The first thing that comes in one’s mind is that “What is a Biting Midge”?? Midges are smallest two-winged blood sucking flies prevalent globally. They so narrowly resemble mosquitoes that they are often mistaken for them. Midge is around 1 mm in length with the small stout limbs and short mouthparts that are projected downwards. It bites both the animals and humans inflicting excruciating pain and irritation. Only female midges suck blood. Female releases a chemical (pheromone) to intimate others about the blood sources. These serious blood-sucking pests spread many livestock diseases such as Blue Tongue and African Horse Sickness. Then a person thinks that “When does these midges bite??” Biting activity of midges is mainly limited …show more content…
And small eel-shaped larvae hatch in a few days. Whole life cycle is completed in 3-10 weeks. It depends upon the species and numerous environmental conditions such as the temperature and moisture. In the end, “What can be the Conclusion drawn out of this all”?? Biting Midges can be a chief cause of annoyance, both for animals and humans. Adult midges can be controlled by the space spraying of knockdown insecticide (fogging). Also regular trimming of densely grown vegetation can reduce resting places for adult midges. To most people, bites of biting midges can cause acute discomfort and irritation. Irritation can last for days, or even for weeks. So scratching aggravates pruritus and may lead to the bacterial infection and slow-healing wounds. Thus, personal protection measures should be employed, including the installation of screens (mesh size <0.75 mm), wearing long-sleeved clothing and for safety, applying insect repellents such as diethyltoluamide, dimethylphthalate or trimethyl pentanediol. The breeding places for biting midges can be extensive and so complete disinfestations of all larvae is very difficult. So, reduction of breeding could be achieved by keeping moisture content of soil surface lowered by techniques such as draining