We can all agree on one thing – midges are the worst!
I’ve had my fair share of encounters with these tiny pests, and trust me, they’re no picnic.
Imagine trying to relax in your garden, only to be bombarded by swarms of these annoying bugs that just won’t give you any space. It’s enough to make you want to stay indoors forever!
Well, they won’t keep this gardener inside for too long!
I was all set to declare war on those pesky midges until I stumbled upon five top tricks for battling these critters. Now, the only buzzkill in the garden is me (quite literally).
The first thing I did was to..
1. Remove Any Type Of Stagnant Water From The Garden
You know what they say, prevention is the best cure. And this is definitely true when it comes to battling midges.
Your little garden pond and water plants around it might be creating the perfect conditions for midges, so it’s best to get rid of them (I know they look pretty, but it’s best to remove them if you constantly have bug issues).
I didn’t have a pond but sometimes I left garbage cans unemptied for a couple of days (I was going through a rough patch, don’t blame me!). Once I tidied those up, the midges were gone along with the unpleasant smells.
So, keeping your garden nice and tidy might also help A LOT!
You might like: Are Dragonflies Pollinators? The Answer Might Shock You!
2. Smoke Them Out
Yep, you read that right: you can smoke midges out. I am talking about bringing out the big guns: smoke bombs.
If you are dealing with larger infestations, smoke bombs might be the way to go. Just like mosquitoes, midges can’t stand smoke, so lighting up a smoke bomb will help usher them right out of your garden.
Show those midges who’s the boss!
3. Spread Some Pretty Fragrances Around
Finding the right scent can make all the difference when dealing with midges.
My fellow gardeners suggested using essential oils in a diffuser as a natural and effective way to keep midges away. Citronella, lavender, eucalyptus, and peppermint oils are your best bet for deterring bugs.
Trust me, I’ve seen the difference it makes when those scents fill the air.
Plus, your garden will smell heavenly (these essential oils blend in perfectly with your flower fragrances).
Also read: Revamp Your Garden With These Heat-Proof Geraniums, Guaranteed to Attract Hummingbirds
4. Apply Repellent Sprays Midges Hate
If the midges aren’t going anywhere, you can always turn to repellent sprays. In fact, insect repellent sprays are your best friend when it comes to keeping those pesky bugs at bay.
I’ve learned the hard way about the importance of avoiding midge bites. Once they started biting, I decided to bring out this secret weapon; and they were all gone in less than a minute!
So, get yourself some repellent spray and reclaim your outdoor space!
You might find useful: Get Rid Of Cankerworms From Your Trees With These 3 Tried-And-True Methods
5. Trap Them To Snap Them
On the flip side, why not turn the tables and use scents that midges find irresistible to trap them?
You can whip up a simple midge trap by setting out a bottle or jar without the lid and filling it with beer or syrup to lure them in. Once they’re drawn to the scent, they’ll fall into the liquid and drown.
Another option is to fill the container with cider vinegar and a dash of dishwashing liquid. They’ll regret all their biting and buzzing around!
In conclusion, battling midges in your garden can be a challenge, but with the right strategies, you can get rid of them and enjoy a bug-free garden.
Have you tried any of these methods before? What worked best for you? I personally liked the essential oils best (they smell so pretty!), but all these methods work like a charm!
You might like: 7 Popular Herbs That Attract Beneficial Insects To The Garden