How to get rid of midges in the house

Whilst you may want to create a bee-friendly garden, other insects such as midges are not so welcome – especially in your home. Midges in the house aren't just an invasive presence: they can also give you an irritating collection of bites. In the summer, swarms of midges can get so numerous that they might make their way into your home; so, we’re going to show you how to get rid of midges with some simple steps.

How to get rid of midges: understand what attracts midges and how to get rid of them

1. Practice good hygiene

   Whilst midges may still make their way to your home for other reasons, they particularly love body heat and the smell of sweat. Staying cool and clean will reduce the likelihood of them wanting to find you.

2. Keep your kitchen fresh

   Midges love high-sugar juices such as flower nectar and fruit juice. Make sure you keep your kitchen clear of overripe fruit.

3. Use screens on your doors and windows

   This is a great way to prevent them from getting into your home. Ensure they are tightly woven as midges are masters of flying through incredibly small holes.

4. Ensure your home has no standing water

   What are midges going to do with water? Lay eggs! If you want to avoid a midge infestation, it is essential to empty out paddling pools, pet water bowls and more when they are not in use.

5. Create a midge trap

   This is super easy to do and a great way to get rid of midges that are already in your home. Put apple cider vinegar into a bowl with a few drops of washing up liquid. Midges are attracted to the smell of the mix but get stuck when they land! Don’t forget to empty and clean out the bowl, and replace the mixture every few days.

Can midges damage my property?

Midges, also known as gnats or no-see-ums, are small flying insects that are primarily nuisance pests. While they do not cause direct damage to property, their presence can be bothersome, especially in large numbers. Midges are known for their irritating bites, which can cause discomfort and itchiness. Additionally, their swarms can be a nuisance for outdoor activities. While midges themselves may not harm your property, it's important to take preventive measures to reduce their populations, such as eliminating stagnant water sources where they breed, using insect repellents, and using fine mesh screens on windows and doors to keep them out of your living spaces.

How to get rid of midges in the garden

If you know how to get rid of midges in the garden, midges in your house will be less of an issue. Here are a few simple ways: 1) Reduce outdoor lighting or relocate it away from your house 2) Get rid of pools of water 3) Always pick up pet faeces and make sure it is disposed of in a sealed bag 4) Burn citronella products around the perimeters 5) Set insect traps 6) Use insecticides – however, be aware that you may not be able to use your garden for a short while 7) Make sure bins are covered

With this simple guide, we have shown you not only what attracts midges, but also how to get rid of them. Now you know how to get rid of midges, take a look at our tips on warding off mosquitoes and other summer insects.