What are Biting Midges?
Biting midges are insects that breed in wet soils in the tidal zones such as mangrove mud and sandy shores. These insects are also important components of our valuable estuary tidal marsh and mangrove ecosystems. Biting midges are attracted to human habitation and rest on screens, fences and vegetation while waiting to take a blood meal. As the biting midge is small and easily blown about by prevailing winds, they prefer dull still days with high humidity when seeking a meal. There are four species that have been identified as the main cause of midge problems in the North Coast of NSW. They are Cullicoides molestus, Cullicoides subimmaculatus, Cullicoides longior and Lasiohelia townsvillensis. Further information can be found by accessing the Tweed Shire website. Council recognises the expertise and considerable experience of Tweed Shire entomologist Mr. Clive Easton who compiled the information referred to in the previous paragraph. At this time council has no data on the extent of br
