Midge Madness
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If you’ve lived in Currituck for any length of time, you have likely encountered swarms of what the locals call, “Fuzzy Bills.” These mosquito-like insects with bushy antennae are actually non-biting aquatic midges. They begin their life cycles in the mud and sediment below the water where the larvae serve as filters in the aquatic environment. They are also a food source for many species of fish, amphibians and other aquatic insects. When the adults emerge, birds and bats feed on them during their short life cycle. While they pose no harm to humans or animals, homeowners may find them quite a nuisance.
Aside from the annoyance of avoiding swarms, these midges can stain paint and other wall finishes and often smell like rotting fish as they decay. Their abundant presence can also lead to an increase in spiders, their natural predators. Midges are weak fliers and tend to congregate on vegetation, porches, and walls in dense swarms. They prefer cool, shaded areas during the day and are attracted to bright lights around and in homes at night.
So how can we control these annoying pests? Homeowners can achieve some results by switching to motion activated lighting or keeping porch lights off and blinds closed during peak populations. Electric traps may be utilized near doorways. Because midges are weak flyers, porch fans may help to keep them away from doorways. Sprays are minimally effective because the midge life cycle is short and populations replenish very quickly. For more information, see the Biology and Control of Non-Biting Aquatic Midges publication from NC State Extension.