Help. Totally freaking out!,,

[jane032657]

I have this horrible infestation of these tiny little brown bugs. I hear they are called blind Mosquitos. I thought I had gotten rid of them. Sprayed and swept. Went out and came home and my garage is full of them, let alone outside. What are they. What do I do? I am almost ready to go to a hotel. They are not yet inside yet but the garage has a thousand of them. Tiny brown nothing bugs that have a swarming sound. HELP!!!! There are a million outside but they are in my garage. I am scared! Help.

[Ohiogirl]

Everyone I know here has some type of pest control contract. A few people do their own.

We use Dean's for both termite and pest control, but that is not the only company. I think they come out quarterly. Normally they just do stuff on the outside of the house, but if you have problems inside they will do something there also. We have the "gold" contract so that they will also treat fire ants. I thought I could do the fire ant treatment myself, but turns out that you can't buy the professional grade stuff they use for fireants, and probably other pest control products as well. You have to be licensed, I believe. We think it's worth it. I like bugs about as well as I like snakes.

If you already have a pest control contract, just call them first thing tomorrow. If you don't have one yet, get one! You will also need a termite contract, but call home warranty - I think your new home warranty will cover you the first year, but don't take my word for it.

Good luck!

[oatmealgirls]

Oh Jane, I totally hear you!!! :cryin2:


Ohiogirl is giving you good advice. Having a service can give you peace of mind and they usually respond quickly when an emergency happens (like your blind mosquitoes...eeeekkkkk)

Good luck & let us know how it goes!!

[graciegirl]

Call Deans or Masseys. They will come right out.

[Barefoot]

Call Deans or Masseys. They will come right out.

For sure, it's Florida, you need a Bug Company for pests, as well as a lawn care company. Some companies do it all, which is nice. We've also found Bates to be very responsbile, and they're a little less pricey than Massey. When we reported fire ants to Bates, they immediatetely hurried over to our house, because they were worried about our dogs.

[jane032657]

Thank you everyone. I will be calling as soon as business hours begin. Someone did send me an article on them and they do swarm and breed at night. I am frightened to look in my garage! They do breed by the thousands and then die. But then there are more over the breeding cycle. They do OT bite but they can damage the stucco and paint. I am calling for major intervention shortly. And getting a pest control contract today! They say though that pest control on these might not work. Will let ou know.

[NotGolfer]

Along these lines....in the past we've had teeny, tiny black bugs in the house. They are seen on the windows and patio door. Don't do anything but seem to congregate there, then eventually die but just are a bother to clean up. We had our pest person out and they did their thing but this didn't seem to get rid of the bugs. Haven't seen them yet this year. Has anyone had this? Do you know what they are? Bug-Man didn't know the answer but since there are so many folks on TOTV thought someone might be able to give an answer.

[jane032657]

They may be the same as I have. They clean p like crumbs, dark little things. If you by the water they are the blind Mosquitos possibly. They ling to screens. Under hangs. Walls. If they one in my house I am going to a hotel. Have been awake almost all night worrying. Calling Masseys now

[coffeebean]

For sure, it's Florida, you need a Bug Company for pests, as well as a lawn care company. Some companies do it all, which is nice. We've also found Bates to be very responsbile, and they're a little less pricey than Massey. When we reported fire ants to Bates, they immediatetely hurried over to our house, because they were worried about our dogs.

We have had excellent service and pest control with Bates. They also keep our lawn and shrubs looking tip top. Just noticed a few of these pesky bugs on the outside of our home.

[cabo35]

Sounds like blind mosquitos. The University of Florida...go Gators....says "Blind mosquitoes do not bite, suck blood, or carry disease." This is a very good website about this nuisance pest.

ENY231/IG092: Blind Mosquitoes (Aquatic Midges) (http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ig092)

[jane032657]

They are Blind Mosquitos. Thanks everyone or helping and also for private messages with links to articles. I now know too much about them. I hired Deans pest company. They will be here soon. These are terrible pets and night time is the worst keep all outside light off!

[Graytop]

I have this horrible infestation of these tiny little brown bugs. I hear they are called blind Mosquitos. I thought I had gotten rid of them. Sprayed and swept. Went out and came home and my garage is full of them, let alone outside. What are they. What do I do? I am almost ready to go to a hotel. They are not yet inside yet but the garage has a thousand of them. Tiny brown nothing bugs that have a swarming sound. HELP!!!! There are a million outside but they are in my garage. I am scared! Help.

