Midge Killing Machines

[douglasgdmw]

Recently moved into our house in September last year and chatting to the neighbour he was saying that the "midges" can be an absolute nighmare where we are come summer.

As there is 3 converted steading where we stay, he was suggesting each of us getting a "midge killing" machine so we can reduce the population and hopefully make summer a little bit more "bite free".

I have done a quick search and there appears to be 2 major players in the market:
Predator Dynamic:
http://www.calor.co.uk/predator-dynamic-midgeater.html

Mosquito Magnet:
http://www.midge-terminator.co.uk/midge ... ort=normal

Just wondering whether anyone has used any of these and whether they would recommend them.

George

Ps Did notice an article in the Scotman where the maker of the Predator was being sued: http://www.scotsman.com/news/scotland/t ... l-1-549555
but I do not know whether they are still in business

[Corranga]

I don't have a clue, but the Predator Dynamic looks like it needs to evil eye stuck on the front for full effect

[Shug]

A friend of the outlaws lives near Lake of Monteith and had a huge midge problem - got one of the killers (they all work basically the same, I think, using gas) and within a couple of years had taken out enough that the breeding stopped and they were completely clear. The killer (sat at the top of the garden) also kept them away from anywhere they were sitting whilst the midgies were still around too.

Seemed to work for him. Added benefit being the midge mulch you get seems to be decent fertiliser too!

[bertieduff]

I'm watching this with interest. (Our house is terrible with them too.) From the brief look I had online I didn't turn up much impartial advice- seemed to be mixed reports as to their effectiveness.

[graeme]

Added benefit being the midge mulch you get seems to be decent fertiliser too!

The alive ones are all dead, but any eggs they're carrying can still hatch, so I believe the advice is to poly-bag them and in the bin, or incinerate the f*ckers!

[Dominic]

DIY version....

HOMEMADE MOSQUITO TRAP:

Items needed:
1 cup of water
1/4 cup of brown sugar
1 gram of yeast
1 2-liter bottle

HOW:
1. Cut the plastic bottle in half.
2. Mix brown sugar with hot water. Let cool. When cold, pour in the bottom half of the bottle.
3. Add the yeast. No need to mix. It creates carbon dioxide, which attracts mosquitoes.
4. Place the funnel part, upside down, into the other half of the bottle, taping them together if desired.
5. Wrap the bottle with something black, leaving the top uncovered, and place it outside in an area away from your normal gathering area. (Mosquitoes are also drawn to the color black.)

Change the solution every 2 weeks for continuous control.

I guess you would need quite a few of these around the garden, and would require re-setting fairly regularly, so one of the devices you posted would likely be a better option, but thought I would share this anyway.

[douglasgdmw]

We have decided to take the plunge and buy one of the machines. Last couple of days the midge's were really bad and Sandra has a large number of bites (luckily I don't think I'm so juicy). When the pup came in covered in midges over her back we realised its was time to do something.

After a long chat with the Scottish distributor (http://www.midge-free-zone.co.uk/), ended up ordering the Executive model http://www.mosquitomagnet.com/store/mos ... aps/mm3300. Should arrive in the next couple of days.

Admit that its a lot of money to get rid of midges (just wish I was paying States prices) but will mean we can use the garden - one of the reasons for moving into the countryside. Surprising the previous owners did not tell us how bad it was !!!!

Will keep everyone updated and if anyone looking for some midge pulp then let me know

George

[tut]

We are finding them a bit of a nuisance at Tut End when it is not windy and damp. Not swarms as we do not really see them until they land and the little buggers bite straight away.

Fortunately up on the hill here windless days are not the norm.

tut

[douglasgdmw]

Tut,

According to the research tHat I have done:
90% of midges and mosquitoes biting you live within 100 metres of where you are, the other 10% are brought in by the wind

So if you do ever get a wind free day then you could get swarms.

George

[a4drk]

Well ?
Does it work ?

David

[j2 lot]

Couple of hours working in the garden tonight and I look like a cross between a pubescent teenager and John Merrick

[douglasgdmw]

Well ?
Does it work ?

David

Certainly munching a load of midges. Still a couple of weeks to go till the breeding cycle is interrupted so they reduce substantially.

Glad I went for the top end machine as the bag does not need emptied so often.

George