What are these insects and how do I get rid of them?

[tuvireb]

Hi,

Hoping someone can help me here.

My entire backyard garden is full of these, they're everywhere, you can't take a step without them flying/jumping all around you, and it's driving me nuts.

It appears to be two distinct different insects - black ones & white ones.

Any idea what these are? Any idea how to get rid of them?

Thanks in advance!

[Jason]

Hi @tuvireb,

Can you please tell us where you are based? It might help members identify the bugs. And do you have any idea of what they are attracted to in the area?

Thanks,

Jason

[tuvireb]

Hi Jason,

I'm in Melbourne (south-east suburbs)

I have no idea what they're attracted - could be because my dog poops/pees in the back yard (we remove poo daily), that's the only thing I can think of.

[Jason]

No worries, thanks for the extra detail. I know the wonderful green thumb @Noelle lives out your way, hopefully she might have some clues for us. 

Jason

[Noelle]

Hi @tuvireb 

Both insects look a little like midges although two distinctly different species. They live naturally in grassy areas and will rise up when disturbed, particularly early morning and later on in the afternoon and evening.

If they are not biting you then leave them alone. Some species of midge may bite. While they do not inject a venom/toxin, their bites can cause an allergic reaction which can be uncomfortable.

[EricL]

Hello @tuvireb 

Are there any pools of standing water in your garden? Have you been using any fresh manure for fertilizer? These are the only breeding grounds I can think of where the insects might be coming from. I agree with @Noelle to leave them alone.

I recommend doing some observation and see if any of your plants are harbouring the main nest of the insects. If you find the nest, I suggest taking a photo and sharing it with the community. This will give our members a chance to better identify what it could be.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

[tuvireb]

Hi @EricL,

I have no pools or standing water - it's a standard back yard with nothing, I don't even have any plants.

I prefer to somehow get rid of them as they are quite the nuisance - can you recommend a product I can spray in the yard?

[EricL]

Hi @tuvireb 

Since there are no plants to spray, I suggest using PestXpert 500g Pro-Spray Flying Multi Insect Spray. It has dual active professional formulation for fast knockdown and residual performance. It has a low odour formulation is gentle on the nose and a pro-trigger with safety catch, for safe and easy application.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

[Noelle]

Hi again @tuvireb 

Midges live and breed in the soil usually under the lawn, where dew, rain and watering may keep the soil moist, rather than dry. Yes, they can be troublesome on a warm summer's evening but there is little you can do about them. To use a pesticide to control them would mean virtually drenching the back yard and you would need to actually spray the pests themselves for it to be effective. However, doing this would also wipe out all other insects, including beneficials, in the yard.