In the United States, midges are often called "no-see-ums" because they are so small and hard to see. At 1 to 3 mm in length, the body of a small midge is about the size of a pencil point! Large midges are less than 1/8 inch long. Male midge flies are most easily seen when they circle in the air together as a swarm.
Biting midges are so small (1.0mm – 3.0mm) that they often go unobserved by the individual being bitten. Over 200 species of biting midges are found across Australia but only a small number cause a serious nuisance to humans.
What Do Midge Bites Look Like? Midge bites are initially quite similar in appearance to mosquito bites – a small, raised red lump, possibly with a broader region of redness surrounding it. The patch of redness will typically spread out around the bite – often around 3-5cm out from the bite zone.
Biting midges are tiny flies, about the size of a pin head. They are well-known for the severe reaction that some people have to their bites. Often they are incorrectly referred to as sandflies. More than 200 species of biting midges are found across Australia, but only a few cause a serious nuisance to humans.
Midges are often called 'sandflies', however not every sandfly is a midge. 'Sandfly' is a common name for a number of types of small biting insects.
Biting midges are minute to tiny flies that can be severe biting pests of humans, pets, livestock, and wildlife. Their blood-sucking habits also raise concerns about possible involvement in the transmission of disease agents.
Biting activity varies among species but they are most active in day time or near sunrise and sunset. With short mouthparts, biting midges are unable to bite through clothing and so exposed body parts such as hands, arms, legs (when wearing shorts) and the head are most frequently attacked.
Citronella candles
These are really effective and suit outdoor eating scenarios, picnics and BBQs, although BBQ smoke does a good job of keeping the midges away too. Midges dislike the smell of the candles, so burn a couple at a time to double your chances of keeping them away.
Midge's primary nourishment comes from flower nectar and other high-sugar juices, such as plant sap. Midges are also attracted to humans, their pets and livestock thanks to the CO2, body heat and particular scents we make. Once midges become aware of these cues, they hunt down their target.
When cortisol levels are lower, itchiness increases. "Most people itch more at night because our cortisol levels are higher in the morning and also because we are less distracted as we wind down and try to fall asleep," Dr. Kassouf said.
Midges are most likely to be out and about at dawn and dusk, and in still, humid conditions. Even a slight breeze will chase them away. They also can't keep up with you when you're walking. So while you're out hiking or cycling you should be perfectly fine.
The midge will actually only come out during the day if there is cloud cover because they are actually sensitive to light, this is the reason why you will generally see them under the shade of a tree, they hate windy conditions and very dry weather and prefer cooler and damp areas, you will find them mostly in woods ...
A midge bite is annoying and often uncomfortable, not painful – they usually cause small, red lumps that can be very itchy. Once bitten, the best thing to relieve midge bites is an anti-histamine cream. Although super tempting – try not to scratch.
Midges arrive in our apartments on sunny days, most often in spring and summer. Although they are harmless, we rarely appreciate that they invite themselves into our homes and we often look forward to getting rid of them, usually without knowing where to start.
Wearing light-coloured clothing may attract fewer midges as, like goths, midges seem to prefer dark colours. Avoid breeding sites (wet, boggy areas) or at least keep up-wind of them.
This is super easy to do and a great way to get rid of midges that are already in your home. Put apple cider vinegar into a bowl with a few drops of washing up liquid. Midges are attracted to the smell of the mix but get stuck when they land!
Citronella, peppermint oil, lavender and eucalyptus can all be used to repel midges by spraying your equipment or surroundings and even diluting for personal use.
What Attracts Midges? Midges find some people more attractive than others; this goes a long way to explain why some people get bitten more frequently than others. Furthermore, midges can also be attracted by certain deodorants, perfumes, aftershave, amongst others.
Try to avoid being outside during early mornings and late evenings, as this is when midges are at their worst. If you're sitting outside try to sit somewhere in the sun and with a breeze, as midges don't like these conditions.
Midges are known to hatch in large groups and swarm as they seek a mate. They don't bite and they only live for a few days. Mosquitoes don't typically swarm, but they do bite and can carry diseases that may be harmful to people.
Breath, Sweat & Tears
A gnat is always searching for moisture and salt, which are found in sweat and tears. Unfortunately, the pests are vectors for pink eye. They are also drawn to the smell of bad breath and to the carbon dioxide people expel when exhaling.
The female biting midge takes a blood meal to provide protein to develop her eggs. The 'itchiness' from her bite is due to allergens in midge saliva. Most people find the bites uncomfortable and distressing with the irritation leading to scratching and sometimes infected sores.
A short-term insecticide application for adult midges around your house can be effective but needs repeated applications. Chemical treatments should only be carried out by a licensed pest management technician.