Chironomid Midges

INTRODUCTION

Many people experience swarms of flying insects around their koi pond or aquarium tanks, especially in the immediate vicinity of the filter chambers. These insects are known as MIDGES. The most common midges people complain about are non-biting nuisance pests belonging to the family Chironomidae. The general public often refers to them as "gnats" or “fuzzy bills”. 


Chironomid midges are similar in appearance to the mosquito, but they do not bite. Midges have plumose antennae that resemble a small feather. They are very small--none larger than 1/8-inch long. The adult midge may be a variety of colors from dark brown to green.
MIDGEX

Midgex is a new and effective way of controlling midge population.

Using a special formulation for midges, Midgex uses naturally occurring bacillus bacterial strain to control the midge population. In other words, it is the only natural bio-control of midge larvae. It is safe and non-harmful to non-targeted animals and aquatic creatures. This cannot be said for insecticides and chemicals.

Midgex is introduced directly into the pond and is best applied near the inlet of the filter. Midgex passes quickly through the water and is consumed by the midge larvae. The bacillus bacterial will disrupt the feeding function of larvae and eventually starve them to death. This effect is usually noted within 12 hours.


However, Midgex is only harmful to midges at the larval stage, less so at the pupae stage and not harmful to adult midges. As such, Midgex should be used continuously for at least 4 weeks (once a week) to totally eradicate the midge population. 

Try Midgex today and say goodbye to Midges the Natural Way!! 

DIRECTIONS FOR USE 

2 drops to 1000 L or less (240 gal)
Apply twice in the 1st week
Apply once a week thereafter
Mix Midgex in a cup with water from pond/tank
Best apply the solution before filter or in the first chamber
Apply during evening or when temperature is cooler 
Not harmful to non-targeted aquatic animals.

                 
before applying MidgeX              6 hours after applying MidgeX


BIOLOGY

Midge populations are dependent on water. The midge larval stage is also aquatic. The adult females lay eggs in masses. They hatch in several days and the young larvae drop to the bottom where they build tubelike structures of bottom debris held together by strands of silk. Larvae are scavengers and feed upon the organic matter and bottom debris in the water, particularly algae. Pond filters not properly maintained or regularly flushed are good breeding sites as they provide food for the larvae. 

An interesting fact is that the blood of some midge larvae (called bloodworms) are red, unlike the blood of most other insects. It is red because it contains hemoglobin which binds tightly to oxygen. This is necessary because of the stagnant, low oxygen conditions that may be present where these larvae live. Typically, male midges swarm in large numbers at dusk. Mating occurs when females enter the swarm.  

Under favorable conditions, they are larvae for about four weeks and then they pupate for several days. Just before emergence, the pupa rises to the water surface, emerging from the water surface. Larval midges are very beneficial because they serve as food for fish.  

During their swarming activities, adults may be attracted to lights. This causes much concern as midges may enter houses and buildings and become a nuisance to occupants. Neighbours may also feel insecure as they may mistake midges for mosquitoes, thus causing unnecessary alarm in the neighbourhood. In the Lake Suwa area (Japan), it was deduced that the chironomids are an important cause of asthma, together with mite and silkworm.

           Adult midge

CONTROL
Avoid the use of unnecessary lights around dusk when midges swarm. If midges are entering the house, make sure that vent openings and other entry points are sealed. 

Flush and drain pond filters regularly to minimise the number of midges. Totally eradicating them through this method is not possible as larvae use their silk to anchor them permanently in their positions.


Introducing small fishes to the filter chamber is another good idea, although some larvae may be hidden at the bottom of the chamber not accessible to the fishes. 

Short of applying insecticides and other chemicals directly to your pond or aquarium filters, there is no way of effectively controlling the midge population, i.e. until now. 

Safe for koi and other aquarium fishes.

 

Copyright © 2001 Rein. All rights reserved.