AN urgent summer warning has been issued over a huge increase of insects that can cause allergic reactions. Ireland's leading pest control provider Rentokil has reported a huge spike in midges across the capital. Midges are small flying insects that are known to bite humans and in some cases cause allergic reactions due to their saliva.
They are commonly mistaken as mosquitoes because they look similar, but they are usually smaller and go less detected. Rentokil has reported a 19 per cent increase in the callouts for midgets in May 2024 compared to May 2023 across Dublin. According to the pest control provider, midges or mosquitoes generally don't transmit disease in Ireland, but they can leave some irritating bites and in some cases an allergic reaction.
The Area Technical Manager for Rentokil Com Moore said there is a bigger chance of getting bite by the insects while outdoors. He said: "There is a greater risk of bites when you are outdoors, particularly from dusk onwards when many biting insects are most active. "The itchiness that follows a bite can cause great discomfort.
" These flying insects start as eggs laid in water or damp areas, and they can develop into adults in just ten days. During the summer months, there is usually a spike in flying insects due to the breeding process being sped up as temperatures begin to rise. However, this summer has seen a far bigger increase in midges than last year, and they will generally bite at night time when their internal clocks.
