Hello, 

Thank you for reaching out. I am so sorry you are having to deal with this. It sounds like you have been doing everything as would typically recommend: checking for sources of moisture, vacuuming and cleaning regularly, and working with a pest control professional. A pest specialist would be able to identify samples with a microscope if any can be collected. Another option we would recommend is to see a dermatologist who can test to see if you have any type of skin allergies. Some types of products, detergents, perfumes, fibers, and even medications can cause a sensation of persistent itching.

Please see the attached publication from Penn State University called 'Is Something Biting Me?' It offers information on possible pests as well as some medical conditions, materials in the environment, and medications that may cause a sensation that fees like insects biting or crawling on the skin. The publication mentions what you should and should not do:

https://extension.psu.edu/is-something-biting-me

Unfortunately, there is no good way to control midges or push them back outside. Biting midges tend to breed in salt or fresh water site that are high in organic matter, so unless you have a lot of house plants, they are likely not breeding in your home. They might be breeding in your gutters if they have not been clean out recently.

Due to their small size, they can fit through a standard window/ door screen, so you could try getting a smaller screen to keep them out of your home. They are also not great flyers, so you might also try to keep a fan going in the rooms you are in to reduce bites.

Biting midges numbers peak during the summer and the adults die out with the first hard frost. If you are still getting bitten after that, then you might be dealing with an additional or secondary pest, or there may be some other non-insect cause for your skin irritations. 

Here are some resource with information about biting midges:

- https://extension.entm.purdue.edu/publichealth/insects/bitingmidge.html

- https://entnemdept.ufl.edu/creatures/aquatic/biting_midges.htm

From the photos you sent we unfortunately cannot provide a clear/accurate identification.  Please feel free to send additional, sharper photos and we can do our best to provide a further identification.

Thank you for sending the additional photos. To identify these particular flies further physical specimens would need to be looked at underneath a microscope. 

Regardless, if the insect is some kind of biting midge the main control option, in regards to your apartment, would be to seal off any openings to the outdoors, such as window screens. Since you mentioned using light traps, these light traps could be attracting them to your spaces along with trapping them. There are many different types of insects that are attracted to light.

It is possible these insects are not biting midges/flies as there are many flies that look similar. Thus just because there are insect present does not mean they are the things causing any kind of bites or skin irritations. A dermatologist could test to see if you have any type of skin allergies. Some types of products, detergents, perfumes, fibers, and even medications can cause a sensation of persistent itching. A veterinarian may be able to tell you if your cat is experiencing any kind of skin irritants or bites as well.

If you want further pest control advice, we recommend seeking a professional pest control company.