Biting Insect Pests
information on the types of insects to be on the lookout for and control measures that can help. I will be sharing information from a UGA publication revised by Dr. Elmer Gray, UGA Extension Entomologist.
If I were to make a top five list of biting insects, mosquitoes would be at the top of the list. I have one place on the farm that I have to hand water the cattle. It never fails that I have to battle the mosquitoes in that area. In Georgia, there are more than 60 species of mosquitoes. Most of the species will feed on people. The female mosquito must have a blood meal in order for her eggs to develop. The eggs are laid near or on the water depending on the species. The egg to adult development for a mosquito will happen in 7- 10 days. Mosquitoes, like other biting insects, can cause an irritating and painful bite.
The biting midges sometimes called “No- see- ums” can be problematic insects. These insects are very small flies, but their bite can pack a punch. They have a small blade appearing mouthpart that can not only have a painful bite, but leave welts or lesions that can last for several days. The biting midges seem to prefer moist areas high in organic matter, plus they are attracted to light. Midges can be 1/ 32” to 1/ 16” in size so they can get through many window or door screens. Many times when you get bit by a biting midge, you just do not see them, but you do feel the bite and then you may be left with some welts for a few days.
The deer and horse flies can also be a problem for people, as well as animals. The female deer and horse flies are like the female mosquito in the fact they all need a blood meal. These are larger flies that will have a painful bite due to their blade- like mouthpart. They also like damp areas that are high in organic matter. Some species can be a problem in warmer hours of the day while other species will be more of a problem at dusk or dawn.
Many people will take advantage of summer and early fall weather for camping and rafting trips. These activities will involve rivers and streams, which may lead to problems with black flies. Black flies can also be called buffalo gnats. These flies are small, being 1/ 16” to 1/ 8” in size. They are black to gray in color. They like shade to partial shade area and can travel large distances. The larvae can be found in water attached to underwater objects. Their bites can lead to swelling and soreness that can last for days so they can really dampen the fun outdoors.
One thing that can reduce chances of mosquito bites is to reduce artificial breeding sites by reducing those areas that hold water. Draining water or simply f l i pping over water holding containers can help. Remember, it takes 7- 10 days for mosquitoes to develop so changing water in a birdbath, for example, or flipping over anything that can hold water can help.
For biting insects, the use of repellents can help when outdoors. Many repellent products on the market will contain DEET, which is N,- diethylm- toluamide. These repellents are applied to skin and can help for many hours. Our literature states that the CDC has approved Picaridin, Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus and IR3535 as alternatives to DEET. There is a brand name product, Permanone, which contains permethrin, that is sprayed on clothing to repel and kill ticks, that is said to help with flying insects such as mosquitoes that bite through clothing. Do keep in mind that anytime you use a repellent or other product that you need to read the label completely for correct use any warnings for safety. Plus, a label may tell you who should or should not use that product. Again, don’t forget to use read the label of any product prior to using.
Finally, you may have to ID the pest first and then find the most appropriate solution for that insect problem.
For more Information, contact UGA ExtensionGordon County at 706- 629- 8685 or email gbowman@ uga. edu. I will add that we have started an online agriculture newsletter. If you would like to be added to the email list to receive this newsletter, please let us know.