to scratch your welts. When you feel that need to scratch, the only thing you can think about is scratching.  The chance of infection happens when you start scratching the welts because those could open up.

5.) Use an ice pack for the swelling.  If the welts are causing a great deal of pain, use an ice pack or a frozen bag of veggies and lay it on the impacted area for about 10 to 15 minutes.

6.) Apply hot water.  You'll have to be careful with this one.  Heat up some water to a point of just under boiling.  Once it is hot, take a Q tip and dip it in the water and put that tip on the bite.  It may sting for a little bit but this should stop the itching.

7.) Find relief with over-the-counter products. Look for products to help relieve itchiness, pain and/or swelling.

8.) For severe symptoms, see a doctor.  If you start to have an allergic reaction, excessive pain, discomfort, skin irritation or notice an infection, contact your doctor.

Check out this amazing Minnesota cabin that is just inches off a lake!

Yes, there is water so both the mosquito and the no-see-um may join you for this little vacay, but check out the pics below.  A few bites might be worth it!