How to Get Rid of No-See-Ums When Kayaking 2025

By: Dave Samuel

Updated On: August 2, 2025

Last Saturday morning on Lake Marion, I was setting up for what should have been a perfect sunrise paddle. Glass-calm water, fish jumping, not another soul in sight. Then the invisible army attacked. Within minutes, I had welts up and down my arms that itched like crazy. No-see-ums had found me, and they were hungry.

If you've ever been swarmed by these nearly invisible biters while loading your kayak or setting up camp, you know exactly how miserable they can make any outdoor adventure. The good news? After years of paddling through bug-infested waters from the Everglades to the Great Lakes, I've learned how to get rid of no see ums and actually enjoy my time on the water.

This guide covers everything from emergency fixes when you're caught unprepared to long-term strategies that'll keep these pests away for good. I'll share the natural no see ums removal methods that actually work, plus some DIY no see ums traps you can make with stuff already in your camping kit.

Quick Fixes When No-See-Ums Attack Your Kayak Launch

You're at the boat ramp, kayak half in the water, when the swarm hits. Here's what works immediately:

The 30-Second Wind Shield

I learned this trick after getting eaten alive at a marsh launch near Charleston. Keep a battery-powered clip fan in your launch bag - the $15 O2COOL model from Walmart has saved me countless times. Clip it to your PFD or truck tailgate while you prep your gear. No-see-ums can't fly in anything over a 5 mph breeze, so even a small fan creates a protective bubble.

For kayak fishing, I mount that same fan on my crate using a RAM mount. It runs for 8 hours on D batteries and keeps bugs away while I'm anchored up. Sure, it looks a bit ridiculous, but it beats getting chewed up when the bite is on.

Emergency Repellent Mix

When you forget bug spray (we've all been there), raid your camping kitchen. Mix equal parts vanilla extract and water in your water bottle. Yeah, you'll smell like a bakery, but no-see-ums hate it. I've also used straight mouthwash in a pinch - the menthol in Listerine works for about an hour.

Create Instant Smoke

If you're car camping and getting swarmed while loading gear, start your camp stove and burn some coffee grounds or dried sage. The smoke clears them out fast. I keep a small tin of dried herbs in my truck specifically for bad bug days. Works at the boat ramp too if you're not worried about looking weird.

Natural No See Ums Removal That Actually Works

Forget the chemical warfare - here's what I use for natural no see ums removal after testing dozens of remedies:

The Garlic Water Perimeter

This sounds crazy but works better than most commercial sprays. Boil 4 crushed garlic cloves in 2 cups of water for 10 minutes. Strain and spray around your tent, kayak, or campsite. Reapply every evening. I started using this in the Keys and haven't looked back. The smell fades for humans after 30 minutes but bugs still detect it.

Essential Oil Bug Bombs

My go-to mix for how to stop no see ums naturally:

20 drops eucalyptus oil
15 drops peppermint oil
10 drops tea tree oil
1 cup witch hazel
½ cup water

Mix in a spray bottle and hit your gear, tent, and kayak hull before heading out. This blend also works as no see ums treatment on existing bites - the peppermint cools the itch immediately.

Plant Your Defense

When base camping, I surround my site with potted citronella, marigolds, and lavender from the garden center. Costs about $30 but creates a 10-foot bug-free zone. I've even zip-tied small pots to my kayak crate for overnight trips. Crush a few leaves periodically to release more oils.

DIY No See Ums Traps That Cost Almost Nothing

Commercial traps run $50+ but these homemade versions work just as well:

The Sugar-Yeast CO2 Trap

No-see-ums track you by your CO2 emissions. This trap mimics that:

2-liter bottle cut in half
1 cup warm water
¼ cup sugar
1 teaspoon yeast

Mix ingredients in the bottom half, invert the top half into it like a funnel. Place 3-4 around camp. The yeast produces CO2 for 2 weeks, attracting and trapping bugs. I learned this from an old Florida fishing guide and it's been my secret weapon ever since.

