How to Get Rid of Biting Midges in Your House
Are you getting bites from insects closely resembling mosquitoes? If so, then that means you have midges in your house. However, not all species bite. So, if you’re looking to eliminate them from your house, you should first identify them correctly. Read on to discover all there is about midges and why your home is the primary target, hoping to get the solution of eliminating them.
Midge identification
According to Vermin Kill, a midge is an umbrella term that describes more than thirty-five insect species, some biting while others are non-biting. The ones obsessed with biting humans are female. They have powerful jaws that can emit extraordinarily itchy and painful bites. On the other hand, male midges only need plant nectar for nutrients; hence they are less troublesome. According to Express, biting midges need blood to allow other batches of fat reserves to get the nutrition they deserve once the first reserve transforms into the first set of eggs. Surprisingly, biting midges will suck your blood for around three to four minutes. You will only experience severe irritation or itchiness after they’ve bitten you. While midges are attracted to nectar, they might also devour juices with high sugar content. Besides humans, they are attracted to pets and livestock because this category emits heat, scents, and carbon dioxide, which they need for survival. They are more predominant in spring and summer.
How to get rid of midges from your house
The first step is to identify what midges are attracted to get the right solution to eradicate them. The following methods should help you get rid of them:
1. Keep foods they are attracted to away from their reach
The worst mistake you can make is leaving food within their reach. For example, you can’t keep them at bay if you constantly leave food on the tables or exposed baskets because they are attracted to the scent and ripening process. As they keep devouring the leftovers, they multiply quickly. So, after finishing your food, wash your dishes immediately. Fruits and vegetables should be kept in a refrigerator. Don’t forget to keep away wine, juices, and vinegar in the fridge.
2. Address stagnant water issues
Midges are more prevalent in homes near water bodies like lakes, rivers, and ponds. However, the same scenario might also happen if you keep leaving stagnant water, allowing them to breed. The first thing you should do is walk out and check if there are any water buckets, birdbaths, or other items storing stagnant water. Next, drain off the water and prune down the trees to minimize the shades. Another method that can work is to air circulate and dethatch your lawn. You can get a lawnmower to mow it before dethatching. Make sure to remove the cut grass to prevent the midges from hiding there.
3. Use window shields
This is a preventative measure, not an extermination method. While some experts claim that some midge species are small enough to slip inside mosquito nets and window shields, both options are still necessary. Get shields made from silicone foam to seal all the crevices, gaps, and cracks for the best results. Use Mosquito nets whenever you go to sleep.
4. Address garden lighting
Have you ever noticed how midges are attracted to bright fluorescent lights? If you have, it will be in your best interest to switch to dim lights and position them away from doors and windows. Doing so prevents them from accessing your home and accentuates your indoor space. Alternatively, you can get the tinted or orange color lights to repel them.
5. Don’t go overboard with fertilizer application
As mentioned earlier, midges’ breeding habits rely on nutrient-rich habitats. A lawn or garden with too much fertilizer is a perfect breeding ground for midges because it helps other organisms like insects, bugs, and millipedes to thrive. If you go overboard with fertilizer application, eventually, it will runoff in a nearby pond or river, providing a conducive environment for the life cycle of midges. The best way to disrupt their cycle is by keeping the fertilizer application to a minimum. That way, you will reduce the breeding sources for midges. Keep in mind that each product comes with special instructions which you should follow. For example, if it says that you should apply it during the plant’s or grass’ growing stage, make sure you wait until that period arrives.
6. Use repellents
If you’re spending time outdoors, ensure you apply repellents to your skin. The best repellents are DEET-based because they have a scent that repels midges but is gentle on your skin. But if you have sensitive skin, consider wearing long-sleeved shirts and trousers with a pair of socks.
7. Seek a pest exterminator’s help
If you’ve tried these methods and failed, the only thing left to do is call a pest control expert. Please avoid buying insecticides and other pest control products as they are harmful to the environment. Besides interfering with the soil pH, these products might also kill beneficial insects like ladybirds, millipedes, and bees. Pest extermination works as the last resort if the biological methods and prevention tips fail. A pest control expert can identify the exact midge specie you want to eliminate and tailor the best control solution to keep them at bay and protect other beneficial animals.
Conclusion
One thing about midges is that they can disappear for good, but only if you practice these prevention tips. Remember, all the tips mentioned above are eco-conscious, so you should apply them. But if the situation doesn’t improve, you don’t have any idea about the insect you intend to eliminate. Fortunately, a pest control expert can pick one and identify it. They can tailor a practical solution to control the midge population. It would be best to consider all these factors to ensure you don’t experience irritations during the day or night and for your peace of mind.