With the warmer months approaching, so too are the midges and sandflies . This means that enjoying the outdoors can be limited. Biting midges, also known as sandflies are most active during dusk and dawn but will sometimes continue biting during overcast days, humid days and at night. Midges love undisturbed areas without wind and will seek shelter amongst vegetation. They thrive in sandy canals particularly in areas like Benowa, Sorrento, Isle of Capri, Broadbeach Waters, Biggera Waters and Coomera Waters. They are also particularly active around the new moon or full moon. It is the biting of the midges that is most annoying. Biting midges are not known to transmit any human diseases in Australia, however, bites often cause redness, itchiness and can be painful and/or irritating for some people. The severity of the reaction varies from person to person.
So, you ask, how do I prevent myself from getting bitten by midges. Well, here is a list of ways that will help you and your family.
- Install midge mesh flyscreens to your windows and doors to prevent midges from entering your home. Midge mesh has a much smaller holes than normal flyscreen mesh therefore preventing the tiny midges from penetrating through the mesh.
- Residual insecticide sprays can be applied to places where biting midges may rest, such as the walls of your house, insect screens and vegetation to help reduce adult numbers. One of our customers in Broadbeach Waters employed an experienced pest control company to spray their flyscreens with a residual insecticide and noticed a reduction in the midges entering their home. If you choose to do this yourself , always read the label and apply residual insecticide sprays in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
- In order to maximise the use of your outdoor area during the peak emergence of midges on the Gold Coast consider closing in your outdoor area and screening it with midge mesh. Gold Coast Security Screens & Shutters have created numerous screened in rooms for customers living on the canals especially in Mermaid Waters and Burleigh Waters.
- Midges don’t like the movement of air so use electric fans in your home to circulate the air which creates areas unsuitable for midges.
- Apply topical insect repellents to your skin before going outdoors especially at dusk and dawn. A popular home remedy is an equal part mixture of baby oil, Dettol and eucalyptus oil.
- Wear long-sleeved shirts and long trousers made of closely woven materials whilst you are outside to prevent midges from making contact with your skin.
- The Gold Coast city Council also conducts regular surveillance and control programs of biting midge populations throughout the canal systems and waterways on the Gold Coast. They use a boat fitted with a boom spray to treat the inter-tidal beaches. Additionally, the council sprays the natural insecticide pyrethrum in areas of the city to reduce the biting midge numbers to an acceptable level during peak midge emergence . Therefore, for advice on the management of biting midges contact The Gold Coast City Council on 1300 GOLD COAST (1300 465 326)or 07 5582 8211.
If you would like us to call out to your home and provide a free measure and quote for midge screens please call Gold Coast Security Screens & Shutters on 07 5646 9899 or go to our website www.gcsss.com.au to book a quote. We currently service all Gold coast areas from Pimpama, Coomera and Helensvale right through to Burleigh, Palm Beach & Tugun.
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