UV Light Water Trap

Fill a white bowl with soapy water and place a UV flashlight over it at night. No-see-ums are drawn to the light, hit the water, and can't escape the soap film. Battery-powered UV lights work great - I use the same ones for charging glow lures.

The Sticky Flag Trap

Coat yellow index cards with petroleum jelly and stick them on tent stakes around your site. No-see-ums are attracted to yellow and get stuck. Replace daily. Sounds simple but I've counted 100+ bugs on a single card after one night.

Timing Your Paddling to Avoid Peak Swarms

After tracking bug activity for years, here's when to paddle for no see ums for good avoidance:

Best Times:

Mid-morning (9 AM - 11 AM) after dew burns off
Afternoon when it's breezy (1 PM - 4 PM)
Full moon nights (they're less active)

Worst Times:

Dawn and dusk (peak feeding)
Calm, humid mornings
Two days after rain
New moon phases

I plan my fishing trips around these patterns now. Sure, dawn is prime fishing time, but it's also prime getting-eaten-alive time.

Gear That Provides No See Ums Treatment and Prevention

Some gear investments that'll change your bug game:

Permethrin-Treated Clothing

Treat your paddle clothes with permethrin spray before the season. One treatment lasts 6 washes and kills bugs on contact. I spray my hats, shirts, and even my kayak seat. Sawyer makes a good spray for about $15 that'll treat 8 outfits.

Fine-Mesh Head Nets

Standard mosquito netting won't stop no-see-ums. You need no-see-um mesh (holes smaller than 0.6mm). The Sea to Summit Nano head net ($20) packs down to nothing and has saved many sunrise launches. I keep one clipped inside my PFD pocket.

Thermacell Devices

These butane-powered units create a 15-foot protection zone. The MR450 armored model is waterproof and perfect for kayaking. Pricey at $50 but worth every penny for serious paddle campers. I strap mine to my front deck bungees.

Campsite Selection for No See Ums Removal

Where you pitch your tent matters more than any repellent:

Good Spots:

Elevated areas with breeze
Away from standing water (100+ yards)
Open areas without thick vegetation
Near moving water rather than still

Bad Spots:

Marshy areas
Dense tree cover
Near beaver dams or swamps
Protected hollows with no wind

I once moved my entire camp at 10 PM because I pitched too close to a marsh. The extra effort beats a sleepless night of scratching.

Emergency No See Ums Treatment for Bites

When prevention fails and you're covered in welts:

Immediate Relief

Hot water: Run the hottest water you can stand over bites. The heat overloads nerve endings and stops itching for hours
Baking soda paste: Mix with water to make a thick paste, leave on for 10 minutes
Deodorant: The aluminum in antiperspirant dries out bites and reduces swelling
Tape: Cover bites with scotch tape to stop air from hitting them and triggering itch

Natural Healers

Apple cider vinegar: Dab on with cotton balls
Aloe vera: Fresh from the plant works best
Tea bags: Wet black tea bags reduce inflammation
Honey: Natural antibacterial that prevents infection

I keep a "bite kit" with these items in my first aid bag. The hot water trick has been a game-changer - I use my camping stove to heat water in a pot and dip a cloth in it.

Advanced Strategies for Multi-Day Trips

For longer adventures, you need a comprehensive plan:

Day 1-2: Establish Your Perimeter

Set up CO2 traps immediately
Spray garlic water in a 20-foot circle
Hang treated clothing as barriers
Scout for breeding areas to avoid

Day 3+: Maintain and Adapt

Refresh natural sprays every 48 hours
Move traps based on catch rates
Adjust camp activities to avoid peak times
Create smoke during meal prep

The Nuclear Option

When nothing else works and you're getting destroyed, make a "bug bunker." String a tarp low over your tent (2 feet clearance) and run a battery fan underneath continuously. The moving air and barrier stops 99% of bugs. Not pretty but effective.

