Midges are tiny, flying insects that can be a huge nuisance to homeowners and business owners in Estero. They are particularly common in the summer months, and can be difficult to get rid of once they have infested an area. Quest Termite & Pest Services will provide some basic information about midges, discuss whether they spread disease, and offer some Estero pest control tips on how to get rid of them for good.
Biology of Midges In Estero
You may have noticed some confusion about the difference between midges and gnats. "Midge" and "gnat" are both colloquial terms used to describe small, pesky flying insects. In North America, the term "midge" is generally used to refer to any small fly, while "gnat" usually refers to a specific type of midge that is particularly attracted to humans.
Midges are tiny, only about ¾ of an inch long. They are attracted to the carbon dioxide we exhale, and will often fly near our heads in search of a meal. This can be quite annoying, but fortunately, midges do not bite. In fact, they don't even have mouths. Instead, they suck up their food through a long proboscis (a straw-like mouthpiece). They eat mostly plant nectar, but can also feed on the blood of mammals and reptiles.
Can Midges Spread Disease?
While midges are not known to carry any diseases that can infect humans, they can spread disease to animals. For example, midges have been linked to the outbreak of bluetongue disease in sheep. Bluetongue is a viral disease that affects ruminants (animals with four stomachs, such as cows and sheep). However, unlike the mosquitoes they are often mistaken for, midges do not spread disease to humans. They are actually quite harmless to humans.
So, if midges don't bite and they don't spread disease, what harm can they do? Unfortunately, midges can be quite a nuisance. They are attracted to lights, and will often fly into homes and businesses in search of a way out. This can be especially problematic for business owners, as midges can quickly become a nuisance for customers.
Another thing that makes midges a nuisance is their breeding habits. Midges lay their eggs in water, so they are often found near ponds, lakes, and other sources of standing water. This means that once midges have infested an area, it can be difficult to get rid of them.
Natural Products To Control Gnats And Midges
There are several natural ways to get rid of gnats and midges that you can try. Here are some of the most effective:
- Garlic: Garlic is an effective natural repellent for gnats and midges. You can make your own garlic spray by blending garlic cloves with water, straining the mixture, and then adding it to a spray bottle.
- Neem oil: Neem oil is derived from the neem tree, and has been used for centuries to control pests. To use neem oil as a gnat and midge repellent, simply add a few drops to a diffuser or spray bottle filled with water.
- Peppermint oil: Peppermint oil is another great natural midge and gnat remedy. Simply add a few drops of peppermint oil to a diffuser or spray bottle filled with water, and use it to mist your garden or patio.
- Rosemary: Rosemary can also be used as a homemade gnat spray. Simply add a few sprigs of fresh rosemary to a diffuser or spray bottle filled with water.
These natural solutions can help with gnat or midges, but if they're becoming a real problem, there's no replacement for a professional's expertise.
Midge Control: Getting Rid Of Midges In Estero
If you're still having problems with these pests, or you think you may have a midge or gnat infestation in your Estero home, it's best to contact a professional like Quest Termite & Pest Services. We've offered safe, responsible, and effective home pest control and commercial pest control services in the area since 1999. We can effectively get rid of midges and gnats in your house, and help you keep them from coming back. Call us today.
