Spending time outdoors in warm, humid weather often means dealing with biting midges. The tiny flying insects, sometimes called “no-see-ums,” depending on where you live, are a real nuisance. Their bites can leave behind itchy welts that linger for days. They're a major frustration for hikers and gardeners.

The good news? Once you understand what attracts midges, the conditions that make them possible, and the natural signals people give off, you can help reduce your exposure. You may not always be able to prevent dealing with them, but there are steps you can take to make outdoor activities far more comfortable (and far less itchy).

People who shop for “bite-proof clothing” often do so with a simple goal: avoid getting bitten outdoors. Generally speaking, truly bite-proof clothing is uncommon in lightweight everyday apparel.

For outdoor use, the more accurate term is usually insect-repellent clothing or permethrin-treated clothing. These items can help reduce contact with mosquitoes, ticks, and other biting insects, but they should not be treated as a guarantee against every bite.

Instead of looking for clothing that is fully bite-proof, it’s better to look for clothing that combines coverage, comfortable fabric, good fit, and permethrin-repellent treatment as part of a layered approach.