Do you find yourself swatting away tiny, flying insects in your home or yard? These pests could be midges, also known as sand flies. Midges are annoying, but they can also be dangerous as some species spread diseases. If you’re dealing with a midge infestation, it’s important to know how to get rid of them and protect yourself from future problems. In this article, we’ll cover the signs of a midge problem, how to get rid of midges and how to prevent them from coming back.
Signs of a Midge Problem
The most common sign of a midge infestation is a large number of tiny flying bugs in your home or yard. Midges are usually dark brown or black and only about 1/16 – 1/8 inch long. They fly in large swarms and may bite if they come into contact with your skin. They may be attracted to lights at night, making them more visible. Midges may also leave behind small reddish-brown spots on walls and other surfaces due to their saliva when they bite.
How to get rid of Midges
If you’re dealing with a midge problem, the first step is to remove any standing water from the area. Standing water provides an ideal breeding ground for midges, so getting rid of it can help reduce the infestation. You should also use insecticides or insect repellents around the affected area to help keep midges away. If the infestation is severe, you may need to call a professional exterminator for additional help.
How to prevent Midge
Once you’ve taken steps to get rid of any existing midges in your home or yard, it’s important to take steps to prevent them from coming back. Make sure all areas of your property are free from standing water. This includes gutters, flower pots and other containers where water can accumulate after rainfall or irrigation. You should also seal any cracks or crevices around windows and doors that may provide entry points for midges. Additionally, make sure all screens on windows and doors are properly installed with no holes or tears.
What attracts Midges
There are several factors that can attract midges to an area, including sources of light, moisture and food. Midges are attracted to lights at night, so it’s best to turn off outdoor lights whenever possible. Moisture is also a major draw for midges, so make sure all areas of your property are free from standing water. Finally, midges feed on plant nectar, pollen and other organic matter, so it’s important to keep your yard free from overgrown plants and other organic debris.
What does a Midge eat?
Midges feed on plant nectar, pollen and other organic matter. They may also feed on blood if they come into contact with humans or animals.
Where does a Midge hide?
Midges tend to hide in dark and damp areas such as basements and crawlspaces. They may also hide in cracks and crevices around windows and doors.
What is the lifecycle of a Midge
Midges go through four stages of life: egg, larva, pupa and adult. The eggs are laid in moist soil or water where they hatch into larvae within days or weeks depending on the species. The larvae then develop into pupae before emerging as adults usually within two weeks. The adult stage lasts anywhere from two weeks up to several months depending on the species and environmental conditions.
Can a Midge lay eggs?
Yes, adult female midges can lay eggs in moist soil or standing water where they will hatch into larvae within days or weeks depending on the species.
What size is a Midge?
Midges are usually dark brown or black and only about 1/16 – 1/8 inch long.
What time of year is a Midge most active?
Midges are most active during the warmer months of the year when temperatures reach 65-75 degrees Fahrenheit (18-24 degrees Celsius). However, certain species may remain active throughout the winter months in mild climates.
Conclusion
Midges can be annoying pests that spread diseases and create an uncomfortable environment in your home or yard. To prevent midge problems in the future it’s important to remove any standing water from the area and seal any cracks or crevices around windows and doors that may provide entry points for midges. Additionally, make sure all screens on windows and doors are properly installed with no holes or tears so that they cannot get in. If you’re dealing with an infestation it’s best to call a professional exterminator for help getting rid of them as soon as possible before they cause further damage or spread disease.