Are you tired of dealing with pesky midges while enjoying the great outdoors? These tiny flies can quickly ruin a beautiful day outside with their incessant buzzing and biting. Fortunately, there are several natural methods you can use to eliminate midges and enjoy your time outside without any interruptions.
From creating homemade traps to planting insect-repelling plants, there are plenty of eco-friendly ways to keep midges at bay. Say goodbye to chemical sprays and opt for these natural solutions that are not only effective but also safe for the environment and your health.
Plant Citronella
Citronella plants are known for their strong smell that repels midges and other insects. Planting citronella in your outdoor area can help keep midges away naturally. Citronella is easy to grow and can be planted in pots or directly in the ground. Place citronella plants strategically around your outdoor space to create a barrier against midges.
Use Essential Oils
Essential oils are a natural way to repel midges and other insects in your outdoor space. These oils contain compounds that are offensive to insects, making them a great non-toxic alternative to chemical sprays. You can create your own natural bug repellent spray by mixing a few drops of essential oils with water in a spray bottle.
Popular Essential Oils for Repelling Midges:
| Essential Oil | Properties |
|---|---|
| Lavender | Calming fragrance that repels midges |
| Eucalyptus | Strong scent that deters insects |
| Citronella | Lemon-like aroma that repels midges |
You can also use essential oils like peppermint, tea tree, and lemongrass to keep midges away from your outdoor living areas. Simply dilute the oils with water and spray them around your patio, garden, or any other infested areas. Remember to reapply the spray every few hours for maximum effectiveness.
Install Bug Zappers
One effective way to eliminate midges outdoors is by installing bug zappers. These devices attract and electrocute flying insects using UV light. Make sure to place bug zappers away from where you will be spending time outdoors to draw the midges away from you. Regularly clean and maintain bug zappers to ensure they are working efficiently.
Set up Citronella Candles
One effective way to repel midges outdoors is by setting up citronella candles. These candles are made with citronella oil, which has natural insect-repelling properties. Citronella candles can create a barrier that midges find unappealing, keeping them away from your outdoor space.
To effectively use citronella candles, place them strategically around the area where you want to eliminate midges. Make sure to light the candles before you start spending time outdoors to allow the scent to disperse and create a protective barrier. Keep the candles burning while you are outside to maximize their effectiveness.
Remember to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for safe use of citronella candles and never leave them unattended. With citronella candles, you can enjoy a midge-free outdoor experience without the need for harsh chemicals.
| Pros: | Effectively repels midges |
| Easy to use and safe | |
| Natural alternative to chemical repellents |
Create Natural Repellent Sprays
One effective way to eliminate midges outdoors is to create your own natural repellent sprays. These sprays can be made using essential oils that have insect-repelling properties.
Essential Oil Repellent Spray
To make an essential oil repellent spray, mix 10-20 drops of essential oils such as citronella, eucalyptus, lavender, or peppermint with water in a spray bottle. Shake well before use and spray the solution around areas where midges are present.
Vinegar Repellent Spray
Another natural repellent spray can be made using vinegar. Mix equal parts of vinegar and water in a spray bottle and spray the solution on midge-infested areas. The strong smell of vinegar will help repel midges.
Grow Lavender Plants
Lavender plants are not only beautiful and fragrant additions to your outdoor space, but they also have powerful natural repellent properties that can help keep midges at bay.
When growing lavender, make sure to choose a sunny location with well-drained soil. Lavender plants thrive in full sun and dry conditions, making them perfect for areas where midges are commonly found.
Ensure that you water your lavender plants sparingly, as they do not like wet feet. Overwatering can cause root rot and ultimately harm the plant.
Pruning your lavender plants regularly can help promote new growth and keep them looking healthy and vibrant. You can also harvest the flowers to use in homemade repellent sprays or sachets to ward off midges.
Consider companion planting lavender with other insect-repelling plants like marigolds or rosemary to create a natural barrier against midges and other pests in your outdoor space.
Utilize Mosquito Nets
One effective way to protect yourself from midges outdoors is to utilize mosquito nets. Mosquito nets can be hung over outdoor seating areas, picnic tables, or even tents to create a barrier between you and the pesky insects. Make sure to choose a fine mesh net that is specifically designed to keep out smaller insects like midges.
Employ Homemade Traps
1. Bottle Trap
Create a simple trap by cutting the top off a plastic bottle and inverting it into the base. Fill the bottom with a mixture of apple cider vinegar and a drop of dish soap. Midges will be attracted to the scent and fly into the trap, getting stuck in the soapy solution.
2. Candle Trap
Light a candle and place it in a shallow dish of water near the area where midges are present. The heat from the candle will attract the midges, causing them to fly towards the flame and get caught in the water. This method is effective for luring midges away from outdoor gatherings.
- Remember to extinguish the candle after use to avoid any fire hazards.
Introduce Birdhouses and Bat Boxes
One natural way to eliminate midges outdoors is by introducing birdhouses and bat boxes in your yard or garden. Both birds and bats are natural predators of midges and will help keep their population in check.
- Birdhouses provide shelter for birds such as swallows and bluebirds, which feed on midges. By encouraging these birds to nest in your yard, you can reduce the midge population naturally.
- Bat boxes provide roosting spots for bats, which are also voracious consumers of midges. Bats are especially active at dusk and dawn when midges are most active, making them effective at controlling midge populations.
By installing birdhouses and bat boxes in your outdoor space, you can create a natural ecosystem that helps eliminate midges without the need for chemical pesticides.
Maintain a Clean Outdoor Environment
One of the most effective ways to eliminate midges outdoors is by maintaining a clean environment. Midges are attracted to standing water and decaying organic matter, so keeping your outdoor area clean and free of debris can help reduce their presence.
Remove Standing Water
- Regularly check for any sources of standing water such as flower pots, bird baths, or clogged gutters, and eliminate them.
- Ensure that water in ponds or fountains is circulating to prevent midges from laying their eggs.
Clean Up Organic Debris
- Rake up leaves, grass clippings, and other organic debris that can attract midges and other insects.
- Dispose of compost piles properly and keep them covered to avoid becoming breeding grounds for midges.
By maintaining a clean outdoor environment, you can significantly reduce the population of midges and enjoy your time outdoors without being bothered by these pesky insects.