How to Get Rid of Midge Flies: Effective Solutions for Your Home and Outdoors
Midge flies, commonly mistaken for gnats, are tiny insects that can pose a massive problem. They can be a nuisance indoors and outdoors, often grouping in swarms or biting people, depending on the species.
Managing midge infestations involves understanding how these pests behave, what you can do to eliminate them, and how to prevent them from returning.

The Midge Fly
Midge flies measure between 1 to 3 millimeters in length. They’re attracted to water sources and particularly like damp, swampy areas. There are many species of midges, but they’re often categorized into two types: biting and non-biting.
Biting midges, also called “no-see-ums” because of how tiny they are, cause painful bites that can irritate your skin or cause an allergic reaction. Non-biting midges might be less problematic since they don’t bite, but they’re certainly still annoying to deal with. Their swarming behavior can put a damper on a day outside and leave you feeling like you’d rather not use your outdoor space.
Behaviors and Life Cycle
Midge flies have a four-stage life cycle: egg, larva, pupa, and adult. They’re most active during dawn and dusk, emerging from their breeding grounds primarily to mate or, in the case of biting species, to feed on blood. Midges are also more attracted to light and standing water, so you may find their swarming behavior more noticeable around artificial light sources.
Common Areas Midge Flies Infest
You’ll mostly find midges outdoors near lakes, ponds, and other bodies of water, but they can occasionally enter homes through open windows and doors. They particularly like gardens or yards near water sources since that gives them ample space to settle down and breed.
If you discover midge swarms inside, you’ll most likely find them near artificial light. They may come in through open doors or windows, especially in the evening when your lights are on. Kitchens and bathrooms tend to see the most midge activity because of their attraction to moisture.
Since these insects can disrupt outdoor activities and invade homes, knowing how to apply key prevention strategies and effective repellents is crucial.
How to Get Rid of Midge Flies in the House
So how do you get rid of midge flies for good? The first step is ensuring midges no longer have the means to get in. Seal any entry points they could slip through, including tiny gaps around windows, doors, and even your foundation. This can further prevent midges from finding an alternative way into your home.
Once you’ve sealed the entry points, experts recommend using certain preventive measures. This could include installing fine mesh screens on windows and doors. Doing so enables you to still get fresh air into your home while keeping the midges out.
If you want to know how to kill midges effectively, it often starts with using UV light traps, which attract flying insects. Do your best to keep your home clean, paying special attention to any areas where you might deal with standing water, like plant trays or sinks.
As far as deterring the midges from seeing your home as a place to live, you have a few options. You can reduce outdoor lighting at night or switch to yellow “bug lights” that are less attractive to insects. Seal compost or waste bins tightly, as midges can see food waste as an invitation.
How to Get Rid of Midge Flies Outside
Getting rid of midges outside isn’t always as straightforward. Instead of focusing on sealing entry points, your goal outside is to keep them from seeing your backyard as the ideal breeding ground.
A great way to protect your yard is to regularly check your property for standing water. You also want to maintain your lawn, as midges feel at home in overgrown grass and other tall plants. If midges continue to be an issue, you can try outdoor-specific treatments.
But exactly what kills midges outside? EPA registered insecticides or larvicides are common methods. Both are generally considered safe for use — just make sure to follow the instructions on the label. You can also try bug zappers or traps to catch or zap midges.
If you’re curious about how to control midge flies in an eco-friendly way, there are plenty of options. Lavender, citronella, and marigolds are all plants midges don’t like. You can also use a natural spray with essential oils like lemongrass, eucalyptus, or peppermint. Mix a few drops with water, and spray it in the areas where you see midges.
Why Are Midge Flies a Problem?
Midges seem harmless at first, but they can cause health problems. Biting midges can leave welts or itching, especially in individuals with sensitive skin or allergies. Some species are known to transmit diseases like Oropouche fever in humans or bluetongue disease in livestock, though this varies by region.
Aside from health concerns, midges can easily put an end to a barbecue or outdoor party, and you may hesitate to allow visitors in your home if you’re dealing with an infestation.
How to Prevent Midge Fly Infestations
Start by ensuring your property has enough drainage to prevent standing water. This includes maintaining gutters, downspouts, and landscaping to direct water away from your home.
You could also take a more direct approach and install an outdoor fan to disrupt the midges. The airflow makes it hard for them to move around, so they’re less likely to find your space appealing.
Your approach when it comes to how to control midges depends on the season. Warmer weather and increased rainfall usually coincide with the breeding months, so expect to do more damage control in summer. You can also use weather-resistant repellents outdoors to ensure you’re appropriately protected against midges.
The Role of Permethrin-Treated Clothing in Repelling Midges and Other Biting Insects
Permethrin is an effective insect repellent that you can apply to clothes as extra protection against pests like midges. The chemicals interfere with the insects' nervous systems, helping prevent bites and keeping them far away. When used as directed, it’s odorless and safe for humans and dogs.
You can find permethrin-treated shirts, pants, and socks, as well as accessories like hats and scarves. Some gear, like tents or bug blankets, also come with built-in permethrin to keep biting midges away.
Additional Tips for Controlling Midges
Using the right repellents can reduce your chances of dealing with midge swarms on your property. Here are some tips for using them.
Repellents and Sprays
For extra protection, use a topical insect repellent on any exposed skin — but not on clothing, as some, including those that contain DEET can ruin some synthetics. If you aren’t wearing permethrin-treated clothes, consider using permethrin sprays on clothing instead.
Use of Foggers or Misting Systems
Foggers or misting systems can provide temporary relief from midges in large outdoor spaces but may also impact beneficial insects, so use them judiciously. They’re helpful for providing immediate relief, yet they may not serve as a long-term solution. As far as how to kill midge flies with these systems, most experts suggest using them in tandem with other methods.
DIY Home Remedies
You can try trapping midges with a bowl of apple cider vinegar covered with plastic wrap, though this method is more effective for fruit flies than for midges.
Soap and water solutions can kill larvae in standing water. Just add a few drops of dish soap to standing water for another effective home remedy.
Get Rid of Midges for Good
Biting midges can pose health concerns, while both biting and non-biting midges can make outdoor activities unpleasant. Taking proactive steps with environmental control, insect repellents, and quality products from Insect Shield can help you avoid dealing with these unpleasant pests.
Explore Insect Shield’s permethrin-treated clothing and gear for all-in-one protection from midges and other biting insects today.