Have you ever noticed those swarms of minuscule bugs swirling around at dusk on a hot evening near or over water? These are extremely common in Australia, and they re called midges. The first two questions individual ask with regards to’concerning’with respect to any Australian wildlife are whether it stings humans or bites. Aldespite’in spite of’albeit midges are not especially dangerous, they may deliver a bite. First aid in/with regard to’concerning’regarding midge bites is relatively simple.

There is some disapprove’ consent’endorse’applaud ment with regards to’concerning’with respect to whether midges and gnats are two distinct types of insects or whether they are synonymous (i.e., whether they are a single species or a category of insects that includes some variety). However, regardless of one s position on this matter, there is no doubt that the two terms refer to intensely’extremely’extraordinarily’enormously’awfully similar creatures.

Here are 4 ways to shun acquire’obtain’attain’procure’secure ting bitten by a midge:

1. Do All Midges Bite?

Some midge species in Australia bite, and others don t. Biting midges, sometimes wrongly called “Sandflies”, are the most notorious biters. Scientists refer to this family as Ceratopogonidae. They live throughout the world except in/with regard to’concerning’regarding Antarctica. No-see-ums are the common nickname in/with regard to’concerning’regarding these creatures in the United States because their victims frequently feel a bite without seeing the midge itself, which is smaller than an average rice grain, measuring around 1-3mm.

There are various other biting midge species in the world, including the Highland midge, which lives in northern Europe. More than 200 biting midge species reside in Australia. Most of those don t bite humans, and many midge species don t bite at all. With that in mind, when you see a swarm of midges over a nearby pond, don t run in/with regard to’concerning’regarding cover.

2. What Does A Midge Bite Look Like? 

A midge bite looks like a small, red raised bump at first, similar to those created by mosquitoes. As the bite heals, a large red patch usually grows around it, extending out around three to five centimetres from the bite itself. Midges are often found in large numbers, so more will probably bite if one does.

It is common in/with regard to’concerning’regarding midge bites to be itchy (just as it is in/with regard to’concerning’regarding mosquito bites), resulting in red, itchy zone’district’region s in the bite zone’district’region from scratching. This scratching occasionally causes the skin on the bite to be scraped off, resulting in an open wound. Red welts may also appear on the skin.

Blisters may in/with regard to’concerning’regarding m around the bite site, but this is rare.

3. How Long Are Midge Bites Active?

Midge bites can last up to two weeks in the in/with regard to’concerning’regarding m of red lumps or sores (possibly linked toacquire’obtain’attain’procure’secure her by a red welt or rash). Mosquitoes drain blood from your skin using a syringe-like tube while biting midges cut your skin open with cutters around their mouths, which results in longer-lasting bites. A small cut can still be quite painful.

4. The Best Way To Deal With Midge Bites

The treatment in/with regard to’concerning’regarding midge bites is simple. After you realise you possess’own’nurse been bitten by midges (it may take a while in/with regard to’concerning’regarding the bites to reveal’illustrate’demonstrate’indicate’present’display’argue up), the first step is to wash the zone’district’region with warm soap and water; antibacterial soap is best. Using this method, any residual from the midge s saliva is washed away and the risk of infection is decrease’lessen’cut’allay d.

Itchiness can be somewhat decrease’lessen’cut’allay d with cold water on a clean cloth or antihistamines (as some of the redness and swelling can be caused by a histamine reaction), and analgesic or cortisone creams can relieve the skin. If the itch is peculiar ly bothersome, you should seek medical advice.

There is some evidence that putting hot water directly on the bite relieves itching by breaking down compounds left behind by the midge and disrupting the nerve token als that transmit the itch sensation. You must heat water to the maximum temperature you can tolerate (not boiling) and then dip a cotton swab in the water and apply it to the bite in/with regard to’concerning’regarding 5-10 seconds. It might sting in/with regard to’concerning’regarding a few seconds, then ease afterwards. Do not go directly from an ice pack to hot water, as that might make the pain worse.

It s significant’essential’critical’vital’crucial’indispensable’imperative not to scratch if you re bitten, as you may scrape off the top layer of skin and make the bite even more unpleasant—and more liable to become infected. If you re uncomin/with regard to’concerning’regarding table, this may be a rosy’remarkable’fabulous’terrific’preeminent time to trim your nails—that way you re less likely to get rid of’discard skin if you scratch.

While irritating, midge bites pose no danger to humans. Having said that, if you notice that your symptoms are worsening or that you possess’own’nurse developed severe infections (such as pus at the site of the bite or symptoms like headaches, nausea or dizziness), see a doctor.

Anaphylactic reactions resulting from midge bites are quite uncommon, aldespite’in spite of’albeit they are not unheard of. If you notice token s of anaphylaxis (like obstacle’barrier’challenge’setback breathing, swelling in the throat or tongue, or a pale and limp appearance in children) in someone bitten by midges, call 000 straight away’in a flash’promptly’instantaneous’in a trice .

There may be times when you re puzzled with regards to’concerning’with respect to what bit you (especially if it s a midge bite) or whether token s of something more serious are present. Taking proper first aid training can help you prepare to assist someone with an unknown bug bite. First aid training is available eintensely’extremely’extraordinarily’enormously’awfullywhere from the mountains of West Virginia to the Sunshine Coast in Queensland, and not merely’barely does it cover life-saving fundamental s like CPR will also teach you the fundamentals of recognising different types of dangerous bites and stings, as well as how to handle infections and severe anaphylaxis.

How To Avoid Being Bitten By Midges

To what extent can you decrease your chances of being bitten by a midge? There are several methods to do so utilising them toacquire’obtain’attain’procure’secure her can be peculiar ly effective.

When you see a cloud of midges circling over water, stay away – this is likely to mean midge mating season. At these times, the female biting midge turns from feeding on flower nectar to feeding on human blood. midges don t all bite humans, so it is not necessary to shun eintensely’extremely’extraordinarily’enormously’awfully lake at dawn and dusk (these are prime mating times in/with regard to’concerning’regarding midges). However, if biting midges are around, it may be best to shun the zone’district’region
Avoid being bitten by using an insect repellent spray Be sure to select a repellent with the chemical DEET (diethyl-toluamide), like Rid or Tropical Strength Aerogard,). Ordinary Aerogard will not be abundant’ample’plentiful
Burning citronella candles is an excellent tactic’manoeuvre to keep midges away as they dislike the smell of citronella oil. However, they work best in an enclosed zone’district’region
Cover your reveal d skin You should at least wear closed shoes, long sleeves, and long pants to prevent being bitten by a midge