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Getting Rid of No See Ums

June 10, 2011

woman itchingDoes any one have a remedy to keep gnats off of you, especially the face? They are also referred as no-see-ums! This is needed information for someone in south Georgia. The gnats are very irritating and she needs something to keep them off her. Thanks for your help.

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By Billie from Sharpsburg, GA

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Bronze Feedback Medal for All Time! 168 Feedbacks
June 10, 20111 found this helpful
Best Answer

If it is a problem while sitting around the lawn, try using citronella candles. You can get several metal buckets with citronella candle that lasts a long time at Family Dollar Store. Just place them around where the seating is and light up a few minutes before sitting down. Could hang a few from low tree branches if any are near the sitting location or set them on ledges, table or something that is head high, but not too close to the face. This will help control the majority in advance.

You could spray the area with bug repellent before sitting down, but will probably have to repeat often. Remove any sweet smelling fragrances on your person prior to going outdoors.

 
August 4, 20160 found this helpful
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What kind of Avon Skin So Soft Oil? The Original (the blue one) or the pink one?

 
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8 More Questions

Here are the questions asked by community members. Read on to see the answers provided by the ThriftyFun community.

June 2, 2009

My daughter just moved to South Carolina. How do they stop the "No See Um" bugs from biting?

By Gail from SC

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June 7, 20090 found this helpful
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Reader's Digest's book "5-Minute Fixes" says to trap them: using a quart-sized jar, deposit some banana peel or apple or other fruit into the bottom of the jar. Make a paper funnel where the small end has about a 1/2-inch opening, and the large end so it will fit the top of the jar. Insert funnel, small end inside the jar, wide end completely closing off the mouth of the jar.

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No-see-ums should fly in, lay eggs, and won't be able to get back out. Every few days, fill jar with hot tap water to kill flies and larvae. Dispose of the water & bugs. Then start over with new fruit and a new funnel.

I'm trying it today because I have them in the house (I have an indoor herb garden, and they're hanging out in there). I think I'm going to have to get rid of the herb garden, as no-see-ums attach to fruit and plants. Also, if you store fruit on the counter or table, consider storing it in the fridge, and be sure your trash has a tight-fitting lid.

 
May 24, 20131 found this helpful
Best Answer

My mum and dad have this problem in Victoria Australia. I have been doing a fair bit of reading on the no see um. They are attracted to water, so if you have a body of water (even as small as a bucket) or live by a creek or lake or coastal they can breed. They also love gutters as mulch or soil that is dense can also be a healthy breeding spot for them.

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It is suggested to find the nest and get rid of it otherwise they will return. Use an insecticide and use mint sprays and oils to deter. They do not like mint or lemongrass. Hope this info helps. I know how stressful it has been for my folks, not even feeling comfy in your own home and embarrassed when people visit.

 
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December 4, 2014

Anyone here succeded so far in getting rid of those pesky noseeums from your house? I've tried many remedies and traps, but none has made a breakthough so far in the assault of a massive number of annoying bugs. Has anyone been successful in wiping them out from their homes? Because I can't seem to no matter what I do.

By Tiffany T

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December 13, 20140 found this helpful
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Are you talking about fruit flies? No-see-ums are a catchall name for many different kinds of small flies, many of which bite. Fruit flies are the most common tiny fly in homes, and you get them in rotten fruit, in pop cans and juice boxes, in potted plants, in compost pails, in garbage cans, etc. I have never found traps to be effective. The best way to keep them under control is to get rid of all the places that they reproduce.

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Clean up your garbage containers. Don't keep pop bottles, juice boxes, etc around - or if you do keep them for recycling, rinse them out before putting them in your containers. You may have to toss potted plants if they are in the soil, or, just spray them with an insecticide.

 
September 8, 20150 found this helpful
Best Answer

When I bought some new potting soil and repotted about 6 plants, I thought I was going to die from all the gnats! What worked for me (but it took 5 weeks because there was so many) was those sticky fly cylinders laying across the pots. Those caught many newly hatched gnats.

