How To Control Midges

There are small flies that live near water.Sand flies, no-see-ums, muckleheads, and black flies are commonly known as mosquitoes or gnats.They are difficult to control and almost impossible to eliminate.Combining a variety of methods will disrupt the activities of the midge and reduce their population.

Step 1: The predatory species should be introduced to the midges.

Many types of fish, especially bottom feeders like catfish and carp, eat a lot of insects.There are other organisms that eat midge larvae.Many kinds of fish can be found at most pet stores.There are other species that prey on adults.You can control the population by eating dragonflies, bats, and Frogs.Shelters and vegetation attract these animals.It's important to keep in mind that chemicals can harm animals that eat them.

Step 2: Stand still and get rid of standing water.

It's a good idea to drain anything that holds water.It's important to do this during the winter.The mammals are in the muck at the bottom of the water.Birdbaths, decorative ponds, and other structures that retain water should be emptied.If you can't reduce standing water, consider treating it with a larvicide.

Step 3: Light output at your home or business should be reduced.

During the hotter months in your region, close your blinds and turn off the outside lighting.Lamps can be moved away from windows.If necessary, avoid lamp posts.You could use high-pressure sodium lamps for outside lighting.The metal halide lights used for exterior lighting are more attractive than this type of light.

Step 4: There are nearby bodies of water.

Fertilization and retention ponds near human habitats are rich in the nutrition that the midge need to grow.The animals that eat midges can't live in habitats with a lot of pollution.While you may be able to divert waste andfertilizer on your own property, getting your community involved will be much more effective for controlling midge populations in larger bodies of water.Raising awareness in your community about proper waste disposal and the effects on the environment might help reduce your area's midge population.It's also a good chance to meet your neighbors.

Step 5: Larvicide is applied to the water habitats.

The adult flies will not be able to develop and hatch because of these types of chemicals.There are chemicals like granular temephos.Meetinghoprene has been used to control populations.The temporary measure of larvicides is to deal with the midge populations.The development of chemical-resistant midges can be caused by the continued use of larvicides.If you want to maximize the effectiveness of larvicide, apply it just before the hottest, wettest months.Before the biggest swarms hatch, this will kill off the midges.Large bodies of water can be very expensive to maintain.There is organic matter at the bottom of a body of water.In larger habitats, the amount of chemicals necessary to reach the midge population is very high.It is only effective at 10 times the rate of mosquitoes.

Step 6: There is a spray where you see adult flies.

Target areas where you can see adult flies resting.You can spray the flies directly.Adulticides can help eliminate a swarm of insects temporarily, but won't affect their rapid re-population cycles.When the new generation matures, adulticides will return in a matter of days.A thermal fogger, also known as a cold aerosol generator, will spray a mist of insecticide that can reduce the adult midge population in a specific area.Typically thermal foggers are used to eliminate pests.There are thermal foggers that can be mounted on trucks or boats to kill insects.You will probably need to use area sprays daily because they don't last long in the environment.

Step 7: It's a good idea to apply insect repellent to your skin.

Midges can cause irritation and painful bites.Any exposed skin can be sprayed with DEET.It is recommended that you apply the insect repellent as often as possible.

Step 8: White-light sources can be used to attract adult midges.

The lights should be placed away from the residential and recreational areas.The population of midges will be reduced in areas that humans frequent with some luck and proper placement.

Step 9: The trap should be near a major light source.

There arecution traps that can kill large numbers of insects.The reproduction cycle will not be affected bycution traps.If you are dealing with a lot of insects, an electrocution trap can malfunction.This can cause a serious fire hazard.If the swarms are bad, turn off the trap.

Step 10: You can use a CO2 trap.

The insects are attracted to the carbon dioxide exhaled by humans.A CO2 trap is similar to an electrocution trap, but it also discharges carbon dioxide into the environment.There is a small fan near the CO2 trap.CO2 traps can cover a wide area, which makes them superior to electrocution traps.Some CO2 traps advertise that they will draw in most of the insect pests in an area as large as 300 feet.

Step 11: You can put mosquito nets on your windows and doors.

This will help prevent them from entering your home.It is important to patch any holes or tears in the mesh.

Step 12: It's a good idea to run a fan or air conditioner.

If a fan is placed near a window or door, it can disrupt the ability of flies to fly.All windows and doors should be shut when the air conditioner is on.Weak fliers, adult midges seek refuge from the wind.Close the windows on the side of the house that is most protected from the wind.When the air is typically calm, installing ceiling fans on patios and decks will help deter the midges from resting there.

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