This Nasty Missouri Bug Bites Hard & Is After Your Blood

There are a lot of bugs in Missouri that are a nuisance, but this one is particularly nasty. It goes by many names, but no matter what you call it, this bug bites hard and is after your blood.

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If you look at the biting pests on the University of Missouri Extension Service website, you'll see this tiny creature.

This is the biting midge which is sometimes called punkies or no-see-ums. The University of Missouri describes the bite of this little nuisance:

The bites of most species cause an immediate sharp pain...more painful than mosquito bites.

They are not kidding. But, here are a couple of interesting facts. First, there are over 4,000 species of biting midges. Second, it's only the female midges that are after your blood. Could we call them girl vampire bugs? Asking for a friend. The male biting midges feed on plant juice which is a relief.

You're most likely to run into these tiny biters when your near a pond or a river as they tend to gravitate toward water similar to mosquitos.

Biting midges are so nasty one even bit through the arm of a TV guy. The nerve.

You can get more vital info on biting midges and how not to be on the receiving end of their painful bite at the University of Missouri Extension Service website.