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 7 simple DIY steps.
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How to get rid of midges: understand what attracts midges and how to get rid of them
Whether you’re wondering “what are midges attracted to?” or “how to get rid of midges?” – we’ve got you covered.
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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.
Pro Tip: Check out our guide on how to remove sweat smells from clothes.
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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. Moreover, learn how to properly clean chopping boards to ensure that there are no residual sweet smells in your kitchen.
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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.
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4
Ensure your home has no standing water
What are midges going to do with water? Lay eggs! The London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine mentioned that targeting larval source is the best way to tackle the issue.[1] 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.
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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.
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6
Grow garlic in a pot or your garden
Vampires are not the only creatures that are afraid of garlic—midges too! A University of Vermont study found that the smell of garlic was effective in repelling midges.[2] So, we recommend planting it in a pot and keep them on your kitchen windowsill. For ample supply, you can also cultivate garlic in your garden.
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7
Use citronella and eucalyptus oils
Studies have shown that citronella and eucalyptus extracts are effective plant-based repellents against different insects, including midges.[3] So, mix citronella and eucalyptus oil with your preferred carrier oil. Then, apply a reasonable amount on your exposed skin and clothes. Having the lingering scent around your home will be enough to ward off those pesky midges.
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Frequently asked questions about getting rid of midges in the house
Q. 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. For instance, you can eliminate stagnant water sources where they breed and use insect repellents. Using fine mesh screens on windows and doors to keep them out of your living spaces can be a great hack too.
Q. 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
Q: What home remedy gets rid of midges?
The home remedies we shared in this article are effective in getting rid of midges. You can also have a spray bottle with citronella and eucalyptus oil around your house. Simply spray the solution in the air to deter midges.
Q: Does vinegar stop midges?
Yes, apple cider vinegar, in particular, is powerful enough to stop midges. If you mix it with dish soap, the smell will attract the insects. The acidity in the vinegar will be enough to kill midges.
Q: Does insecticide kill midges?
Yes, insecticides are generally effective in killing midges. A formula containing 20% Picaridin has been scientifically proven to be lethal for midges and other insects.
Q: What is the lifespan of a midge?
Once midge larvae complete their metamorphosis, they will emerge as flying adults. Their lifespan usually lasts between 20-30 days. So, if you don’t resolve the problem from the source, you’ll deal with midges for about a month.
With this simple guide, we have shown you not only what attracts midges, but also how to repel them. Now you know how to get rid of midges, check out our tips on making your house smell nice. This way, you can deter midges and other pesky insects.
References:
Tusting, L. S., Thwing, J., Sinclair, D., Fillinger, U., Gimnig, J. E., Bonner, K., Bottomley, C., & Lindsay, S. W. (2013). Mosquito larval source management for controlling malaria. The Cochrane Library. https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.cd008923.pub2
Stratton, C. A., Hodgdon, E. A., Rodriguez‐Saona, C., Shelton, A. M., & Chen, Y. H. (2019). Odors from phylogenetically-distant plants to Brassicaceae repel an herbivorous Brassica specialist. Scientific Reports, 9(1). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-019-47094-8
Asadollahi, A., Khoobdel, M., Zahraei-Ramazani, A., Azarmi, S., & Mosawi, S. H. (2019). Effectiveness of plant-based repellents against different Anopheles species: a systematic review. Malaria Journal, 18(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12936-019-3064-8
