FACTSHEET - MIDGES EMERGENCY AT KEĀLIA POND NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) has been receiving complaints about the seasonal emergence of midges at Keālia Pond since the refuge was established in 1992. While the midges are present every winter and spring, their population tends to reach nuisance level when winter rains fill the pond after drying out the previous summer. Unfortunately, prevailing winds and bright lights attract the midges toward our neighbors at Sugar Beach. 

The Service is looking for ways to better manage water levels to limit habitat for midges during the dry season. For our neighbors who are affected by the midges, we recommend limiting bright lights that may be a factor in midges being attracted to the condominiums. Keep your blinds closed starting at dusk and turn off unneeded outdoor lighting. We do understand that lighting is necessary for safety and enjoying outdoor areas. However, replacing bright exterior lights with yellow LED lights has been shown to be effective, since insects are unable to see yellow light. We have also seen some positive results using citronella and fans on lanais. Fogging or using bug zappers are not likely to be effective.