Pinhead-Sized Flies Hovering at Face: Biting Midges or Black Flies

US & Sri Lanka: Tiny black dots (smaller than gnats) hover at face, attracted to sweat/CO2. Land in nostril. Swat → slap self. Return instantly.

Likely Culprits

• Biting midges (no-see-ums, Ceratopogonidae): Smallest blood-feeders.
• Black flies (Simuliidae): Slightly larger, humpbacked.

If biting = one of above. If not biting = many non-biting flies (impossible to ID without specimen).

Relief

• Insect repellent (DEET, picaridin).
• Fine mesh head net.
• Avoid peak activity (dawn/dusk).

Common in warm months near water/mud.