My garden is full of fierce midges which swarm round and bite at every opportunity. How do I get rid of them?

Question

The midges seem to live in bushes and zoom out at us when we are nearby. They are making the garden a no-go zone. Is there a spray which will help reduce their numbers?

Answer 1

I live in the country and there is a burn runs through our land. We have lots of trees with the result it is 'midgie paradise'. The only thing we have found that works is to buy a 'Head Net' from an outdoor or camping shop.

It goes over your head, face and neck keeping the little beggars out

I have to say it makes you look like a real plonker but it sure saves you getting bitten to the point of slitting your wrists.

When my husband goes out to cut the grass he looks like something out of a horror movie.

The other thing is not to go out at dusk as that is when they are out and about. Some of the repellents on the market work better than others so you just have to try a few and find out which one works the best.  

Answer 2

I agree with Marcus, citronella candles ( the ones in wicker holders on sticks) keeps them at bay otherwise eat lots of garlic or onions - they don't seem to go for those people who have eaten garlic/onions,

Answer 3

You might encourage bats to your garden, their appetites are enormous.

Answer 4

Citronella Yes, also you could try Cotton Lavander, and French Marigolds, they keep the flies away from roses etc. a lot of the insects don't like the smell of these.  

Answer 5

plant lots of things like lavender, which attract ladybirds. i know that ladybirds eat aphids, maybe they like a midge or two as a starter! other than that, try calling the environmental health dept at your local council. they may be able to advise you what's best to use.

Answer 6

You need plenty of spiders and lizards,they eat hundreds of the midges.If you spray you can kill visiting birds and animals.

Answer 7

Nature's way, I'm afraid.  If they bite, you could try spraying your exposed skin with Avon's Skin So Soft or you could get rid of the bushes and replace them with a fence, wall or less irritating shrubs.  On second thoughts, you could spray the bush with the Avon spray before you sit in the garden...

Answer 8

Try Citronella Garden Candles, not exactly a spray, but you will smoke them out with the smell.

http://www.eoco.org.uk/acatalog/CITRONEL...

Answer 9

Unless you cut all the greenery down there is not much you can do.  Insect repellent won't do much good either.  Sit indoors is your best bet.