Nothing ruins a nice evening outdoors quite like a swarm of tiny biting insects buzzing around your head. These annoying little pests are called midges, and they can turn a perfect barbecue or camping trip into an itchy nightmare.
Midges are small flies that come in two main types: biting and non-biting. The biting ones are the real troublemakers. With a wingspan of only around 2mm, hundreds and even thousands of midges can swarm and bite exposed areas of skin. While they don’t spread diseases like mosquitoes, their bites can be painful and leave you scratching for days.
The good news? You don’t have to surrender your outdoor space to these tiny terrors. Learning how to get rid of midges takes a smart approach that hits them where it hurts most. Let’s look at these proven ways to send these pests packing for good.
1. Get Rid of Standing Water and Breeding Sites
The first and most important step in how to get rid of midges is cutting off their baby supply. Midges deposit their eggs near waterbodies, often stillwater boggy marshes or stormwater ponds, so removing their breeding spots will stop new generations from hatching.
Start by walking around your property and getting rid of any standing water. This includes obvious spots like bird baths, buckets, and old tires, but don’t forget about less obvious places. Check plant saucers, gutters, pool covers, and any containers that might collect rainwater. Your lawn soil should not be too damp either. If it is, you need to address drainage issues in your yard by looking for areas where water pools after rain and working on improving drainage.
Some water sources can’t be eliminated, like ponds or large water features. For these areas, use BTI granules (Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis). You can place granules made with bacteria-like BTI in the standing water and it will kill all the larvae. This bacteria specifically targets midge larvae while being safe for other wildlife.
Don’t forget about your potted plants when checking for standing water. Over-watering of plants often causes the formation of stagnant water on the soil and planter boxes. The nutrients in the soil further facilitate the growth and development of midges. Water plants only when needed and make sure excess water can drain away. This simple step eliminates one of the most common indoor breeding sites that many people overlook.
This method works so well because midges need water to complete their life cycle. No water means no new midges. It really is that simple, and removing breeding sites will have a bigger impact than any other single action you can take.
2. Use Natural Ways to Keep Midges Away
Nature provides some excellent midge-fighting tools that smell great to humans but terrible to these tiny pests. The best part? These natural methods are safe for kids, pets, and the environment.
Plant lavender, citronella, and marigolds around your patio, near entrances, and in areas where you spend time outdoors. These are all plants midges don’t like. Catnip is said to be 10 times more effective at repelling mosquitoes than DEET, and it works just as well on midges. Other great options include rosemary, peppermint, lemon balm, and eucalyptus. All types of mint make great insect repellents, so plant as many as you can. Just brush the leaves with your hand to release their natural oils.
You can also make your own repellent spray at home. Put a cup of distilled water into a spray bottle and add 3 tablespoons of citronella oil, 1 tablespoon of eucalyptus oil and 2 cups vinegar, then shake vigorously. This homemade spray works great on clothing and around outdoor areas. Just avoid spraying it near your face.
This might sound weird, but eating lots of garlic actually helps repel midges. Its scent is excreted through the skin when we sweat and midges hate the smell. Some people also take vitamin B1 supplements, as research has shown that biting insects hate this vitamin. When there’s too much vitamin B1 in the body, it gets naturally excreted in the sweat, urine and breath, which has protective effects.
Essential oils like citronella, peppermint oil, lavender and eucalyptus can all be used to repel midges by spraying your equipment or surroundings. You can even dilute them for personal use on your skin. Always dilute essential oils before putting them on your skin, and do a patch test first to make sure you’re not allergic.
This approach works because these plants and oils contain natural compounds that interfere with how midges find their targets. They basically jam the midges’ radar system, making it much harder for the insects to locate you.
3. Set Up Different Types of Traps
Sometimes the best defense is a good offense. Trapping midges can significantly reduce their numbers around your home and give you some satisfying revenge against these annoying bugs.
The simplest and most effective trap uses apple cider vinegar. Pour apple cider vinegar with a bit of dish soap into a jar or glass and mix it together. The smell of apple cider vinegar will attract the midges, and the soap will prevent them from flying away once they land. Cover the jar with plastic wrap and poke holes in it so midges can crawl inside but can’t escape. Place these traps near problem areas and replace the mixture every few days. This trick also works with beer if you prefer that over vinegar.
If you’re dealing with a major midge problem, consider investing in a CO2 trap. Mosquito Magnet traps work by mimicking the way humans attract mosquitoes and midges. The trap converts propane into CO2, mixes it with the precise level of heat, moisture and attractant to lure the insects, then vacuums them into a net where they dehydrate and die. Some models like the DynaTrap DT2000XLP can protect a full acre without using pesticides or additional attractants.