Then shallow little glass bowls of regular cooking oil. The adults would go in and not be able to fly off.

These two methods caught hundreds a day! Now, I bought some play sand (bleached) at the hardware and put 1/2 inch on top of plants. That is supposed to work. I will see when I ever transplant again.

 
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March 3, 2014

My husband and I have tried everything, just about to rid our house of these mites. You can't see them, but you can feel them. They bite and you feel millions on you at once. They get worse at night. We have to wash our feet every time we come out of the kitchen or bathroom. We can't even sit on the living room furniture. Everything has to be thrown out. I tried pest controls and they could not help. One pest control company sent out someone and they told me they call them "can't see them mites" and they are more common in Texas.

He did a fogging that didn't work for more than a day. I use household cleaners and sprays, still no help. I did 6 foggers last week; it only made them angry. We take at 15 to 20 baths a day and I wash covers 3 or more times a day. Please does somebody know how to kill these things? I really don't want to move because these things do follow on your shoes, clothes, hair, belongings, furniture, everything.
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By Jenny

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Bronze Feedback Medal for All Time! 174 Feedbacks
March 4, 20140 found this helpful

Google "diatomaceous earth". It is a non toxic powder that can be used for all kinds of crawling insects. It works well for fleas, ants, etc. You can order it from Home Depot or other hardware stores. Be sure to ask for the "food grade" type., then you can use it around animals, children, etc. without any ill effects. You just sprinkle it around baseboards, on and under cushions on the couch, and even on the mattress on the bed. Leave it for a couple of days before you vacuum it up to give it a chance to work. We had a flea problem with our cat and this worked better than spraying her with chemicals. I hope it works for you.

 

Gold Post Medal for All Time! 969 Posts
March 4, 20140 found this helpful

"No See Um's" are tiny flying bugs in Alaska and the Yukon. These are more likely mites. This link will help you figure out what they are.

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www.google.com/search?q=microscopic+biting+mites...

 
March 9, 20140 found this helpful

Hi, if you have any oak trees nearby they are most certainly the source of the tiny mites, close your windows nearest to the tree or trees, so that they can't gain entry so easily. You can put down sticky paper under the tree to catch them, old newspapers spread with grease, or even lining paper, the best grease is the stuff you put around fruit trees to stop the bugs that climb the trunk to get into the fruit, pin the paper down with stones.

For in house get a steamer and go for it in every room, start at the top of the house and work your way down, steam every nook and cranny, every surface, all of your mattresses and furniture, also steam all of your clothes and when you have done your washing iron everything, lastly get skin so soft oil from avon and spray your pets if you have any, this will stop them being attractive to various biting insects, do the same for yourselves and enjoy a peaceful nights sleep, Honey.x.

 
October 11, 20171 found this helpful

hi i really undertsand where you are coming from! i myself been dealing with these insects for few months.i tried everything and anything.i even went to doc 6 times to get help but they thought it was all in my head even though the evidence of bug bites are there.i got bit everwhere on my body.finally i am almost healed.then i read from someone else that helped me get rid of them on my body.i took a cup put a mixture cooking oil,shampoo,drops of vailla extract,white vinegar n baking soda n mixed them together(the baking soda will foam n bubble up put in slowly in last)then fill up your bathtub with hot water n mixture.let it sit for few n adjust the temp of the water.lay there putting all over you even the hair.when you get out you will see them in the water.repeat this for few days believe me they will all leave but to maitain them off rub vicks in exposed areas of skin on you in your home even before going out n if you have flood lights on outslde rub a little of vapor rub on them n you will see no flying bugs around you no mosquitoes and no see ums(thats what's been biting you) i really hope it works for you.it really did for me i still see them around but i'm not getting bitten anymore.finally free them

 
December 8, 20170 found this helpful

What do you put in the steamer? Plain water? Vinegar?

