Sandflies out in force

IF you feel like you’ve been attacked by swarms of sandflies you are not alone.

They are reported to be out in numbers on the Gold Coast.

The Gold Coast City Council has recorded an increase in the number of complaints about the little itches in recent weeks, particularly around the central Gold Coast.

The council is taking steps to make sure the midges do not continue to cause irritation.

“We fogged Mermaid Waters and Broadbeach Waters this week and will fog again next week if necessary,” a city spokeswoman said.

The small insects have also been reported to be out in numbers in Labrador, Southport, Helensvale and Chevron Island.

The spokeswoman said the tidal canal estates were more prone to the tiny bugs.

“With a full moon, high tides and warmer weather, the volume of midges tends to increase,” she said.

“We would expect them to gradually decrease now until around September.”