As warm summer evenings settle across the UK, so too does the notorious midge – tiny biting flies known for their relentless swarming and itchy bites.
Experts from LightingLegends highlight that the UK’s typically damp climate and long summer evenings create perfect conditions for midges to thrive – but there are ways to avoid these pesky pests.
Families hoping to enjoy their gardens without these annoying flies spoiling the night have been offered tips on how to keep midges at bay.
Midges are especially drawn to humid, sheltered spots and tend to be most active at dawn and dusk, particularly when the weather is still and humid.
They swarm in large numbers during these times and are attracted to carbon dioxide, body heat, and sweat, which explains why they often gather around people and animals.
While midges don’t carry diseases that affect humans, their bites can be extremely uncomfortable and may even cause allergic reactions.
Outdoor lighting also plays a role, with cooler white or blue lights attracting midges more than warmer yellow or orange tones. Switching to garden lighting with a colour temperature between 2,200K and 2,700K can help reduce their presence.
Jon Saeed, managing director of Lighting Legends, commented: “Swarming midges are a summer reality for many families across the UK, particularly in rural areas and where damp conditions are common.
“These tiny insects are most active during the cooler hours of early morning and evening, often arriving in thick swarms that can quickly spoil outdoor gatherings and make enjoying the garden a challenge.
“Simple changes can make a big difference. Choosing warm-toned lighting with a lower colour temperature – around 2,200K to 2,700K – helps reduce the attraction of midges to outdoor spaces.
“Practical steps such as keeping the garden tidy and creating gentle airflow with fans can also significantly improve comfort during those peak midge times.”
Eight ways to reduce midges in your garden:
- Reduce damp soil and vegetation
Unlike mosquitoes, midges lay eggs in damp soil and decaying plant matter rather than standing water. Keeping garden beds tidy, improving drainage, and removing leaf litter, mossy patches, or rotting vegetation can help disrupt breeding grounds and make the area less appealing to swarms.
- Use warm-coloured outdoor lighting
Cool-toned lights, particularly white or blue LEDs, are more likely to attract midges in the evening. Switching to yellow or orange garden lights with a colour temperature between 2,200K and 2,700K can help deter insects and create a more comfortable outdoor environment.
- Set up fans or breezy areas
Midges are weak fliers and avoid even light wind. Setting up garden fans or seating areas in naturally breezy spots can provide an effective barrier, especially during peak midge times in the early morning and evening.
- Wear insect-repellent treated clothing and use topical repellents
For areas with high midge activity, wearing long sleeves and trousers treated with insect repellent can help prevent bites. DEET-based sprays are commonly recommended, but natural alternatives like citronella or lemon eucalyptus can also offer protection when reapplied regularly.
- Avoid outdoor activities at dawn and dusk
Midges are most active at sunrise and sunset, when conditions are cool and still. Where possible, avoid sitting out during these peak hours and plan garden activities for midday, when midge numbers tend to drop.
- Maintain garden hygiene
Overgrown areas and piles of damp leaves, grass cuttings or mulch create perfect conditions for midges. Regularly mowing lawns, trimming back bushes, and keeping the garden clear of organic debris helps reduce suitable habitats and limits breeding spots.
- Encourage natural predators
Birds, bats, and dragonflies feed on midges and can provide natural population control. Installing bird feeders, bat boxes, and small water features encourages these helpful species to visit and stay in the garden.
- Consider mosquito and midge traps
Some electric traps emit carbon dioxide and warmth to mimic human scent and body heat, attracting and killing midges. While results can vary depending on placement and model, they can be a useful addition for gardens in high-risk areas.
