14 "Harmless" Bugs You Didn't Know Could Bite You

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Gnats

Most gnats are just a big nuisance. But a tiny, gnat-like fly called a biting midge (you might know them as “no-see-ums”) can make tiny bites that can burn and leave big red welts. If you’re in an area where they’re common, you’ll need a fine mesh screen on your windows and doors to help keep the no-see-ums out.

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The standard housefly rarely bites, but he has a lot of nippy cousins. “There are many different types of biting flies: deer flies, horse flies, stable flies, and black flies,” says Crawley. “Regardless of species, they all have one thing in common—they’re out for blood. What’s more, coming inside isn’t even a guarantee that you’re safe from biting flies, since they can get inside your home.” Running a fan can help you keep these pests away.

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Dragonflies

Dragonflies don’t buzz around looking for humans to bite—but if you’re another bug, watch out. “Dragonflies have powerful biting mouthparts that are primarily used for capturing mosquitoes, midges, and flies as a food source,” Smith says. “Dragonflies will not bite humans in most cases, but the rare exception may occur when handling a live dragonfly; they may bite you as a means of self-defense.” You need to see these insane pest control ideas.