When setting up traps, placement matters a lot. Place your trap between you and standing water, such as a pond or marsh. Also place traps between you and heavy vegetation, such as a meadow or stand of trees. Keep traps at least 30 to 40 feet away from where people gather so the traps draw midges away from your activities rather than toward them.
Yellow sticky traps also work well because they attract tiny insects with their bright color. Once insects land on them, they stick and eventually die. These work best outdoors during the day and near light sources at night. Just be aware that sticky traps can also catch beneficial insects like bees, so use them carefully.
Different types of traps target midges’ various senses. Some use smell, others use visual cues, and CO2 traps mimic human breath to draw them away from you. Using multiple types together often gives the best results.
4. Keep Your Home Clean and Midge-Free
Indoor midges usually mean there’s something attracting them inside your house. Understanding how to get rid of midges indoors starts with eliminating these attractants and making your home as uninviting as possible to these tiny invaders.
Drains are like five-star hotels for midge larvae, so cleaning them regularly is essential. To effectively clean your pipes, mix baking soda and vinegar, pour the mixture into the drain, and let it work for 2 hours. You can also try coffee grounds and boiling water for stubborn buildup. Do this weekly to prevent midges from setting up shop in your plumbing. Using half a cup of salt and half a cup of baking soda works too. Sprinkle it in your sink and down the drain, then pour a cup of vinegar down after it.
Your garbage cans need attention too. Clean your trash can with hot water and lemon, which is a natural disinfectant that midges hate. Empty bins regularly and keep them tightly sealed. Midges are attracted to rotting organic matter, so don’t give them an all-you-can-eat buffet in your kitchen.
If you love houseplants, there are tricks to prevent them from attracting midges. Put a few matches in the soil upside down. This might sound strange, but it’s very effective because sulfur displeases midges and discourages them from laying larvae in the soil. Also avoid overwatering your houseplants. Let the top inch of soil dry out between waterings, and consider adding a layer of sand on top of the soil to deter egg-laying.
Keep your kitchen clean and wipe up spills immediately. Store fruit in the refrigerator rather than leaving it out on counters. If you prefer to store your fruits and vegetables in the open air, watch them closely to prevent them from spoiling. This is the favorite ground of midges and they will show up at the slightest sign of mold or rot.
Indoor cleaning matters because midges need food and moisture to survive. Take these away, and they’ll look elsewhere for a place to call home. Regular cleaning creates an environment that’s simply too hostile for midges to want to stick around.
5. Block Midges with Screens and Barriers
Sometimes the simplest solutions are the most effective. Physical barriers can keep midges out of your living spaces while still allowing you to enjoy fresh air and outdoor activities.
Regular window screens won’t stop midges because these tiny insects can squeeze through normal mesh. You need screens with 20×20 strands per inch, or super-fine 20×30 weave specifically designed to keep midges out. These special midge screens allow you to keep your doors and windows open during midge season while letting fresh air circulate but keeping the bugs outside.
Walk around your home and look for gaps around windows, doors, and where pipes or wires enter the building. Use caulk or weatherstripping to seal these openings. Even tiny gaps can let midges inside, so be thorough in your inspection. Check your existing screens regularly for holes or damage too. Even small tears can let midges through, so replace damaged screens promptly and clean them regularly to keep them working effectively.
When you’re spending time outdoors during peak midge season, cover up with long sleeves, full length garments and even gloves during peak times such as mornings and evenings. Light-colored clothing is better than dark colors, which midges prefer. For areas where midges are particularly bad, consider using bed nets or outdoor canopies. These create a protected space where you can relax without constantly swatting at bugs.
Physical barriers work because they create an obstacle that midges simply can’t cross. No fancy chemistry or special attractants are needed, just good old-fashioned blocking. The key is making sure your barriers don’t have any gaps that these tiny insects can exploit.
6. Change Your Environment to Stop Midges
Midges are picky about where they like to hang out. By making your outdoor spaces less appealing to them, you can enjoy your yard without becoming a midge buffet.
Lighting plays a huge role in attracting midges. Relocate bright lights away from entrances or switch to pink or orange colored bulbs. One of the most recommended ways to keep midges away from your home is to switch off lights that are not in use or reduce the use of lights in your home exterior areas. Midges are strongly attracted to regular white lights, especially during their evening swarming periods. Switch to yellow or amber bulbs for outdoor lighting, as these are much less attractive to flying insects.
