Serious infestation of the biting midge has been occurring in many parts of the country in recent years. In order to establish a workable control scheme of this pest, this control program will be conducted in seven most epidemic counties, i.e., Taichung , Nantou, Changhua, Yunlin, Chiayi, Tainan , Hualian, and Taichung city, with the participation of communities schools and sightseeing spots. Framework of the control program includes four parts; (1) monitoring of biting midge density and analyzing of its migration; (2) helping communities schools and sightseeing spots to establish efficient control strategy through education, population dynamic studies, control strategy planning, public education and program evaluation; (3) holding workshops for the environmental officals and the public, establishing long-term density surveillance with the assistance of local residents, and periodically visiting and discussing with local participants to promote the control practices; (4) publishing handbooks, brochures and CDs containing information of different midge species, for their general characteristics, life cycles, adult midge feeding patterns, female reproduction, fertility, larval habitat, chemical, physical control practices and other preventative measures, etc.; (5) holding biting midge symposium to enhance the participation of researchers, governmental agencies and the public for planning better control strategy in the future. At the same time information provided by the community will help the center with its future planning. For public services, the Biting Midge Control and Extension Center will update its website and offer special line services to provide related information and control tactics, establish the platform for standard operation procedures. A direct telephone line will also be at service upon request. The ultimate goal of this project is to aim at sightseeing spots to decrease the density and occurrence of biting midge, and propose efficient control strategy.

Forcipomyia taiwana、biting midge、population dynamic、breeding site