How to deal with midges and sandflies

Some of the most notorious insects to deal with are the biting midges and sandflies. So far, there are no registered chemicals for controlling larval biting midges where they breed. The breeding sites are usually large, and thus chemical control becomes unrealistic. The only available chemical control option is adulticide insecticide. Fogging using such chemicals can provide temporary relief, but once the droplets settle, the midges could reinfest from outside the area you treated. The application of spray adulticides can also be applied to external surfaces like in public buildings or around houses.rnSome residual products can also control midges for up to six weeks, depending on the prevailing environmental conditions.rnHow to avoid being bittenrnIf you want to stay protected from biting midges, wear long, loose-fitting, light-colored clothing and insects’ repellants. The best repellants like Good Riddance mosquito repellent contain the best elements that are environment-friendly and the lotion formulations provide longer protection than liquid or aerosol ones. Like all other chemicals, repellants must be applied with the manufacturer’s instructions, especially when you’re doing it to children and infants. Repellants are generally not suitable for babies. If you’re traveling in an area infested by midges, you should avoid being outside at dawn or dusk and any other time when midges are active.rnLunar cycles are known to be the leading cause of adult biting midge species. Therefore, having local knowledge will greatly assist in planning your indoor activities and holiday times. As you go camping, you should choose a location far away from midge breeding sites.rnEnsure the caravans, tents, houses, and other camping gears are fitted with insect mesh or screens. The midge biting insects can penetrate the standard mesh, and therefore you need to get small size screens. You can also use surface spray insecticides to increase effectiveness. You can also have air circulation devices that discourage the biting midges.rnWhat are these biting midges?rnThese insects are well known due to the reaction of their bites on some people. They are small files that belong to the Ceratopogonidae family of flies which have one pair of wings and short legs. More than 200 species of biting midges occur in Australia, but very few are a nuisance to humans. The male and female species feed on nectar for energy. But the female ones use blood to develop eggs. rnWhere do midges occur?rnMany biting midges occur in inland and coastal areas of Western Australia. (WA) but most of them are found near foreshore areas and sandy estuarine and in the tropical regions of the state. They are abundant in coastal areas. Biting midges are common around water bodies or where there’s decaying vegetable material. The adult female ones lay eggs in a range of habitats like damp soil, decaying leaf material, muddy and vegetated substrates.rnAustralia’s biting midges transmit no known diseases. But the bites can be so irritating; especially you have an allergy to such. That’s why you need to get some effective repellant from a reputable brand; learn more here and keep yourself protected from this notorious insect.