If you’ve noticed large swarms of insects lately, you are not alone. Our office has begun receiving numerous calls from residents reporting massive mosquito swarms in their yards. The good news is that they aren't mosquitoes. What you’re seeing are non-biting midges. While they look remarkably like mosquitoes to the naked eye, there is one major difference: midges are a nuisance, but they don't bite and they don't carry diseases.

Midges are famous for their "strength in numbers." They can be found congregating in massive clouds near water, in backyards, or under eaves. They have an uncanny knack for ending up in your mouth or eyes while out on a jog or a bike ride. At peak season, they may even cover the side of your home or car.

While midges are short-lived and usually disappear as quickly as they arrive, there are ways you can lessen the amount attracted to your home.

• Relocate the Light: Move outdoor lamps away from high-traffic areas like doorways and patios to draw the swarms elsewhere.
• Ditch the Zappers: Electronic bug zappers actually attract more midges to your home and often kill beneficial insects that would otherwise help control the population.
• Change the Hue: Replace standard white or mercury vapor bulbs with yellow lights or sodium vapor lights, which are much less attractive to insects.

Because these insects pose no health risk, the Marin/Sonoma Mosquito and Vector Control District does not treat for them. If you do find that you are being bitten, contact the District at 707-285-2200, as it is possible that there may be standing water that is producing mosquitoes in your area.

Learn more about the most common insects that resemble mosquitoes in Marin and Sonoma counties: https://www.msmosquito.org/insects-that-resemble-mosquitoes