Making Your Own Long-Lasting Repellent

This recipe beats most commercial options:

Base:

8 oz witch hazel
4 oz distilled water
2 tablespoons vegetable glycerin

Active Ingredients:

50 drops citronella oil
40 drops eucalyptus oil
30 drops lavender oil
20 drops peppermint oil
10 drops tea tree oil

Mix in a dark bottle, shake before each use. The glycerin makes it stick to skin longer - usually 4-5 hours even when sweating. Costs about $3 per bottle to make versus $12 for store-bought.

Protecting Your Kayak and Gear

No-see-ums will follow you onto the water. Here's how I bug-proof my setup:

Spray hull and deck with permethrin before launching
Keep dryer sheets in all hatches (they hate the smell)
Mount citronella coils in cup holders while anchored
Treat seat cushions and PFDs monthly
Store gear in sealed bags with cedar chips

I learned the hard way that bugs can hide in kayak crevices and attack later. Now I do a full treatment before each trip.

When to Give Up and Paddle Somewhere Else

Sometimes the bugs win. Signs it's time to find a new spot:

You're applying repellent every 30 minutes
Bites through treated clothing
Swarms visible in daylight
Can't eat meals outside
Sleep becomes impossible

I've abandoned campsites twice in 20 years when conditions were unbearable. No shame in retreating to fight another day. Check our kayaking destinations guide for bug-free alternatives.

FAQ Section

What time of year are no-see-ums the worst?

In most areas, May through September brings peak populations. In Florida and coastal regions, they're active year-round but worst after summer rains. I've noticed they explode about 3 days after heavy rain when puddles form.

Do no-see-ums carry diseases?

In the US, they're mostly just annoying. Some Caribbean species can transmit parasites, but our varieties just leave itchy welts. I've been bitten thousands of times with no issues beyond scratching myself raw.

Why do no-see-ums bite some people more than others?

They're attracted to CO2, body heat, and certain skin bacteria. If you run hot or exhale more CO2 (like after paddling hard), you're a bigger target. My wife barely gets bitten while I'm a bug magnet - it's genetics and body chemistry.

Can no-see-ums bite through clothes?

Yes, through loose weaves. They can't penetrate tight fabrics like rash guards or treated clothing. I wear compression shirts when bugs are bad - uncomfortable but bite-proof.

How long do no-see-um bites last?

Usually 3-7 days if you don't scratch. Infected bites can last two weeks. The key is immediate treatment and not scratching, which I know is easier said than done.

Do bug zappers work on no-see-ums?

Not really. They're not attracted to the UV light like mosquitoes. CO2 traps work much better. I wasted $80 on a bug zapper before learning this.

What's the difference between no-see-ums and mosquitoes?

No-see-ums are much smaller (1-3mm), bite during the day too, and leave multiple bites in clusters. Their bites often itch worse and last longer. You'll feel them biting but can barely see them.

Can no-see-ums infest your home?

They can come inside but don't breed indoors. Use window screens smaller than standard mesh and run AC to keep them out. I use painters tape to seal screen gaps during bad seasons.

Bottom Line: Preparation Beats Perspiration

After two decades of paddling through bug country, I've learned that 10 minutes of preparation saves hours of misery. Keep repellent in your kayak hatch, know the peak times, and don't tough it out when natural no see ums removal isn't working.

The worst mistake is thinking you can ignore them. I've seen tough guys reduced to whimpering after one night without protection. Respect the tiny terrors, come prepared, and you can paddle anywhere without becoming a meal.

Remember - there's no glory in getting eaten alive. Use these methods for how to get rid of no see um problems before they start, and save the war stories for fish, not bugs. Your skin will thank you, and you'll actually enjoy those sunrise launches instead of racing back to the truck covered in welts.

See you on the water - hopefully without the bug bites!