Protecting Yourself from Biting Midges: Expert Tips from Annual Pest Management

Biting midges, often called sandflies or no-see-ums, are tiny yet troublesome insects known for their painful, itchy bites. These pests thrive in warm, humid environments, particularly near coastal and swampy areas. If you've ever spent time outdoors and ended up covered in itchy red welts, chances are midges were the culprits. Luckily, Annual Pest Management have practical solutions to help you avoid these annoying pests.

1. Understanding Biting Midges

Biting midges are minuscule flying insects, typically under 3mm in size, that breed in damp, organic-rich environments such as mangroves, estuaries, and wetlands. Unlike mozzies, they don’t require standing water to reproduce, making them even more challenging to control. Midges are most active during dawn and dusk, and their bites can cause irritation, swelling, and severe allergic reactions in some individuals.

2. How to Reduce Your Risk of Midge Bites Outdoors

Enjoying the outdoors without the nuisance of midges is possible by following these prevention tips:

• Use insect repellent: Apply a repellent containing DEET, picaridin, or eucalyptus oil to exposed skin and clothing.
• Cover up: Wear loose-fitting, long-sleeved shirts and long pants in light colours to deter midges from landing on your skin.
• Plan activities wisely: Try to stay indoors during peak biting hours (early morning and evening) when midges are most active.
• Set up physical barriers: Use fine-mesh nets over outdoor seating areas, tents, or balconies to keep midges away.

3. Preventing Midges from Entering Your Home

Keeping midges out of your home requires a combination of physical barriers and environmental adjustments. Annual Pest Management recommends these effective strategies:

• Install fine-mesh screens: Standard fly screens may not be enough, so opt for ultra-fine mesh (1mm or smaller) on windows and doors.
• Use fans indoors: Midges are weak fliers, and airflow from ceiling fans or portable fans can help prevent them from settling inside.
• Eliminate entry points: Seal gaps around doors, windows, and vents to prevent midges from sneaking in.
• Adjust outdoor lighting: Reduce bright lights near doors and windows or switch to yellow-tinted bulbs to avoid attracting midges at night.

4. Treating Midge Bites

Even with precautions, midge bites can still happen. Here’s how to manage the discomfort:

• Clean the bite area with soap and water to lower the risk of infection.
• Apply an ice pack or cold compress to reduce swelling and itching.
• Use anti-itch creams or oral antihistamines to ease irritation and prevent excessive scratching.
• Avoid scratching to prevent worsening the bite site or causing secondary infections.

Biting midges can turn an enjoyable outdoor experience into an itchy nightmare, but with the right precautions, you can keep these pests at bay. Whether you’re looking for DIY prevention tips or professional pest control solutions, Annual Pest Management has you covered. Contact us today to learn more about our midge control services to  enjoy your surroundings without the irritation of these tiny pests!