What can and cannot be done to address the biting midge problem?
(a) Biting midges are amongst one of the most complicated pest species to control and cannot be eradicated. In comparison to mosquitoes, poisoning midges does not work due to their required habitats and life cycle. (b) The larvae of midge exist in mud and sandy substrates which makes treatment near impossible whereas mosquitoes breed in water pools. (c) There is currently no registered larvicide for biting midges, as the larvae occur in environmentally sensitive areas of the inter-tidal zone and dispersal patterns are poorly known. (d) The required larvicide dosage would also be environmentally damaging, affecting non targets. (e) Insecticide applications against adult midges is the only option available, however this method provides only short term relief and repeated applications are necessary. (f) Adulticide fogging has limitations on it’s effectiveness as the mist/fog will only affect what it comes into contact with. Council does not support the application of any harmful pesticide
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