With recent continuous rainfall making the environment humid, the Dusheng hiking trail in Taichung has seen a surge in biting midges, causing distress among hikers. The city government stated that there is currently no record of biting midges transmitting diseases, so there is no need for excessive worry. The city will coordinate with various agencies to step up cleaning efforts in public spaces such as parks, schools, and drains, and has asked farmers to clear weeds from farmland to reduce breeding grounds for the insects, aiming for effective control.
The city government also urges the public to take personal protective measures, such as wearing long sleeves and pants or applying insect repellent approved by the Ministry of Health and Welfare on exposed skin, both of which can help avoid bites from biting midges or dengue-carrying mosquitoes.
The Agriculture Bureau noted that based on the adult biting habits of these midges, they are most active between 7 a.m. and 6 p.m., targeting people who are resting or stationary. While there is no need to worry about disease transmission from biting midges, their bites can cause intense itching. Personal protection remains the only viable solution for now—such as using mosquito repellent, wearing long-sleeved clothing, and installing fine mesh screens on windows and doors at home—to cut off the adults’ food sources and effectively reduce their population density.
The city will coordinate with various agencies to step up cleaning efforts in public spaces such as parks, schools, and drains, and has asked farmers to clear weeds from farmland to reduce breeding grounds for the insects, aiming for effective control.
The Environmental Protection Bureau pointed out that biting midges are nuisance insects, especially active during the day when bites are more likely. There is currently no record of them transmitting diseases. Biting midge control depends on three key factors: “climate,” “environment,” and “human gatherings,” with the first two being conditions for their growth.
The third factor is breeding conditions. “Climate” cannot be changed, so controlling biting midges requires addressing “environment” and “human gatherings.” A comprehensive approach should be adopted, combining personal protection, environmental management, and chemical control methods tailored to different regional characteristics. This strategy should be implemented long-term and continuously, prioritizing personal protection and environmental management, with chemical control as a supplement.
The Health Bureau reminded the public to take personal protective measures, such as wearing long sleeves and pants or applying insect repellent approved by the Ministry of Health and Welfare on exposed skin, both of which can help avoid bites from biting midges or dengue-carrying mosquitoes.
Additionally, as dengue outbreaks continue to spread, the city government urges the public to prioritize environmental cleanliness and address breeding sites. Discarded bottles and containers can easily become breeding grounds for dengue mosquitoes. The most effective way to prevent dengue is to eliminate breeding sources. Residents are encouraged not only to remove existing breeding sites but also to avoid creating new ones to fully curb the dengue threat.
To help the public quickly understand dengue and biting midges and take proper precautions, the Health Bureau has created two informational guides—one on dengue prevention and one on biting midge control. The dengue guide uses a simple Q&A format to explain transmission, treatment, and prevention, while the biting midge guide focuses on the insects’ characteristics, control methods, and post-bite care.
The city government has also set up a “Dengue Prevention Zone,” providing the latest domestic and international dengue updates, self-inspection checklists for breeding sites, the dengue and biting midge prevention guides, and other health education resources.
(China Times)