Both our house and my Mother in laws house have had thousands of those mosquito looking bugs collecting and dying on our garage doors and around the outside lights for days. I just figured it will be a seasonal hatch and they will go away shortly, kind of like the love bugs we have twice a year. They make a mess but I'm not concerned about it....I feel your concern though! :22yikes:

[NotGolfer]

We've not experienced the "swarms"....just the pesky things clinging to the windows. I'd not fret or panic over them as they don't seem to do anything nasty. We've not seen them flying around in the house at all. Haven't seen what the originator of this thread has experienced. We are in FL (semi-tropical) and there are all sorts of critters we haven't seen "up north". Exterminators are a must!!! Good luck in getting rid of these in your home!!!:boxing2:

[graciegirl]

We could get up a posse with swatters if you need us, Jane. Say the word and we will come to help.

[daca55]

I use Stellar for pest control and they have been very good so far. They do it all, lawn, weeding, fertlization, and pest control. I have had no problems. They advertise on TOTV. I owuld recommend giving them or someone a call to get ird of those bugs. :22yikes:

[krash]

Hate to burst your bubble, but those little buggers will be with you for the greater part of the summer season. They originate from the water, and no matter how many times you spray, they will be back the next day.

I know, as my house backs up to a retention pond, and this is just something I have to live with.

[Trish Crocker]

:jester:I was going to suggest putting up a 'NO BUG ZONE' sign but then I realized that they can't see and it would probably be hard to find one in braile........

[skyguy79]

Sounds like blind mosquitos.
Blind mosquitos? Do they have seeing eye gnats?
http://www.elolivar.com/img/entidades_1/ent_img687.jpg

[jane032657]

I could deal with them outside but when I came home last night and my garage was swarming I was freaked out. It was like out of Hitchcock. I was worried they would invade the house but they did not. I had the sensor lite turned off on the outside post lamp to see if that helps. I swept up thousands of the dead ones today. I can cope with anything outside but the garage was too close to the inside! Pest control cannot control them as they do breed in the lake and we are by the lake. I am calmer this afternoon. The swimspa event went well so at least that is over!

[cabo35]

Blind mosquitos? Do they have seeing eye gnats?
http://www.elolivar.com/img/entidades_1/ent_img687.jpg

Seeing eye gnats and Braille eye pods.:shrug:

[Mama C]

we also had them by the thousands--- this morning my husband put granules on the yard for pests and when we got home tonight No Mosquitos!!

[jane032657]

What are granules. I will buy them in the morning and take stock out in them. My neighbor came over to ight and then I went next door to her house and oth are homes are covered, and I mean covered, in them. I did OT open the garage tonight as Indo OT want to know if they are swarming in there again. I cleaned the whole garage out today and the pesticides guy was here but I can tell you it made NO difference outside. I have NEVER seen anything like this. Sometimes we get black flies in Seattle if we have a dead rat in the wall but Terminex comes and sprays. We live by the o ean so it happens sometimes that a rodent gets in. But we have traps etc that Terminex looks after. It is rare. This is just a site not to be seen. Unless you see it you cannot grasp the seriousness of the situation. Even my neighbor who had them in her kaundry is k was blown away tonight when she saw them on her house and garage

[CarGuys]

we also had them by the thousands--- this morning my husband put granules on the yard for pests and when we got home tonight No Mosquitos!!

What brand of Granules? Curious why that would stop them. Do they live in the damp grass?

[Barefoot]

What are granules. I will buy them in the morning and take stock out in them. My neighbor came over to ight and then I went next door to her house and oth are homes are covered, and I mean covered, in them. I did OT open the garage tonight as Indo OT want to know if they are swarming in there again. I cleaned the whole garage out today and the pesticides guy was here but I can tell you it made NO difference outside. I have NEVER seen anything like this. Sometimes we get black flies in Seattle if we have a dead rat in the wall but Terminex comes and sprays. We live by the o ean so it happens sometimes that a rodent gets in. But we have traps etc that Terminex looks after. It is rare. This is just a site not to be seen. Unless you see it you cannot grasp the seriousness of the situation. Even my neighbor who had them in her kaundry is k was blown away tonight when she saw them on her house and garage

Jane, you have my sympathies. Now I know what you're talking about! Suddenly, for the first time ever, the ceilings in our house are all covered with bugs. They must have rushed in when we briefly opened the door to take the garbage out. I guess they are probably blind mosquitos. We don't live anywhere a water source, unless you count a couple of retention ponds out back which are mostly dried up! Yuk! I'm so happy they don't bite.

