We live next to KY Lake (large lake) and have the insect (in the picture below) coming to our house (attracted by light) in huge swarms. The good news is they don’t bite but we have to blow off our deck (sometimes 1″ deep pile by our doors). They don’t live very long. Can you let us know what they are and how to treat (if possible). Are they coming from grass or from the lake? Thanks for the help.
These look to be a species of midge. Basically they’ll become active in the spring, typically live around ponds, lakes, etc. and will arrive in massive “swarms” when the conditions are right. Most species don’t bite (though some do) and since they look a lot like mosquitoes, people tend to panic when they’re seen.
The good news is they’re easy to control.
And the preferred method of midge control is to use a fogging machine and a misting concentrate that’s okay to use around lakes, ponds, etc.
Our BUGSPRAY FOGGER can help you treat up to an acre efficiently.
As you can see in the video, this machine can be small but its plenty powerful. Plan on using about 1 gallon of mixed solution for every 10,000 to 20,000 sq/ft.
For the sides of the home, turf and plants, use BITHOR mixed 1 oz per gallon. Its odorless, works immediately and will last 2-4 weeks if not longer.
If the yard is small, you can use a HOSE END SPRAYER to apply the Bithor. Add 2.5 oz to the sprayer, fill it to the 5 gallon line and use the entire amount over 5,000 sq/ft.
Now if you have any sensitive areas like rivers, streams, lakes or ponds, XEMPT C would be an option labeled to use over water. It uses essential plant oils that are both safe for use around water and yet effective to control a range of pests including midges. This mixture will work like Bithor although it doesn’t contain an egg killing agent. That said, using it every 7-14 days will get the job done without presenting a hazard to people, animals or aquatic life.
When fogging with water, plan on mixing 2-4 oz per gallon. Cold misting machines will get 1/4 to 1/2 acre of coverage per mixed gallon.
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Jerry Bishop says
Thanks for the tips! I will be getting with you for some treatment chemicals very soon.
David Meyers says
I’m living on the shore of lake erie, in Ohio. Midges are a real problem. What will keep them away from our home all summer?
Tech Support says
David,
If you look above, you’ll see the answer to your needs. For most people, the Bithor is best. If the yard is small, use the hose end sprayer. Fogging is how I use it around my yard. I live on the Chattahoochee River and apply 3 gallons of it over 2/3’s of an acre once a month. Works perfectly.
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800-877-7290
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