Can Midges Bite Through Clothes?

Midges are some of the most annoying pests you’ll ever encounter. These tiny insects are sometimes called “no-see-ums” due to their minuscule size. However, they can still cause major discomfort.

If you’re trying to prevent midge bites, you need to know what these insects are capable of. Can midges bite through clothes? Is there anything you can wear — or do — to avoid these unwelcome pests?

Here’s everything you need to know about protecting yourself from midge bites, including traditional methods and the use of permethrin-treated apparel.

Understanding Midges

Midges are small flying insects that belong to the Ceratopogonidae family. At just a few millimeters long, they can fit through small gaps. You’ll find them near bodies of water, in wetlands, and in any environment with high humidity.

Because midges are so small, you’re unlikely to notice them at first, which is why they’re known as “no-see-ums.” However, they are incredibly persistent and will work hard to find any exposed skin that they can feed on.

Knowing their habits will help you avoid these unpleasant bites. Male midges feed primarily on nectar, so you don’t have to worry about them. Only female midges bite and drink blood, as they require more energy to lay their eggs. When they bite, they inject saliva into their hosts. This saliva can cause serious itching and irritation.

You should be especially cautious anywhere with stagnant water, as midges will thrive in these environments. Additionally, they tend to be most active during dawn and dusk. They’re drawn to carbon dioxide and body heat, which allows them to quickly track down any nearby humans.

You’ve likely noticed swarms of midges before. This swarming behavior is particularly common around large bodies of stagnant water. These large swarms pose a serious risk of midge bites, so avoiding them is typically the best course of action.

Can Midges Bite Through Clothing?

Midges have small, delicate mouths, which means that they cannot bite through most fabrics. Still, not all types of clothing can protect you from midge bites.

Fabrics with thick and tight weaving should provide an effective barrier that keeps midges away from your skin. However, these insects can exploit the smallest gaps.

Midges can bite through clothing if the fabric is thin or loosely woven. Open weaves made with lightweight cotton or synthetic blends are unlikely to provide great protection, and wearing these fabrics will leave you more vulnerable to midge bites.

Carefully choosing your clothing can go a long way in preventing midge bites. Long-sleeved shirts and pants with tightly woven fabrics will provide excellent coverage. Denim jeans and nylon windbreakers are two great examples. Wearing light-colored clothing will also help, as midges are attracted to dark colors.

Midges often enter through gaps around the ankles and wrists, so pay attention to these areas. If you’re in a location with lots of midges, you can further protect your legs by tucking your pants into your socks. Consider securing other clothing openings with elastic bands.

Sweat and body heat will attract midges even if you’re wearing protective clothing. Lightweight fabrics with moisture-wicking properties will help keep you cooler and reduce your appeal for midges.

The Role of Permethrin-Treated Clothing

You can achieve even greater protection against midges with permethrin-treated clothing. Permethrin disrupts midges' nervous systems on contact, helping prevent them from biting you. This additional layer of protection is excellent for highly infested areas.

Permethrin does more than just repel midges; it also wards off a wide range of pests, including mosquitoes, ticks, and chiggers. Best of all, the protection offered by permethrin-treated fabric lasts across multiple washes.

You can also rest easy knowing that permethrin-treated clothing is EPA-registered and approved for use by the entire family when used as directed.

Midge-repellent gear is vital if you work in areas with heavy vegetation and high humidity. Midges can grow in massive numbers in these conditions and will quickly track down any human interlopers. Luckily, permethrin-treated work clothing provides lasting and reliable protection.

Insect Shield offers a full range of permethrin-treated clothing that is both comfortable and effective. You’ll find options like shirts, pants, and accessories to help you enjoy the outdoors without the annoyance of midges and other biting pests.

Additional Tips for Midge Protection

There are many different ways to protect yourself from midges. Topical insect repellents are one example. You can use EPA-registered repellents on exposed skin to deter midges from landing and biting. Many of these products contain DEET or picaridin, which are both effective for short-term midge protection.

You can also consider natural options for midge protection, such as oil of lemon eucalyptus. While this plant extract may require frequent application, and it’s effectiveness may be limited, it offers an all-natural solution that may be right for anyone sensitive to synthetic insect repellents.

Avoiding midge-infested areas is another way that you can reduce your risk of bites. Dawn and dusk are the busiest times for midges. Stay away from outdoor areas close to water during these times to avoid the worst of the midge problem, and plan ahead to ensure that your outdoor excursions don’t leave you trapped outside during peak hours.

When it comes to dealing with midges around your home, you can take advantage of the fact that midges are weak fliers. They don’t fly well in moving air. Placing your outdoor furniture in a naturally breezy area can keep midges away. You can also use fans to create a midge-free zone for gatherings and relaxation.

Another way to reduce the number of midges around your home is to remove standing water. Midges require stagnant water to breed, so you can prevent them from taking up residence in your yard by regularly emptying out any containers, cleaning your gutters, and ensuring proper drainage.

Keeping midges out of your indoor spaces is also essential. Fine mesh window screens can keep midges out. Be careful about opening doors or windows near exterior lights, as they can attract large swarms of midges and other pests.

Finally, products such as outdoor citronella torches or candles can effectively keep midges away from small areas.

Taking Action to Prevent Midge Bites

Midges are tiny pests that cause disproportionate irritation. Knowing how they behave and when and where they are most active can go a long way toward preventing bites. Midges can work their way through some types of clothing, so you can protect yourself further by choosing tightly woven fabrics and long-sleeve shirts and pants.

Finally, one of the best ways to achieve an effective, long-lasting defense against midges and other pests is with permethrin-treated apparel from Insect Shield. You can find a full range of comfortable and durable options for lasting protection. Make the most of the outdoors without worrying about midges by choosing clothing and gear from Insect Shield.