Midge Mayhem: Baltimore County Battles Bug Infestation
The Buzz About Bowleys Quarters
The residents of Bowleys Quarters, md.,are facing an onslaught of tiny,winged adversaries: midges.these aquatic flies, known for swarming near water and marshy areas, have become a notable nuisance, impacting both quality of life and local businesses.
The problem is notably acute in the evenings, when the midges seem to take over, according to Baltimore county Councilman David Marks, R-District 5.
They really aren’t risky,but they are incredibly annoying.
David Marks, Baltimore County Councilman
Residents speak Out
Local residents are feeling the brunt of the midge invasion. Justin Pugh, of Bowleys Quarters, described the daily ordeal:
When I walk out in the mornings, there’s a cloud of these things as soon as I walk out. I almost have to hold my breath sometimes so they don’t get in my mouth. There’s a bunch that get in my car as I’m driving. They are flying all around on my windshield. It’s a real nuisance.
justin Pugh, Bowleys Quarters Resident
Todd Pratt, another resident, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the sheer scale of the infestation:
A complete and utter nuisance. They are out of control. They coat just about every surface. There’s plenty of them, for sure.
Todd Pratt, Bowleys Quarters Resident
Past Efforts and New Challenges
this isn’t the first time Baltimore County has grappled with midge infestations. In previous years, millions of dollars were spent on spraying and other eradication programs, particularly at the Back River Wastewater Treatment Plant.
Baltimore County Delegate Ryan Nawrocki,R-District 7A,highlighted the underlying issue:
We’ve had a consistent problem of nutrient management at that plant that created the initial midge problem,and now,we’re seeing that spread to other bodies of water in the area.
Ryan Nawrocki, baltimore County Delegate
Adding to the challenge, a new species of midges has been discovered, raising concerns about migration to the Middle and Bird rivers. The search for effective solutions and funding is now underway.
Economic Impact and Future Concerns
The midge infestation isn’t just a quality-of-life issue; it’s also an economic one. Councilman Marks expressed concerns about the impact on local businesses:
People should not be lured into a false sense of ease. These may go away in a few weeks, but one of these midges can lay up to 1,000 eggs, and then, next year, the problem gets worse.
David Marks, Baltimore County Councilman
Outdoor dining establishments, in particular, are vulnerable. Delegate Nawrocki emphasized the need for decisive action:
There are places in Middle River that depend on outdoor seating for dining, such as. No one wants to go sit and have a crab cake if they are swarmed with a huge hoard of midges. So, we have to get this right.
Ryan Nawrocki, Baltimore County Delegate
Delegate Nawrocki suggested that Chesapeake Bay restoration funds could potentially be used to address the problem.