 
January 21, 20180 found this helpful

Please call me asap bout this issue with the no see ums. It's what's happening to my family right now.

 
February 3, 20180 found this helpful

Im having the same thing happen. Its drive me mentally insane.

 
Anonymous
February 8, 20180 found this helpful

tyvek suits w/ boots & Hood to help keep them off you. ...available online.Tengard One Shot & pyrethrin & nyguard mixed in 1 qt fogger. See www.bugspray.com for inexpensive fogger. Ortho Home Defense refill gal size ...available at Home depot..put in 1 or 2 gal pump spray & spay your floors at 4:30-6:00 in pm & am when gnats wake up & are swarming. Noseeums have over size wings so you need fogger to spray walls & furniture. Use pump sprayer on floors. Nyguard IGR in both pump sprayer & fogger will stop breeding eventually & you will kill off adults after several weeks of diligent spraying/fogging 2X daily.

 
August 14, 20180 found this helpful

Has anything worked please I have the same problem. What did you end up doing?

 
October 6, 20181 found this helpful

To sum it all up, from everyone's responses, try this:

No See Um - Bath Oil

In a cup put a mixture of cooking oil, shampoo, drops of vanilla extract, white vinegar, and baking soda. Mixed them together (the baking soda will foam and bubble up so put in last and slowly). Then fill up your bathtub with hot water and the mixture. Let it sit for few minutes, adjust the water temperature, and get in. Wash all over even the hair. When you get out you will see them in the water. Repeat this for a few days, believe me they will all leave, but to keep them off, rub Avons Skin So Soft oil or Vicks Vapo Rub on exposed areas of skin.

Mint Oil Recipe for Skin

In a blender, add a bottle of cheap cooking oil. It doesn't have to be expensive. Buy some fresh mint at your store. Break up the mint and add it to the blender. Mix well until the oil turns green.
Now pour the mint oil in a pan and heat it on your stove. Do not allow it to boil just heat. Afterwards, take a clean, white cloth and put it over a bottle. Pour the oil in the bottle.
Apply the oil to your skin several times a day.

Treatment for House

Buy diatomaceous earth". It is a nontoxic powder that can be used for all kinds of crawling insects. It works well for fleas, ants, etc. You can order it from Home Depot or other hardware stores. Be sure to ask for the "food grade" type. Then you can use it around animals, children, etc. without any ill effects. You just sprinkle it around baseboards, on and under cushions on the couch, or under the bed. Leave it for a couple of days before you vacuum it up to give it a chance to work.

Next use a steamer in every room, start at the top of the house and work your way down, steam every nook and cranny, every surface, all of your mattresses and furniture, also steam all of your clothes and when you have done your washing iron everything.

Use Kleen Green mint cleaner for cleaning the entire house. www.naturalginesis.com/

 
October 7, 20180 found this helpful

Im having the exact issues! You are not crazy!

 
December 2, 20181 found this helpful

Salt... salt EVERYTHING in home... this is a natural egg/larvae inhibitor as these tiny winged demons use moisture and water to lay eggs (make sure to salt all drains) wash clothing using bleach... regular for whites and lights and color safe for anything you don't want to fade. Oh, and as you throw any worn clothes in the hamper, make sure you have a garbage bag in the hamper and salt them after you toss them in (keeps eggs from being laid in clothing only to hatch after wash WHILE you wear them) in your car... put 91% isopropyl alcohol in a spray bottle and coat the car interior (with car parked and completely off alchohol is flammable)... make sure windows are slightly cracked so it can air out quickly after car airs out (like 30mins tops) salt floor leave overnight... vacuum out followin day (u van leave salt longer if u like, I did)... I have had MAJOR, NOTICEABLE success... and btw, my issues with them were nearly identical to yours... good luck... God Bless

