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At Seconline due to popular demand we have now added an additional fly mesh option. Now customers can have the added option of midge mesh. Midge mesh is designed to restrict smaller insects such as sand flies or midge-type insects from penetrating the larger holes that are in standard fly mesh or pet proof mesh.

Biting midge insects which are commonly called sand flies come from a family of insects known as Culicoides. Throughout Australia there are over 270 known species of Culicoides. Although there are no known diseases that are associated with these insects their bites can be extremely unpleasant and very much unwanted. Different people have different reactions to biting midge bites; some experience minor itching while others can have itching that lasts for days that if not treated can become infected due to the skin being exposed. The very lucky people among us can have absolutely no problem with biting midges; unfortunately, these people are in the vast majority. Biting midges love the blood of human beings.

They are usually found in coastal areas particularly tropical areas and breed in wet soils in tidal zones. Mangroves and sandy shores are typical breeding grounds for midges. They are attracted to humans as they tend to have an appetite for our blood; it represents a very nice meal for them. Adult biting midges can lay up to 100 eggs at a time. They just need a warm, wet or moist place such as leaf mulch, mud or wet soil.

Biting midges love humidity and moisture. If they sense a meal from a human they will become active if these conditions are present. They prefer dull days with high humidity and tend to sit on fly screens and vegetation and any shady area whilst waiting for their meal. Normal standard fly mesh is not small enough to prevent the penetration and will only offer very low restriction to them. Purpose-built midge mesh is a much better option for fly screens, insect screens and barrier doors.

There is no known effective treatment process to prevent these insects from breeding and they will travel up to 3km from the breeding site in search of a blood meal. Repellents used on the skin can offer a measure of protection although there is always some area of the skin that will be exposed. Some insects have known to build up a resistance to the repellents and so have rendered them slightly ineffective.

In Australia we have many hot, humid climates that are home to biting midges or sandflies and so the only real way to escape is to be in an air-conditioned humidity controlled environment. As Australians we love the outdoors; we love areas where we can sit and relax and be in the fresh air. Back verandahs, screen enclosures, balconies and barbecue areas are places that we love to gather and enjoy a late afternoon drink or family get-together and the only solution to protection is insect repellents either directly to the skin or spraying in the air.

Now we can keep these little tiny biting insects outside where they belong by choosing midge mesh in your Seconline Insect Screens.. It is simply a matter of selecting the midge mesh option when you order your insect screens or safety doors online as opposed to the standard fibreglass mesh or pet mesh.

Midge mesh will restrict airflow slightly; however, this will be offset by the knowledge that you are in an environment where you will not be bothered by nasty and annoying biting sandflies.