RESIDENTS are pleading with United Utilities and Tameside Council to help swat swarms of midges that plague homes around Audenshaw Reservoirs.
Spring and summer bring nothing but misery for locals as the seasonal menaces, attracted by the warmer climate and humidity, invade their back gardens.
United Utilities has moved to assure homeowners that everything that can be done is being done to try and control the problem while efforts are ongoing to find a more permanent solution.
But resident Steve Richardson feels more needs to be done in the meantime to get rid of the insects.
He said: “I just wish they would stop dodging the issue. Our MP Andrew Gwynne has been on the case for years and, though it sounds awful, I don’t think he’s pushing hard enough.
“We’ve had a note through the door saying you can request this spraying service from the council, but the problem seems to be getting worse every year.
“I’m already dreading the summer. You can’t leave the house without getting a face full of midges, they’re like a whirlwind and sometimes they can be 30 feet high.”
A spokesperson for United Utilities said: “The midges are a naturally occurring phenomenon, but we understand they can be a nuisance which is why we have always done everything we can to help residents.
“We work with Tameside Council to offer a free insecticide spraying service at residents’ homes which people can request seven days a week. We cannot use insecticides at the reservoir itself because this is drinking water.
“In the past we have investigated whether there are any other options to control the midges, but nothing would be effective unfortunately.
“We are currently funding a joint research project with other water companies to assess the very latest science on this topic. If there are any new approaches that might be effective, we will certainly consider them.”
Mr Gwynne, MP for Denton and Reddish, said: “Sadly it is an annual occurrence at springtime.
“United Utilities have previously done studies into the type of midges, and it is a non-biting insect, although the swarms are an incredible nuisance to nearby residents.
“In the past they have lowered the water in the reservoir as they tend to stay in the bowl when the water is lower. It does have some effect, but they can’t fully eradicate the problem.
“I have asked United Utilities to do this again this year.
“As in previous years United Utilities has asked Tameside Council to spray residents’ gardens if and when required and I’d encourage those needing the service to phone 0161 342 8355.”
A Tameside Council spokesperson said: “We are aware of the issues raised by residents of midges around the Audenshaw Reservoirs area.
“The council have been working closely with United Utilities for more than 13 years controlling non-biting midges and we operate a free spray service, as often as is needed, seven days a week.
“We have already treated more than 80 properties in the last four weeks with the team having been out every day this week and continuing with planned visits this weekend.
“We have leafleted all the areas in Audenshaw that are affected by the midges – this provides information needed to arrange a treatment.
“We’re more than happy to provide this service and encourage any residents to get in touch when they need these services.”
Residents can request unlimited free spray services to control midges seven days a week by calling 0113 428355 during working hours and 07966 188765 at weekends.