 
February 17, 20190 found this helpful

I empathise COMPLETELY with you on all of your complaints or straight facts and truth. Although i thought i had head lice cuz my head itched horribly but i was also being bitten on my legs all places including private areas. I went to my primary care doc after doing a ritz head lice treatment and passing out from a allergic reaction to thr chemicals because im allergic to the chemical it has to do with severe allergies to rag weed. I started itching after i moved into a room i rented in a private residence. The man was a nasty slob that left rotten veggies n friuts out on the island for days before disposing it in his homemade compost pile out back plus the room apparently had a leaky roof thay damaged part of the ceiling and wall which had molded baseboards i didnt realize till way later . I got some sort of bug or someyhing that burrowed into the white part of my eye. My whole eye went bloody redlike busted vessels do. I could feel SOMETHING wiggling in my eye i watched it crawl into my skin in my eye ball. I couldnt get it out even though i was flushing . I had HAIR to my waist gorgepus STRAWBERRY BLONDE thick to my hips. I finally after visiting my primary doc 3 times ,who eventaully told me i was nuts. I went to the emergency roomtwice, the gave me permitherin creme which only helped paralyze the mites 12 hours but im such a clean fanatic and very OCD with severe ptsd depression and im an addict so all medical places that i could go to had my patient history they'd read my prior notes and tell me it was imaginary but the red lines and bumps that itched and weeped fluid was due to my heart condition. I have a genetic cardiomyopathy i didmt kno about till i was almost 30. I have a weakened immune system so im prone to infection, parasites , molds , and fungal infections . I can step outside feel the fist hit my skin from the wind blowing and start itching. My skin will flare up sttating burning like flames or sparks glickimg my skin. Lavender oil, peppermint, and tea tree oil seem to help mixed with like 1/10 oil to water ratio. I eventually admitted myself to adulr psych unit because i was nearlyto suicide becuase i was ashamed embarrassed and baracading myself in home avoiding my famliy and i fried my hair withtrying about 5 to six home head liceremediesand then even was told once at urgent care from all the bites it was scabies but the creme permethrein didnt end it either just delayed the feelingof bugs crawling on me. I had them in my nose all crevases but you couldntsee anything just feel it. I tried psych meds STARTINGjan 18 2018 and my son died from muscular dystrophy complications ten days after i was realised from the hospital. 2018 was an awful year. I finally askedto see dermatology where they discovered squamous cell carcinoma which qaad removed with a clockward surgical removal. It was siper painful like 4 tp 5 inch diameter quarter inch deep dermal removal just with guaze over it then clisef with 12 suturee 7 dissovalbe stutches on top with the curved hook needle pulling muslce and tissue together to close hole up . It sucked becuase i was also put on a special anti fungal shampoo ketoconizole prescription had ti shanpoo daily alternating ketoconizole with complete care shampoo otc bpught walmart plus i sprayed my room with apple cider vinegar and water solution . I couldnt get my shoulder wet rge bandages but in PHOENIX you sweat bad im summer and a covered bandage gets soaking wet with sweat . I couldnt wash my hair couldnt move my arm. The pain was awful but they dont give pain meds normally but my procedure was more invasive. I dont have a significant other to help me and my family couldn't or wouldnt help they thought i was crazy. I ended up butchim my hair to a pixie cut.i went to my family Dr 3 Times, emergency room 3 times, urgent care 2, and the head lice clinic 2 times then finally got into dermatology wherr they found a dangerous and almost fatal mole. I figured out part had to do with the back mold exposure 2 months i moved the dayafter my son died had to the roomate got violently angry OVER the whole head lice scare i had so went fought about it he began harassing me evem while i was hospitalized sent me at least 30 texts threatening me.my mom kept my kids Awayfrom me and wouldnr allow me to comearound them for months. She redid ed to help me with my hair issues or give me any support . I was devastated
I discovered i have severe dog n cat allergies but im stuck in a home NOW with dogs with hairy wirey hair that absolutely itches me to death and 28 yr old male child that sponges on mom doesnt WORK or do anything at home nothing but shoulders me in passing in the halls cuz hes a jerk that hates me. I cant move. Cant afford to. I pay half my disabilty to rent. I live on a third of what the rest of America does
Ive been taking the bullying cuz i cany prove it and the hostile incidents stress me.
I plan to move AGAIN after I get enough saved for deposit elsewhere but i got to supplement income parttime work to meet income requirement for hud housing. Its a process thst sux.

