Midge Infestation Worsens In Baltimore County
Midge Infestation Worsens In Baltimore County, Here’s What To Know
The waterfront community of Bowleys Quarters in Baltimore County is under siege, not by a storm or flood, but by swarms of tiny flying insects known as midges. These non-biting, mosquito-like bugs have returned in massive numbers this year, sparking frustration among residents and concern among local leaders.
At a marina along Middle River, midges were seen tangled in spiderwebs clinging to light posts, a sign of their overwhelming presence. Residents report thick clouds of the insects coating cars, outdoor furniture, and even getting inside homes, WBAL-TV reports.
“They’re not dangerous, but they’re incredibly disruptive,” said County Councilman David Marks. “In the evenings especially, they take over.”
What Are Midges?
Midges are small, flying insects in the Chironomidae family. Unlike mosquitoes, they don’t bite or transmit diseases, but they emerge in vast swarms, especially near bodies of freshwater like lakes, rivers, and marshes. The adult flies live only a few days, just long enough to mate and lay eggs. Each female can lay up to 1,000 at a time, making population booms explosive.
Their life cycle is closely tied to environmental conditions. Warm weather, nutrient-rich waters, and low salinity conditions often found in areas affected by stormwater runoff or wastewater discharges create ideal breeding grounds for their larvae, which live in the sediment of aquatic ecosystems.
Past and Present Efforts to Control the Swarms
Midge outbreaks aren’t new to Baltimore County. In previous years, millions of dollars were spent on larvicide spraying and other control programs near the Back River Wastewater Treatment Plant, a facility long plagued by nutrient management issues that have helped fuel midge reproduction.
“We’ve seen the issue originate around the Back River plant, but it’s now spreading to other waterways,” said Delegate Ryan Nawrocki. “And what’s even more concerning is the discovery of a new midge species that could be migrating into the Middle and Bird rivers.”
Midges are notoriously difficult to manage. Because they don’t bite, they aren’t prioritized by many public health systems. And because their larvae live underwater in the mud, spraying adult populations often only provides temporary relief.
Economic Impact and Calls for Action
Local officials warn that beyond the discomfort, the infestation has real economic consequences.
“There are restaurants in Middle River that depend on outdoor seating,” said Marks. “But no one wants to sit outside to enjoy a crab cake while getting swarmed by bugs.”
Nawrocki said Chesapeake Bay restoration funds could potentially be used to support expanded treatment efforts.
County Executive Seeks State Assistance
On Tuesday, Baltimore County Executive Kathy Klausmeier sent a letter to Maryland Agriculture Secretary Kevin Atticks, calling for additional state resources and swift, proactive measures. She described this year’s situation as an “unprecedented infestation,” exacerbated by recent heavy rains that lowered the salinity and temperature of local waters—ideal conditions for midges to thrive.
Klausmeier praised the effectiveness of the state-county midge treatment partnership in past years and urged continued and expanded support to prevent further disruption to residents and marine-based businesses ahead of peak summer season.
“Midges may disappear for now,” warned Marks, “but with each female laying up to a thousand eggs, next summer could be even worse if we don’t act.”
Midge Infestation Worsens In Baltimore County, Here’s What To Know was originally published on wolbbaltimore.com
