Hey there! In this article, I’ll give you 7 tips on how to get rid of midge flies. These insects are often found in Bedok Reservoir and Pandan Reservoir in Singapore, and they can be a real pain during the hot and rainy season between July and September. While midges don’t bite or transmit diseases, they can be annoying when they appear in large swarms. So, let’s get started on how to get rid of them.
Use insect repellent
Although midges won’t hurt you, they can be a nuisance, especially if you’re trying to enjoy a meal or a workout outdoors. Using an insect repellent can keep midges away from you. You can choose a natural one with tea tree or citronella oil to avoid chemicals.
Keep doors and windows tightly closed or screened
Midges can fly through small gaps, so it’s important to keep doors and windows tightly closed, especially during dusk and dawn when midges and mosquitoes are most active. Installing fine mesh screens on windows can help block midges.
Minimize the use of bright lights
Midges are attracted to bright lights, so it’s best to use yellow or dim lights. You can also move bright lights away from entrances or tint the bulbs pink or orange. Reducing the use of lights in your home exteriors can also help.
Prevent stagnant or slow-flowing water
Like mosquitoes, midges need water to breed. The larvae and pupae of midges are found in stagnant or slow-moving water. Over-watering plants can cause the formation of stagnant water in soil and planter boxes, which is an ideal breeding ground for midges. Drains with slow-flowing water are also potential breeding sites. You can prevent midge breeding by improving the flow of drain water and avoiding over-watering plants.
Reduce the use of fertilizer
Midges prefer nutrient-rich habitats, and fertilizers can provide nutrients to organisms like insects and millipedes. Excessive use of fertilizers can cause fertilizer runoff into ponds or streams, supplying the water bodies with ample nutrients, which then contribute to midge development. Proper use of fertilizer and nutrient management can help reduce midge breeding.
Biological approach (Bti/Mosquito Dunk)
A biological approach can help control midges. Mosquito Dunk, a larvicide that slowly dissolves, contains a bacterium known as Bti (Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis) that infects the larvae’s guts. It is environmentally friendly and safe to use.
Call pest control
If midges have become a serious problem in your area, it might be time to call pest control. A pest control professional can help you identify the source of the problem and provide a solution to get rid of midges.
These 7 tips should help you get rid of midges and prevent them from breeding. Remember to stay vigilant and keep your home and surroundings clean and dry. Enjoy the outdoors without the pesky midges!
FAQ How to Get Rid of Midges Flies
Q: What are midge flies?
A: Midge flies, also known as non-biting midges, are small insects that resemble mosquitoes but do not bite or transmit diseases. They are nuisance pests because they often appear in large swarms and can be annoying to some people.
Q: Why do midge flies appear in large swarms?
A: Midges are attracted to nutrient-rich aquatic habitats such as lakes, ponds, and slow-moving water. The hot and rainy season in certain areas creates an environment conducive to their multiplication, leading to large swarms.
Q: Can insect repellents help get rid of midge flies?
A: Insect repellents can repel midge flies from staying close to you, but they do not kill them. Natural insect repellents using naturally occurring substances such as tea tree or citronella oil are also available in the market.
Q: How can I reduce the breeding habitats of midge flies?
A: Midges prefer to breed in nutrient-rich habitats such as stagnant or slow-moving water, such as in lakes, ponds, and water reservoirs. To prevent the formation of ponding water, avoid over-watering plants and loosen the soil regularly. Drains with slow-flowing water are also ideal breeding sites for midges, so improving the flow of drain water through the removal of blockages can make the environment less conducive to midge breeding. Additionally, reducing the use of fertilizer can help as fertilizers promote the growth of healthy plants but also provide nutrients to other organisms such as midges.
Q: What is a mosquito dunk, and how can it help get rid of midge flies?
A: A mosquito dunk is a donut-shaped larvicide that slowly dissolves and kills mosquitoes. It contains a bacterium known as Bti (Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis) which infects the guts (stomach) of the larvae. Bti is an environmentally-friendly approach that can also be used to control midge fly larvae in stagnant or slow-moving water bodies.