 
February 23, 20190 found this helpful

Same here. Ice melt salt around all the walls in the house and in the car. The only thing that worked

 
March 24, 20190 found this helpful

This is exactly what I'm going through right now I'm renting a house from a man and I think he knew that this house had issues but here taking me almost 6 months to figure out that I'm not just allergic to my laundry detergent and I don't have the diagnosis that my doctor suggests but I'm dealing with these mites because the basement it's full of black mold and so is the porch that he put a washing machine on and some sticky tiles over concrete that was not sealed... It has become an emergency for me to move out and I I'm grateful for good information like this, shared by others. I've never lived anywhere and found an amoeba and in the past week and a half I have found hundred and I'm just blown away with how disgusting this environment has become in a year it's not my fault it's his for not putting a vapor barrier down there.

 
 
 
April 21, 20190 found this helpful

I am having the very same problem and no one believes me. I have gone thru 4 exterminators and 2 of them told me I was crazy that there was nothing in my house and they could not treat what they did not see! I was so mad I could have punched them! All of them also told me they never heard of them! What kind of exterminators do we have? I am ready for a nervous break down because nothing works! Doctors do not believe me or anyone else. I feel for you and I hope by now you have gotten rid of yours since your post was 2017!

 
June 16, 20190 found this helpful

Ask someone about demodex mites - eyelash mites - or hair follicle inflammation -
Prayer fro speedy recovery

 
Anonymous
July 29, 20190 found this helpful

Thick cconut oil on the skin is about 80% effective for me. Burning white sage helps. Gonna try making some sticky paper.

 
Anonymous
December 4, 20190 found this helpful

Dude these noseeums are so bad I want to go to a psych ward

 
Anonymous
March 13, 20200 found this helpful

Same thing happening to me for years. And every 1 thought i was nuts until i day i left a white sheet on top of a table and the next time there were abt 20 small black tiny insects on the sheet and that vindicated me.

 
March 13, 20200 found this helpful

Same thing happening to me for years. And every 1 thought i was nuts until i day i left a white sheet on top of a table and the next time there were abt 20 small black tiny insects on the sheet and that vindicated me.

 
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August 14, 2017

I am getting eaten alive by what I believe to be no-see-ums. My house, has been fogged, but it is not helping me. My husband, 2 kids and dog are all bite free and have been for over a week. I've had bug spray, steroids from the doctor, seen a dermatologist, my primary physician and ER Doc.

Nothing is helping and I can't figure out why I'm the lucky one. I have bites all over me and I'm itchy. We have no carpets and no open water.

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Gold Post Medal for All Time! 677 Posts
August 15, 20170 found this helpful

People have different body chemistry. You can try using non-scented items Avon Skin-So-Soft bath oil repels many bugs.

 

Bronze Post Medal for All Time! 105 Posts
August 15, 20172 found this helpful

We have these in Tahiti from time to time. What I do is to use fresh mint oil. The bugs don't like the smell of mint and they don't bite your skin. You can make your own mint oil at home.

In a blender, add a bottle of cheap cooking oil. It doesn't have to be expensive. Buy some fresh mint at your store. Break up the mint and add it to the blender. Mix well until the oil turns green.

Now pour the mint oil in a pan and heat it on your stove. Do not allow it to boil just heat. Afterwards, take a clean, white cloth and put it over a bottle. Pour the oil in the bottle.

Apply the oil to your skin several times a day. When my grandchildren visit my grandson gets bit all the time. This is the only way I can keep him from being bitten by bugs here on the islands. It really works.