[jane032657]

Oh Bare so very sorry. They are probably from the retention pond, even if almost dried up. My only learned advise so far is shut off all lights when you go out but that dang post light does not go out. I though I had the electrician kill the sensor yesterday from my lit name sign which he did but the post light still came on. I kow light is one of the attracting features. This morning they will all be dead on the floor in your house. I have not checked the garage yet this morning, I will wait until daylight. Also they smear so do not try and brush them off when they are alive with a broom or you will have to repaint. One of my neighbors got a few on her yellow shirt last night and she wiped them off with her hand and the bugs smeared her shirt Do not bother spraying. We had pest control here yesterday and last night the outside of the house was covered by the thousands. And and yes they swarm in as soon as you open the door. I did not have dinner last night as I did not want to open the garage door in the dark and go to LSL as I thought the bugs would come in. It is a nightmare, at night and they are around in the day too.

[shcisamax]

Are these bugs everywhere in TV? or only where there is water? Is there a way to keep them away?

[graciegirl]

Are these bugs everywhere in TV? or only where there is water? Is there a way to keep them away?

We live down 466 from Jane and there is golf course and green space all around our area but we don't have them.

I am so sorry you are having such a mess Jane, but I don't think they will not last long. They won't hurt you. I am sad to hear you say you didn't go out for dinner.

I hope KathieI is reading this because she knows more about them and can tell you how long they last. You might PM her.

I think they might be called Midges. Anyone know their real name to check it out in Wikipedia?

[Barefoot]

The bugs are very attracted to light. We made the mistake of leaving our outside lights on when we left the house last night. I think they're attracted by the light and wait outside to rush in when the door is opened. The good news is that they seem to have a very short life span. I left the kitchen light on so the bugs would stay in the kitchen. When I got up this morning the kitchen floor and counter tops were littered with dead bugs. A bit of cleaning, and peace is restored.

[daca55]

we also had them by the thousands--- this morning my husband put granules on the yard for pests and when we got home tonight No Mosquitos!!

What are the grandules called and where did your husband get them? :22yikes:

[DDoug]

Raid fumigator for inside outside buy bifentherin at Tractor supply( If I spelled it right) for outside works wonders. Or spray beach on the outside of house that works to. Will not change color of paint.

[jane032657]

Yes they are midges or otherwise known as blind Mosquitos. I have read everything. I could do my PH.D on them. But HOW do you turn off the post light on the front lawn? That will help immensely and I did think I had it disconnected yesterday and it still came on.

I am going to go buy a shop vac as they are also in the cre ices of doors and between windows and screens. I must be desperate because I do not like to shop and I am going to a large box store. Ugh

[graciegirl]

[QUOTE=jane032657;468910]Yes they are midges or otherwise known as blind Mosquitos. I have read everything. I could do my PH.D on them. But HOW do you turn off the post light on the front lawn? That will help immensely and I did think I had it disconnected yesterday and it still came on.


Unscrew the bulb. You will need to get in the light to unscrew it and you may need a screwdriver to remove a panel.

I had written cover the photo sensor, but that won't work. Thank goodness for Bill's Ohio common sense.

[Bill-n-Brillo]

Jane, you can look in your electrical panel/breaker box to see if one of the breakers is labeled for the yard post light. You can test it during the day by putting a piece of electrical tape (or any tape that won't allow light to pass) over the sensor on the post temporarily. That will fool it into thinking it's dark and the light will come on. Flip the breaker to 'Off' and that should douse the light. That way you'll be confirming you've got the right breaker. Be aware that other things, such as one/several of your garage outlets, for example, could also be connected to that same breaker. Shutting the breaker off will kill power to them also.

Bill :)

[Bettiboop]

Just a thought, but since they are attracted to light maybe it would be better to leave the lamp post on if it is away from the house. That way they might congregate there instead of at the door waiting to rush in the house. Maybe?:shrug::shrug:

Just don't leave the porch light on! LOL

[Barefoot]

I am going to go buy a shop vac as they are also in the cre ices of doors and between windows and screens. I must be desperate because I do not like to shop and I am going to a large box store. Ugh

Jane, do you really need a Shop Vac? We used our house vacuum cleaner, a Dyson, to vacuum the ceilings and walls and front screen door. It worked just fine. Bye bye midges.

I think we'll leave our light post lamp on, and make sure our outdoor house lights are turned off. As Betty pointed out, the light in the lamp post might actually keep the bugs away from the front door.

