We spoke to our very own PAVCO (Pest and Vector Control Officer) about the recent invasion of Biting Midges and he gave us the following background information.
Biting midges (often called ‘sandflies’) are well known because of the severe reaction that some people have to their bites. They are very small (1.0mm – 3.0mm) flies,belonging to the family of flies called Ceratopogonidae, with one pair of wings and short legs. .Over 200 species occur in Australia, although only a few cause a serious nuisance to humans. The majority of Australian biting midge species belong to the genus (orgroup) called Culicoides..
Male and female biting midges feed on plant nectar for energy. Only the females bite, using the blood they obtain as a source of protein for developing a batch of eggs. A bite is made in the skin and saliva is injected to prevent blood clotting, thereby allowing the blood to be sucked up. Contrary to common belief, it is not fly urine that causes the discomfort. Rather, it is the saliva itself that produces the classic allergic response. Female biting midges may attack in large numbers, biting exposed skin, and the bites can be irritating and painful. In many parts of the world midge problems occur in coastal areas, leading to the popular but misleadingname of ‘sandflies’. In other parts of the world they are also known as ‘no-see-ums’.
Our PAVCO explained that with all the rain that we have had recently, coupled with the fact that our footy ground is actually in the middle of a swamp and that mozzies and midges breed in the swamp, we can expect a few insects around. .
Council are actually in the middle of an aerial treatment this morning.(Friday 22nd) because the midges were so bad last night at training!! Council were also treating the swamp next to the footy ground. Our PAVCO stated that the treatment is only for the larvae and not the adult midges. Once they become adults we are powerless to stop them. The aerial treatment is only for the mosquito larvae that we find in the brackish water on salt marshes...... Unfortunately does not effect midge. As the midge larvae are deep in the mud and sand around the river. The treatment stops the larvae becoming adults so we may see a reduction in numbers starting soon but with the threat of more rain means more breeding......
We recommend that everyone who gets down to training apply liberal amounts of repellant before they head out to the club.
Last Modified on 25/03/2013 16:45