The Outer Banks “Welcoming Committee:” What to Know About Midges, Spiders & Palmetto Bugs
- Go Your Own Wave
- Apr 3
- 3 min read
Updated: Apr 5
If you’ve ever vacationed in the Outer Banks, you’ve likely met some of our most persistent locals—midges, spiders, and palmetto bugs. We like to joke that they’re our “welcoming committee,” making sure visitors get the full OBX experience. While they might not be the souvenirs you planned on taking home, understanding why they’re here and how to keep them at bay can help make your stay more enjoyable.
Meet the Locals
Midges
Midges, often mistaken for mosquitoes, are harmless but incredibly annoying. These tiny, swarming insects thrive near water, and with the OBX surrounded by the sound, ocean, and marshlands, it’s basically paradise—for them. Unlike mosquitoes, midges don’t bite, but they do gather in massive numbers around lights, windows, and outdoor spaces.
Spiders
Before you shudder, let’s clear one thing up: the Outer Banks isn’t overrun with dangerous spiders. What you’ll mostly see are orb-weavers and other web-building species that set up shop around porches, decks, and railings. With the abundance of flying insects like midges, spiders have an all-you-can-eat buffet, making OBX homes the perfect hunting ground.
Palmetto Bugs
A fancy name for what are essentially very large cockroaches, palmetto bugs are a fact of life in coastal environments. Unlike their city-dwelling cousins, these bugs aren’t drawn to filth; they simply love warm, humid climates. They’re expert flyers (yes, unfortunately, they fly) and are particularly active at night.
Why Are They So Abundant?
The Outer Banks’ unique location, wedged between the Atlantic Ocean and the Currituck Sound, creates an ideal environment for all kinds of insects and critters. The warm, humid air and abundant water sources make it nearly impossible to eliminate them completely.
Additionally, because much of the OBX is protected land, aggressive pest control measures are limited to avoid harming the local ecosystem. Traditional sprays and treatments are ineffective on midges. Though they might reduce spiders and palmetto bugs temporarily, nature always wins in the end.
How to Minimize Their Disturbance
While you can’t completely avoid these uninvited guests, here are some tips to keep them from becoming a nuisance:
Turn off outdoor lights at night – Midges are attracted to light, so keeping porch lights off will reduce their numbers.
Keep doors and windows closed – It sounds obvious, but even a cracked door can invite bugs inside.
Clean up food and crumbs promptly – While palmetto bugs aren’t necessarily attracted to dirt, an easy food source will encourage them to stick around.
Shake out beach towels and clothes before bringing them inside – Spiders love to hitch a ride on damp items left outside.
Use a fan when sitting outside – A strong breeze can deter midges from swarming around you.
Don’t panic! – Seeing a spider on the porch or a palmetto bug outside is completely normal. A quick sweep with a broom usually does the trick.
So while our “welcoming committee” might not be the guests of honor at your vacation, rest assured they’re just part of the Outer Banks’ natural charm. A little preparation and a sense of humor go a long way in keeping your vacation as relaxing as possible!
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