However, like other blood feeding Diptera, Culicoides species are vectors of pathogens that can cause disease in humans and animals. In Central and South America, western and central Africa, and some Caribbean islands, biting midges are the vectors of filarial worms in the genus Mansonella.
noun US, dialect A small biting fly ; a midge .
Biting midges are very small, ranging in size from 1-3 mm in length. They typically are grayish, but more reddish when filled with blood. Wings of many species, including some that feed on humans, contain dark patterns, which give them a grayish appearance (Figure 1).
Insect repellents are an important way of protecting yourself against biting midges. When outdoors use an effective insect repellent if biting midges are active. Insect repellents containing either diethyl toluamide (DEET) or picaridin are the most effective.
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.
Midges live in coastal areas, swamps, riverbanks, ponds and marshy regions. The lifecycle of biting midges is similar to that of a mosquito. They lay their eggs in standing water or, in some cases, wet soil.
Distribution. Biting midges occur in many coastal and inland areas of Western Australia (WA). They are most commonly found in tropical and sub-tropical parts of the state near sandy estuarine and foreshore areas and mangrove swamps. They are very common in some coastal areas of north-west WA.
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. Citronella candles can be used to prevent midges from closing in on a localised area.
Midges love high-sugar juices such as flower nectar and fruit juice. Make sure you keep your kitchen clear of overripe fruit.
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.
One of the most effective ways to repel mosquitoes and midges is to use a treatment spray containing bifenthrin. Such sprays work both via direct contact, and residual contact, making them effective well after application.
Citronella and Saltidin (also known as Picaridin and Icaridin) are among the ingredients that midges are said to find repugnant and give a wide berth. Essential oils such as eucalyptus, lavender and lemongrass have been credited with similar properties (more on this in a moment).
Adult midges are eaten by all kinds of things - from spiders to swallows. The larvae are eaten by fish, dragonfly larvae, water beetles and other predators.
Yes. Some people are more attractive to midges (combination of body odour, temperature etc.) and some people react badly to bites.
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.
In general, midge bites typically last for a few days to a couple of weeks. During the first few hours or days after being bitten by midges, you may experience immediate symptoms such as redness, swelling, itching, and discomfort at the site of the bite. These symptoms can intensify over the first 24 to 48 hours.
Nature's way There are said to be some natural midge such as essential oils like Eucalyptus, lavender and lemon. The results vary between people although these oils can make you smell rather nice! A brand called Incognito make hair and body wash infused with citronella and tee tree for "natural anti-insect camouflage".
What Time of Day are Midges Most Active? Another thing to bear in mind if you are visiting an area where you expect to encounter midges is that they are at their most active in the early morning, just before dawn, and in the evening, as light levels begin to fall.
Eggs of aquatic midges usually hatch in 2 to 7 days. The newly hatched larvae feed on the gelatinous material for about 2 days. The adults which emerge mate during swarming at night. The adults do not feed during their adult existence and consequently only live for 3 to 5 days.
Preventing Midge Bites
You can avoid damp areas, head for higher ground, wear a midge repellent, cover bare skin and wear a midge head net.
Only the females bite, using the blood they obtain as a source of protein for developing a batch of eggs. A bite is made in the skin and saliva is injected to prevent blood clotting, thereby allowing the blood to be sucked up. Contrary to common belief, it is not fly urine that causes the discomfort.
It comes down to a complex trifecta of carbon dioxide, body temperature and body odour that makes some people more inviting to mozzies than others.
Midges dislike wind and strong sunlight, therefore standing on top of a hill in the mid-day sun is a very natural form of midge repellent.