 

Gold Feedback Medal for All Time! 949 Feedbacks
August 16, 20170 found this helpful

It is a proven fact that some people are more attractive to bugs than others.
Some things suggested NOT to wear as they may attract these bugs: Red clothing? Perfume, perfume deodorant, hairspray, perfumed moisturizer.
Products to apply to skin to stop itching and give relief from the biting bugs and may also keep bugs from biting:
Vitamin B!2 (oral daily), Original Listerine Mouth Wash (yellow) (skin), Benadryl spray, Tea Tree Oil (diluted w/water), hand sanitizer, Skin so Soft Bug Guard
There are several highly recommended products for skin and also for outdoors that you might want to check out.
Repel 100 has been the most popular insect repellent spray on Amazon.com for several years already. Its DEET concentration is 98%! It ensures effective protection against a wide range of insects, such as no-see-ums and other biting flies, mosquitoes, ticks, gnats, chiggers and fleas. According to the manufacturer, a single application will provide up to 10 hours of protection.

www.amazon.com/.../ref=as_li_ss_tl?_encoding=UTF8&psc... (Affiliate Link)

Dynatrap Ultralight Insect and Mosquito Trap is the most renowned CO2 insect trap to cover up to 300 sq. ft. It traps midges, sand flies, gnats, flies, mosquitoes, and other flying insects, including flies, wasps and beetles. Just like the electric bugzappers, it lures the insects with the warm light of a UV lamp, and it also has an additional feature: it mimics human breath. This is the result of UV light and special titanium dioxide-coated surface of the device interaction.
www.amazon.com/.../ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&linkCode... (Affiliate Link)

 
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July 31, 2019

I live in Philadelphia and these little monsters (midges or no-see-ums) are driving me crazy. I went to the psych ward for 10 days. I know the property management sent in an exterminator. So everything was good when I came back home. Now they seem to be starting to come back again. Please tell me what to do to kill them once and for all. I'm desperate!

Help!

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Gold Post Medal for All Time! 677 Posts
July 31, 20190 found this helpful

Invest in some Avon Skin So Soft. It repels a lot of bugs.

 
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August 7, 2015

This question is for the person who suggests turning the thermostat down to 62 degrees to kill the no see ums. I have been suffering so much from bites in my house for the past 2 months. Like you, I have tried everything - except bombing. I have a forest filled with oak trees behind my house, which I understand makes it worse.


Why does the cold temperature kill the bugs? Does it kill the eggs also? Does it kill the no see ums that might be on your clothing, bedding, etc.? How do you prevent more from coming inside your house?

I will try this method today. I'll give you feedback as to whether it works for me. Unfortunately I live in Florida where there isn't a freeze during the winter. Thank you so much. If anyone else has suggestions or feedback, please add to this discussion.

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Bronze Answer Medal for All Time! 220 Answers
August 10, 20150 found this helpful

In answer to your specific questions about cold and no seeums:
**The insects only lay eggs outside in moist soil, a garden or surrounding vegetation, so a cold house will not affect the eggs.
**No seeums are very small so can crawl through most window and door screening used in homes. You can replace regular screening with very fine screens which will prevent ingress through windows, doors, etc. However, they can fly with you or on you through doors into your house.
**They are most active in the evening so avoid all outside areas in the evenings. Even just quickly opening/closing doors will bring them inside.
**You can bring them inside your house on your clothes so effective and frequent outside bug bombs will help.
**A cold house may slow them down but they revive quickly.

 
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June 25, 2013

Where can I buy the spray in Seneca, South Carolina?

By B.K. from Seneca, SC

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May 22, 20150 found this helpful

I'm not sure about spray for people, but baby oil can work to keep them from biting but it needs to be kind of a generous amount-oily ...yucky. There is that place in Greer (I think that is where the store is located) but they sell online also. Professional strength products, allegedly. I need to look them up again, but you may know what I'm talking about; they had commercials on last year (I've not watched local in months, not sure if they are still on). Hope you find relief. Good luck from Woodruff, SC.

 
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June 2, 2009

I have these "no see ums" in my home and they bite.

 
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