The goal isn’t to eliminate midges—which would appear impossible anyway, Foxi said—but to reduce their populations as much as possible. Fewer numbers mean reduced risk of viral spread, fewer bites, and lessened migration of midges to other neighboring farms. | Photo: iStock

Scientists have long been warning us that with climate change can come expanding habitats for flying insects that transmit a host of potentially deadly diseases. In Europe, for instance, researchers are gearing up for the northward spread of arboviruses (insect-borne viruses), such as the one that causes African horse sickness (AHS, most often identified in Africa). In addition to preparing effective vaccines, they’re looking at controlling the source of the disease: biting midges.

Owners can protect their horses from midges by stabling them at night, using insecticide-drenched netting, and turning on blowing fans. But they can also reduce midge populations by treating both adults and larvae in the environment, said Cipriano Foxi, PhD, of the Experimental Zooprophylactic Institute of Sardinia “G. Pegreffi,” in Sassari, Italy.

“The control of Culicoides (midges) cannot disregard habitat management to reduce larval development,” he said. “The periodical application of insecticide to the walls and roofs of stables has been recommended as preventive measures. Habitat manipulation such as drainage and removal and/or alteration of breeding sites can reduce larval density and consequently also the abundance of adults