Current noseeum status

Question

Up until COVID I had been coming to Sanibel the week between Christmas and New Years every year for the last 45 years. I am currently arranging a trip to come down with my wife the middle of November to revisit Sanibel. In the past we have not had a lot of problems with noseeums by avoiding being out by the water at dusk and dawn and watching sunsets from a screened-in balcony. However I have read that the noseeum situation has worsened on the island since the hurricane and that they are now biting throughout the day. That would be a problem for me as I plan to spend most of my time on the beach. So I am trying to figure out what the actual noseeum conditions might be mid-November. Were they bad during the day that time last year? Are folks having problems with them during the day this summer? All help and info is appreciated!

Answer

Sanibel’s noseeums (biting midges) have always been part of island life, but many long-time visitors — especially those returning post-Hurricane Ian — have noticed changes. Your timing (mid-November) is actually one of the better periods for managing them, but conditions can vary year to year based on wind, humidity, and rainfall. Below is the clearest, most practical summary of what’s happening recently and what you can expect for a Sanibel return trip.

1. Have noseeums gotten worse since Hurricane Ian?

Yes, in many areas the population increased temporarily in late 2022–2023 because the storm left behind large amounts of standing water, debris, and disturbed mangrove/wetland areas — perfect breeding conditions. However, by late 2023 into 2024, the situation improved as mangroves recovered, standing water drained, and cleanup restored more normal airflow and ground conditions.

Locals in 2024 and this summer (2025) report that noseeums are still present — they always will be — but they are not typically biting heavily throughout the entire day. Midday biting surges are usually tied to very still, humid weather with no breeze. On breezy days, even after the hurricane, they are barely noticeable.

2. What were conditions like last November?

Mid-November 2023 saw:

Low to moderate noseeum activity during mornings and evenings.
Breezy afternoons most days, which kept beaches comfortable.
Only a few isolated days where still, humid air caused biting in midday hours.

Visitors who came specifically during that time generally reported that noseeums were manageable with normal precautions.

3. What are people reporting during summer 2025?

Summer always has higher biting-midge activity due to heat and humidity. This year’s reports suggest:

They can be aggressive at dawn/dusk.
On very still days, they may bite late morning or early afternoon.
On normal breezy beach days, visitors experience little to no biting while sitting near the water.

These patterns align with normal seasonal behavior — not hurricane-driven changes.

4. What to expect in mid-November on Sanibel

Mid-November is one of the best times of year for low biting insect activity. You can expect:

A steady Gulf breeze most afternoons.
Much lower humidity than summer.
Minimal daytime biting except on unusually still days.
Typical dusk and dawn activity — still the times to avoid sitting motionless near vegetation.

For someone sensitive to bites, this is a generally safe and comfortable time to return.

5. Tips to reduce bites while enjoying long days on the beach

Choose breezy beach spots — the Gulf shoreline often has enough wind to keep noseeums off you.
Avoid sitting close to vegetation or mangroves — stay on open sand.
Use a reliable repellent such as:
- Picaridin (20%) – most effective for noseeums
- DEET (20–30%) – also works but feels heavier
- Lemon eucalyptus oil – natural but needs reapplying often
Wear lightweight long sleeves in the early morning/evening.
Avoid beach time at dawn/dusk if you’re highly sensitive.
Keep balcony doors closed unless it’s fully screened.

6. Are noseeums biting “throughout the day” now?

This claim appeared online in the first year post-Ian, but current experience from residents and returning visitors indicates:

They are NOT consistently biting all day long.

Midday activity mainly happens when the weather is:

Windless
Humid
Just after heavy rains

On a normal sunny November day with breeze, you can comfortably enjoy hours on the beach.

7. Overall likelihood of noseeums affecting a mid-November trip

Based on recent seasons, it is highly likely that you’ll have:

Minimal issues during daytime beach hours
Occasional annoyance at dusk/dawn if standing near vegetation
Comfortable afternoons with steady coastal wind

8. Bottom line

Sanibel’s noseeum situation is much improved since the immediate post-hurricane year, and mid-November remains one of the island’s best windows for low activity. As long as you follow your usual strategies—avoid dawn/dusk outside by the water, stay in breezy spots, and use a good repellent—you should be able to enjoy long beach days without significant issues.

Current noseeum status

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