Midges are weak fliers, so even a gentle breeze can keep them away. Set up fans on patios and decks to create airflow that makes it difficult for midges to land on you. Wind and colder conditions are unfavorable to swarms, so take advantage of breezy days for outdoor activities.
Timing your activities makes a big difference too. Midges go into a feeding frenzy around sunrise or sunset, so plan outdoor activities for midday when it’s sunny and breezy. Aim to work or plan activities in sunny conditions which will subdue midges and make your time outside much more enjoyable.
Keep your grass cut short and remove overgrown vegetation where midges like to rest during the day. Use your lawnmower regularly because these bugs lay their eggs in tall grass. Don’t leave piles of grass clippings in the garden either, as midges will use these areas for playing and mating.
When setting up outdoor furniture or planning activities, choose open, sunny areas rather than shaded spots near vegetation or water. Stay in exposed locations and avoid setting up camp near shady or secluded areas where midges prefer to gather.
Environmental control works because midges have specific preferences for humidity, light, and air movement. Change these conditions in your favor, and you make your space much less attractive to these pests.
7. Use Professional Strength Treatments
When natural methods and simple traps aren’t enough, it’s time to bring out the heavy-duty solutions. Learning how to get rid of midges effectively sometimes requires professional-grade treatments that can provide longer-lasting control and handle serious problems that won’t respond to gentler approaches.
A combination of Supreme IT and Martin’s IGR Insecticide is highly recommended to get rid of midges. Apply this combination as a perimeter barrier around your home structure and on surfaces where you have seen midges rest. One of the most effective approaches is to use a treatment spray containing bifenthrin. Such sprays work both through direct contact and residual contact, making them effective well after application. These treatments can protect your property for up to 6 weeks with proper application.
For larger water features or areas you can’t drain, professional larvicides can stop midges before they become adults. Each larvicide formulation contains ingredients like methoprene, an insect growth regulator that stops midges, filter flies and mosquitoes from becoming breeding, biting adults. This breaks the cycle at the source rather than just killing adults.
Permethrin is an effective insect repellent that you can apply to clothes as extra protection against pests like midges. The chemicals interfere with the insects’ nervous systems, helping prevent bites and keeping them far away. When used as directed, it’s odorless and safe for humans and dogs. You can treat your own clothing or buy pre-treated gear that lasts through multiple washings.
Always read and follow label directions when using any chemical treatments. Applying treatments every quarter will keep midges away for up to 90 days when done properly. Many products work best when applied before midge season starts, so plan ahead for better results.
Use protective equipment when applying treatments, and keep people and pets away from treated areas until the products have dried. Choose EPA-registered products that are labeled specifically for midges or similar pests. Allow a 4-week timeframe to see significant reduction in midge populations, as it takes time to break the breeding cycle completely.
Professional treatments work because these products contain active ingredients that are more concentrated and longer-lasting than what’s available to regular consumers. They target both adult midges and their developing larvae for comprehensive control.
8. Know When to Call the Professionals
Sometimes, despite your best efforts, midges just won’t give up. When DIY methods aren’t cutting it, professional pest control services can provide the expertise and equipment needed to solve serious midge problems.
If you’ve tried multiple methods for several weeks without seeing improvement, or if midges are affecting your quality of life, it’s time to call in the experts. This is especially true if you’re dealing with biting midges that are causing health issues or allergic reactions. Professional identification is crucial because it’s important to know what midge species is causing your problem. Different species have different habits and weaknesses, so targeting the right approach matters.
Professional pest control companies have access to stronger treatments and specialized equipment that isn’t available to homeowners. They can also provide ongoing monitoring and maintenance programs. The best professional services use integrated pest management, which combines multiple control methods for maximum effectiveness. This might include habitat modification, targeted treatments, and ongoing monitoring all working together.
While professional treatment costs more upfront, it can be more cost-effective in the long run if DIY methods aren’t working. Consider the value of being able to enjoy your outdoor spaces without constant midge problems. Look for licensed pest control companies with experience in midge control and ask about their approach and whether they guarantee their work. Good companies will inspect your property and explain their treatment plan before starting work.
Professional midge control often requires seasonal treatments to stay effective, so discuss maintenance schedules and costs upfront so you know what to expect. Most companies will work with you to develop a program that fits your budget and provides the level of control you need.
Professional help works because experts have the training, tools, and treatments to handle midge problems that are beyond what homeowners can manage on their own. They understand midge biology and behavior in ways that allow them to target weaknesses you might not even know exist. When you need to know how to get rid of midges that won’t respond to DIY methods, professionals have the answer.
