New method being explored
to get rid of nuisance midges
PHILIPSBURG--The Public Works Department is exploring a “new product” to get rid of the midges, the mosquito-like insects that fly about in large quantities at night and are a major irritant to businesses and residents.
The new product, Public Works official Claudius “Toontje” Buncamper, said will be used in addition to the salt, being used to increase the salinity level of the Great Salt Pond and reduce the conditions favourable to midge reproduction. “We are looking at a new method in addition to the salt to speed up the process,” Buncamper said. “I think we have found the product to lure midges. It is a disposing method and we are busy with it.”
The midges, which have been appearing and reappearing on and off since 2006, are a major irritant to businesses, a nuisance to residents and an environmental concern for some.
Both Buncamper and Head of the Veterinary and Hygiene Department said they have been receiving reports about the reappearance of the midges in certain sections of Philipsburg particularly in the vicinity of Great Salt Pond. “We receive a lot of complaints from people every day,” Boyrard said.
Buncamper said efforts to salinate the pond with imported salt is being affected by unfavourable weather conditions. He said the department is waiting on more favourable weather conditions to continue this exercise. “We are busy salinating, but not in full force because we are waiting on favourable weather conditions.”
He said too that another batch of 100 tonnes of salt has been ordered from Bonaire to continue the salination process.
In addition, the department is also cleaning along the banks of the pond where it is believed, the midges stay during the day, before coming out in numbers at night. “By cutting away the grass from the sides of the water, we think we can reduce the reproduction process of the midges.”
