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🇧🇪 Belgium /Environment & Climate

Schellebelle defeats midges: years of nuisance disappear after measures

From VRT NWS · () Dutch

Translated from Dutch, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Sources not specified Outcome reported
  • The Belgian village of Schellebelle has largely controlled a long-standing midge infestation through a combination of measures and an increased swallow population.
  • Previously, the midge problem was so severe that the municipality of Wichelen, which includes Schellebelle, declared a local disaster in 2018.
  • Authorities implemented measures such as traps, reed planting, and creating channels to prevent stagnant water, while a growing swallow population now preys on the midges.

Schellebelle, a part of the municipality of Wichelen in Belgium, has seen a significant reduction in the midge plague that plagued residents for years. This year, the local government received only one complaint, a stark contrast to previous years.

The midge infestation, caused by small biting insects, led to severe nuisance for residents living near the Scheldt River. In 2018, the situation was so dire that a municipal disaster plan was declared.

There will, of course, always be midges living along the Scheldt and in the area. But the nuisance we experienced a few years ago has certainly disappeared.

— Kenneth TaylorMayor of Wichelen, commenting on the reduced midge infestation.

In response, De Vlaamse Waterweg and the Agency for Nature and Forest implemented a series of measures. These included setting traps, planting reeds, creating breaches, and digging a channel to prevent stagnant water, which is crucial for midge reproduction. Mayor Kenneth Taylor of Wichelen noted that these efforts are yielding results, with less sludge available for midges to thrive.

"There will, of course, always be midges living along the Scheldt and in the area," Taylor realistically stated. "But the nuisance we experienced a few years ago has certainly disappeared."

We see that a large population of swallows is massively combating these midges.

— Kenneth TaylorMayor of Wichelen, explaining the role of swallows in controlling the midge population.

Adding to the success, a large swallow population has become a natural predator, consuming vast numbers of midges. Taylor observed that during the peak of the midge problem, there were few natural enemies. Now, the swallows are actively controlling the midge population, contributing significantly to the reduction alongside the environmental changes.

The Schellebelle case is now considered a valuable learning example for other projects, with the Agency for Nature and Forest and De Vlaamse Waterweg gaining significant insights. While it took time to bring the situation under control, the outcome demonstrates a livable solution.

The case Schellebelle also serves as a learning example for other projects.

— Kenneth TaylorMayor of Wichelen, highlighting the project's value for future initiatives.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by VRT NWS in Dutch. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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