Are There Midges In Hervey Bay?

The eastern and northeastern coastline of Australia specifically Queensland, is well-known for its coastal cities and beautiful scenery.

However, parts of this Australian State, much like other parts of the country, are known for having various wildlife as well as Midges.

While most people associate wildlife in Australia with kangaroos, crocodiles, or various marine life such as sharks or jellyfish, insects are also on this list.

Wildlife in this country varies widely from exotic to witness and even potentially dangerous. For those that are more dangerous, being alert and aware of all surroundings is critical.

When it comes to insects in Australia, they can be alarming as well. There are a substantial amount of insects throughout Australia and one type that can be found throughout Queensland is the midge.

Are There Midges In Hervey Bay?

Hervey Bay is a bay area tucked along the Fraser Coast Region of Queensland. This specific area is on the eastern coastline just across from Fraser Island, the world’s largest sand island. Much like other coastal areas of Queensland, Hervey Bay can have midges.

Generally, they are known to be found in the southeastern areas of Queensland. However, they can be a nuisance further up the coastline of Queensland as well and that does include the Hervey Bay area.

River Heads Sandflies

Midges are often called “sandflies” and are often mistaken for mosquitoes. While they appear similar to mosquitoes, they are quite different.

They can bite but cannot transmit diseases like mosquitoes can through their bites.

While they are known to be in the Hervey Bay area, which as expressed, is a bit more northern than the regular southeastern areas they are found, River Heads is one of the most common places to find sandflies.

River Heads is approximately 17km southeast of Hervey Bay. This is still part of the Fraser Coast Region and not in the extreme southeastern parts of the coastline.

This area is known to have sandflies or midges, due to the mangrove areas. Midges are attracted to these areas as well as estuaries, rivers, and canals. They are considered to be a pretty big problem in the River Heads area.

What Is The Best Way To Keep Midges Away?

While midges are often mistaken for mosquitoes, they are quite different. They can be harder to control as well making them quite irritating for some people.

However, there are some ways to attempt to keep these pests away. While they are not foolproof ways to prevent midges, they are helpful to get temporary relief. Moreover, there are two types of midges, biting and non-biting midges.

The biting midges cannot transmit disease like the mosquitoes, but their bites are still annoying. Below are the best ways to keep midges away. The list also includes ways to prevent bites from midges.

Bites from midges do get itchy and cause skin irritation.

Tips To Keep Midges Away

1. Use A Short-Term Pesticide

Pest control agents can apply appropriate short-term pesticide treatments around residential homes to help keep pesky midges at bay. While this does require the hire of a pest control agent, it is well worth it in the long run.

2. Invest In Mesh Screening

Mesh screening with small mesh holes is an effective way to keep midges out of porch areas or from the interior of homes. They won’t be able to enter these areas and mesh screening can be applied to screen doors or porch areas of homes.

3. Regularly Maintain Grass And Vegetation

Grass and vegetation around a home can attract midges. It is critical to keep any yard spaces outside of the home properly mowed and maintained to prevent the risk of attracting these pests. Low grass and the absence of weeds a great preventive measures.

3. Get Rid Of All Standing Water Sources

Like mosquitoes, midges can be attracted to standing water. Removing any sources of standing water is an important measure to take to keep midges away. This could include flower pots, buckets, etc.

4. Always Use DEET Insect Repellent

Insect repellent or bug spray is a popular item to use when heading outside. It is applied directly to the arm and leg areas to act as a means of keeping bugs away.

It is important to use this when outside and equally important to ensure it has DEET as an ingredient. DEET reduces the bug’s ability to smell human skin.

It makes it hard for them to bite the skin as they cannot smell it for a while. This is an important way for bug spray to work.

5. Wear Proper Clothing When Outside

While Australia is known for being hot, wearing long sleeves and pants is a way to keep midges off the skin. There are plenty of lightweight options out there that can be comfortable to wear in warmer weather.

Moreover, there are sun shirts that help reflect sunlight as well to keep the skin cooler.

6. Create A Flowing Air Source

Airflow is an effective way to keep midges at bay as well. They generally don’t show up in areas where the wind is blowing about 8km/hour. Realistically, this type of environment could be created on house patios or porches with the use of a high-powered fan around sitting areas.

These suggestions are the best way to reduce the sightings of midges as well as the number of them. While they won’t completely eliminate midges, they can make the outdoors more comfortable.

Some sources sight simply staying indoors and reducing time outside after a certain time of day. While this can be a method, better methods include ways to continue enjoying the beautiful Australian outdoors.

What Is The Best Repellent For Midges?

As expressed before, repellents like Bushmans with DEET will keep midges at bay. This is strictly related to repellent that is sprayed directly on the skin. But what about repellents that are used outdoors for pesticide treatment?

It is important to note that harsh chemicals found in pesticides cannot be used in areas of Australia where mangroves or other natural environments exist. This is because the chemicals can disturb the natural state of these areas and they are heavily protected due to various flora and other wildlife.

With this in mind, repellents for preventive measures should only be used by professionals around residential areas. This strictly refers to spraying around the home itself, not the natural surroundings.

This ensures that residential areas are kept as clean as possible from midges. While pesticide repellent cannot be used in nature-sensitive areas, it doesn’t mean that the great outdoors cannot be enjoyed.

When visiting those areas, using the previous suggestions to keep midges away can be implemented. This specifically includes proper clothing or the use of DEET skin repellent!