By KHT Staff. Image via Wiki Commons.
KAOHSIUNG — Kaohsiung has received 29 reports of sand flies or biting midges across 13 districts this year, with Sanmin District (三民) recording the most cases, the city government said.
The insects, commonly known in Taiwan as “little black mosquitoes” (小黑蚊), are most active in hot, humid conditions. Summer rain and high temperatures have created favorable breeding conditions, officials said.
Sanmin recorded five reports, followed by Lingya (苓雅) and Cianjhen (前鎮), with four each.
The city said the number of reports rose slightly in the second quarter compared with the first quarter.
The Agriculture Bureau said prevention should focus on source control, especially removing moss, algae, and damp surfaces where the insects feed and breed.
Officials said high temperatures and moisture encourage the growth of moss and blue-green algae, which are food sources for biting midges.
The city has increased environmental inspections, breeding-source management, and spraying in affected areas.
In Fongshan District (鳳山), reports have recently emerged around the Zhonglun (中崙) section of Fongshan Creek (鳳山溪). The Water Resources Bureau plans to test microbial soil restoration there in September to improve soil conditions, reduce algae growth, and limit breeding.
The Agriculture Bureau said experts have also discussed alkaline water technology as another possible way to reduce algae growth and disrupt breeding conditions.
Officials said residents can help by cleaning moss and algae around homes, reducing damp areas and improving drainage.
The bureau said planting herbs such as sage, lemongrass, geranium, and mint may also help discourage the insects.
