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. Depending on the size of the lot you need to treat, any of the following fogging machines will work.
For small areas (5,000 sq/ft or less), the MINI FOGGER will suffice:
For 5,000 sq/ft to 20,000 sq/ft (1/2 acre), the FM6309 will be strong enough but it will require a power cord.
Anything larger than 1/2 acre, get the BACK PACK MIST BLOWER. It’s plenty powerful, portable (gas operated) and makes the task easy to handle. I treat my 1 acre lot in 10-12 minutes for mosquitoes and other flying pests and this machine makes the task manageable.
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.
If you have to spray over water like ponds or lakes, go with ESSENTRIA. It won’t pose any threat to the aquatic life, people or pets. In most cases you’ll get 10-14 days of control once the problem has been reduced but expect to treat more frequently this time of year. But you are able to use it as much of it as you want so there is no chance of over applying it.
You can only use the Essentria over water with one of the foggers listed above. Add 4 oz per gallon of water when misting.
Now how much product will it take to treat? Expect to use 2-3 gallons per 1/2 acre if you have a decent amount of vegetation; less if it’s a wide open space. And be sure to treat everything in the landscape since midges can thrive in plants, mulch, rain gutters, etc. Basically anywhere moisture can accumulate.
Give us a call if you need more help. Our toll free is 1-800-877-7290 and we’re open 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM Mon-Thur; 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM Friday and 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM Saturday, Eastern Standard Time.
Jonathan
Customer Care
https://bugspray.com
1-800-877-7290
PS: Please show your support for our business by purchasing the items we recommend from the links provided. Remember, this is the only way we can stay around and be here to answer your questions and keep our web site up and running. Thanks for your business!
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.
Technical Support
800-877-7290
PS: Are you signed up for our informative twice a month Pest Report Newsletter? More info here: https://bugspray.com/bugspray_pest_report.html