Question
My husband and I never usually get bit, but this year,as someone else mentioned on this sight, there are some small flying biting bugs. When they bite it itches, but when you go inside and also the next day the bites are not there. Can you help me and tell me what they are and what to do? We have used 2 different types of things to get rid of the bugs in the yard and they are even on the enclosed porch. Please help us!

Answer
The traditional insect territories went out the window with global warming.  Because weather is warmer than it used to be, insects survive more north than they used to.  We're witnessing new weather patterns, new plant species, and insects we've never encountered before.

Some of the biting flying NON-mosquito introductions:

1. Deerflies.  Their bite hurts like the dickens, thanks to their carniverous switchblade-style attacks on arms and legs.  But there's a big red lump the next day.

2. Blood-sucking Gnats. Also called "Midges," their bite takes a chunk out of human flesh before it swells up.  And it itches.  That's way too much pain to be what you're looking for.

3. Possibly Mosquitoes. There are dozens of Mosquito species.  This might be one of them.

This is only a partial list but that's the best I can do with this information.

So let me ask you: Does this bug make any noises?  What color is it?  How big is it?  Does it fly in the dark or in the light or both?

Also, I have to mention at this point that there is a problem however with your question.  You don't mention any clue anywhere about where on Planet Earth your porch and yard are located.  I can guess it's the northern hemisphere - summertime and you speak great English - but that does not narrow it down enough to really give you a serious answer, the kind that will hit the nail on the head.

So if you would please send more information about your latitude and longtitude - your zip code will do, or thereabouts - I will be able to see whether rainfall has perhaps contributed to this flying biter or not, the temperature, the new northernmost sightings of previously unsighted bugs, etc.

In the meantime, I can tell you that I would highly recommend those hanging flypapers they sell at Home Depot.  At the very least, it will get ONE of those mystery insects and you can take that specimen to a specialist for a better ID - or photograph it and post it here.  I would personally really like to answer this question.  Who knows?  Maybe Long Island is next?

rsvp,

THE LONG ISLAND GARDENER