[duffysmom]

Another horror story.. I was soaking in my bath last night and suddenly noticed a large black blob float by:22yikes: when I saw it had legs I let out a scream and heard my husband say "God bless you"; he thought I sneezed. Well ladies and gentlemen I now need to see a chiropracter since I shot straight up and lept over the tub railing like a gazelle and almost squashed Duffy who was dozing on the floor happy that I was the one taking a bath and not him. It was a water bug(?) about the size of a half dolllar with two long antennas and many legs. Along with physical therapy and marriage counseling, I may need to see a psychologist since that was traumatizing. Hubby thinks I'm a drama queen.:loco:

[Bill-n-Brillo]

.......Hubby thinks I'm a drama queen.:loco:

Well, if nothing else - - - your rendition of the "bug in the tub" event was humorous! :icon_wink:

Bill :)

[pooh]

Another horror story.. I was soaking in my bath last night and suddenly noticed a large black blob float by:22yikes: when I saw it had legs I let out a scream and heard my husband say "God bless you"; he thought I sneezed. Well ladies and gentlemen I now need to see a chiropracter since I shot straight up and lept over the tub railing like a gazelle and almost squashed Duffy who was dozing on the floor happy that I was the one taking a bath and not him. It was a water bug(?) about the size of a half dolllar with two long antennas and many legs. Along with physical therapy and marriage counseling, I may need to see a psychologist since that was traumatizing. Hubby thinks I'm a drama queen.:loco:

http://www.instructables.com/image/F0OZTS7FYTCHQP1/How-to-Stifle-a-Laugh.jpg

Oops, sorry...It must have been frightening....(snicker.... ;) )

Feel better.

[Carla B]

Well Jane and Duffy's Mom, I must too join the "Freaked Out Society!"

My husband got a glimpse of something dark streaking across the floor last night and behind the entertainment center. He jumped up from the dinner table. "Was it a snake?" "No." Then what was it?" "I don't know." Then I got another glimpse of it going in the laundry room. We searched but couldn't find it. I think it is a small, dark rodent.

I blocked the laundry room door, fortified myself with a good slug of wine and went to bed. The creature was probably lurking under the W/D and obviously tried to escape to the garage, as this morning the weatherstripping under the door was chewed off and a pile of debris left there.

Then when I opened the door under the sink this morning I (think) I saw something flash by again. Yikes! We must have left that door ajar. We took out all the stuff under the sink and no sign of the critter, but a few suspicious droppings. Now I'm scared to open any drawer/ door anywhere in the house.

The thought of living with that creature is so upsetting. I can handle little lizards and most insects but not this thing chewing things and wrecking stuff.

We've gotten by to this point with only one snake, a couple frogs and several lizard intruders as a result of keeping the garage door open a bit for airflow, but this will have to be the end of living "al fresco", as soon as he escapes or is captured. We're getting a screen, no matter what the other half says.

Duffy's Mom, is a waterbug the same as a tree roach? You're lucky you have the agility to hop out of a tub!

[Barefoot]

Another horror story.. I was soaking in my bath last night and suddenly noticed a large black blob float by:22yikes: when I saw it had legs I let out a scream and heard my husband say "God bless you"; he thought I sneezed. Well ladies and gentlemen I now need to see a chiropracter since I shot straight up and lept over the tub railing like a gazelle and almost squashed Duffy who was dozing on the floor happy that I was the one taking a bath and not him. It was a water bug(?) about the size of a half dolllar with two long antennas and many legs. Along with physical therapy and marriage counseling, I may need to see a psychologist since that was traumatizing. Hubby thinks I'm a drama queen.:loco:

Is there a video of you on YouTube jumping over the tub railing like a gazelle? Sorry for the lack of sympathy but i can't help laughing at your rendition of events! :a20:

[skyguy79]

Another horror story.. I was soaking in my bath last night and suddenly noticed a large black blob float by:22yikes: when I saw it had legs I let out a scream and heard my husband say "God bless you"; he thought I sneezed. Well ladies and gentlemen I now need to see a chiropracter since I shot straight up and lept over the tub railing like a gazelle and almost squashed Duffy who was dozing on the floor happy that I was the one taking a bath and not him. It was a water bug(?) about the size of a half dolllar with two long antennas and many legs. Along with physical therapy and marriage counseling, I may need to see a psychologist since that was traumatizing. Hubby thinks I'm a drama queen.:loco:Is there a senior field & track club here in TV that has high jump included as one of their competitions that duffysmom can participate in?

[jane032657]

I have a large shop vac in Seattle. I have no carpet here. I bought the small shop vac for inside and out and used it today. I also bought a hose and strong sprayer and washed the front of the house and walk way today. I have left my golf cart out so I can go to dinner without opening the garage. I cleaned all the crevices in the windows and sliding glass doors. Lake Sumter Landing here I come. Do not make me wait in line for a drink. I have earned it!