The Calor/Texol Midgeater

The Midgeater(*) (sometimes incorrectly called Midge Eater) is a modern, high-tech approach to reducing the midge problem in a specific area and is marketed by the Calor Gas company. It was developed for them by Texol Technical Solutions following a Scottish Enterprise supported study led by Dr Alison Blackwell of Edinburgh University.

The principle of the Midgeater is similar to that of the Mosquito Magnet, a variation of which is sold in the UK and known as the 'midge magnet'. However the Eater has was designed specifically for midges, based on Dr Blackwell's research and field tests on Skye. The main design difference is the need to take into account that biting midges are far smaller than mosquitos and occur in larger, denser clouds. It was necessary to design the Eater to avoid these clouds of tiny midges clogging up the mechanism.

The basic way the machine works is by releasing gases to attract the female midge - the one that bites. The main gas is carbon dioxide - this is also what we produce when we breath out, so the biting midge recognises this as a signal that a potential meal is available. In addition the carbon dioxide is mixed with octenol, a powerful attractant.

The midges are drawn to this scent, whereupon they are sucked in and "bagged". This not only reduces the immediate problem but also interrupts the breeding cycle.

The unit runs entirely on Calor Patio Gas (using a 13kg cylinder) which means it can easily be positioned where needed.

The first Midgeaters went on the market in 2004 and people flocked to buy them. They are now being used not just in private homes but also in hotels, guest houses and tourist attractions and even self-catering holiday properties that want to reduce the midge menace to their visitors.

2005 saw the release of the Midg-IT(*), a smaller version designed specifically for the domestic market.

(*) Midgeater and Midg-IT are trademarks of Calor Gas and/or Texol.
This site is not associated with or endorsed by Calor Gas or Texol.