Key Takeaways
- Only female biting midges bite, because they need blood protein to develop their eggs.
- Biting midges are tiny, often wrongly called sandflies, and are most active in calm weather around dawn and dusk.
- Bites are itchy and can cause strong reactions in some people.
- Midges breed around water edges, damp soil and decaying leaf material, so complete control is difficult.
- Repellent, covering up and fine screens are the most reliable ways to reduce bites.
Do Midges Bite?
Some do. There are more than 200 different species of biting midges found across Australia, but few of them cause a serious nuisance. Biting midges mostly attack exposed skin in large numbers, and their bites can be very irritating.
Only female midges bite, because they consume blood as a source of protein to develop their eggs. Biting midges are not known to transmit human disease in Australia.
- Only female midges bite animals and humans.
- They need protein for laying eggs, so they hunt for blood.
- Males feed on pollen and other plant material.
- Bites can cause itchy, painful reactions, and some people have severe allergic reactions.
What Are Midges?
Midges are small winged flies that are generally seen near water in swarms. They have two wings which are pigmented and hairy, and when at rest the wings stay flat over the body. They breed near water and marshy areas.
The biting midges that affect people are in the family Ceratopogonidae, and the type that bites humans belongs to the genus Culicoides. Non-biting midges, such as the Chironomidae, form harmless swarms.
| Type | Bites people? |
|---|---|
| Biting midges (Ceratopogonidae) | Yes, females only |
| Non-biting midges (Chironomidae) | No |
How Big Are Midges?
Adult midges are 1.5 to 4.0 mm long with short legs. Biting midges are tiny, ranging from 1 to 3 mm, roughly the size of a pin head, and they are often wrongly called sandflies.
Although their size is small, their bites are very itchy and annoying. The adult midges are grey, with some red appearance if they have recently had a blood meal. Control Pest Management is familiar with all the different types of midges.
When and Where Do Midges Bite?
Midges are most active in calm conditions, around dawn and dusk. Wind keeps them away. They often bite exposed skin on the ankles, arms, neck and face.
- Parks, mangroves and bushland edges.
- Gardens near creeks, canals or damp ground.
- Outdoor entertaining areas in the evening.
- Areas with decaying leaf matter and damp soil.
Life Cycle of Midges
There are four different stages in the life cycle of midges. Females lay eggs in moist or wet places, near a water source. The full life cycle takes anywhere from about 3 to 22 weeks, depending on conditions.
| Stage | Where it lives |
|---|---|
| Egg | Damp soil, mud or water edges |
| Larva | Wet soil or decaying plant matter |
| Pupa | In the same damp habitat |
| Adult | Flies out to feed and breed |
Why Midges Are Hard to Control
Midges breed in places that are difficult to treat, such as water edges, damp soil and decaying leaf matter. Because no chemicals are registered to control these breeding sites, even a thorough clean-up of your own yard will not stop midges flying in from nearby bushland or waterways.
That is why protecting yourself and your outdoor areas matters more than trying to remove every midge. Small changes add up, and they are worth making before the evening gatherings that bring people outside at the worst time.
Before You Sit Outside: A Quick Checklist
- Apply repellent to exposed skin and reapply as directed.
- Wear long sleeves, long pants and closed shoes at dawn and dusk.
- Switch on a fan, because moving air keeps midges away.
- Close doors and windows with fine-mesh screens fitted.
- Choose a breezy spot away from damp ground and water edges.
Midge Bite Symptoms
Reactions vary a lot from person to person. Most people notice the bite only after the midge has gone, because the insect is so small.
- Itchy red bumps, often in groups.
- Painful or swollen skin around the bite.
- Blisters in people who react strongly.
- Infection if the bites are scratched open.
How to Treat Midge Bites
Bites are itchy and can be painful. For most people, home care is enough.
- Apply an ice pack to the bite.
- Use a mild antihistamine for itching.
- Use antiseptic cream if the area becomes infected.
- If the bite feels severe, visit a doctor as soon as possible.
How to Manage Midges
It is impossible to get rid of midges completely, especially near bushland or water. No chemicals are registered to control their breeding sites, so prevention is about reducing how often you are bitten.
- Use insect repellent, especially at dawn and dusk. Repellent that works on midges also helps with mosquitoes.
- Cover exposed skin with long, light-coloured clothing.
- Use fans on patios, because midges struggle in moving air.
- Fit fine-mesh screens on doors and windows.
- Pour apple cider vinegar into a bowl, add a few drops of liquid detergent and set it where midges gather.
- Fill or drain low spots where water collects.
If you are dealing with a large number of midges, call Control Pest Management so that our professional, trained technicians can assist you.
Midge Treatments on the Gold Coast
Our technicians are licensed and fully insured, and our treatments are suitable for children and pets. See our midge removal on the Gold Coast. Request a free quote or call 1300 357 246.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do midges bite?
Biting midges do, and only the females. They need blood protein to develop their eggs. Non-biting midges are harmless. In Australia, biting midge bites cause itching and swelling but are not known to spread human disease. Some people have strong allergic reactions.
What do midge bites look like?
Midge bites usually appear as small, red, very itchy bumps, often in clusters on exposed skin. Some people swell or blister, and scratching can cause infection. An ice pack and a mild antihistamine ease most bites. See a doctor if the reaction is severe.
Are midges the same as sandflies?
No. Biting midges are often called sandflies in Australia, but they are a different insect. The names get mixed up because both are small biting flies. Biting midges belong to the family Ceratopogonidae, and the common label is simply a mix-up.
How long do biting midges live?
The full life cycle, from egg to adult, takes about 3 to 22 weeks, depending on temperature and moisture. Adults need water nearby to breed. Because the larvae live in damp soil and decaying leaf matter, midges can keep returning to the same spots.
How do I keep midges away from my backyard?
Fill low spots where water collects, trim damp vegetation, and use fans and repellent when you sit outside at dawn and dusk. Fine-mesh screens help inside. Complete control is not possible, but these steps cut the number of bites noticeably.
When should I see a doctor about midge bites?
See a doctor if the reaction is severe, if the swelling spreads, or if a bite looks infected. Biting midges can cause severe allergic reactions in some people. For mild bites, an ice pack, a mild antihistamine and antiseptic cream if needed are usually enough.