| Chironomid midges (Diptera: Chironomidae) serve as important components of aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems but can be serious nuisance pests of man and livestock. Past control measures relied on conventional pesticides such as chlorinated hydrocarbons and organophosphate insecticides. Documented resistance to these chemicals led to increased focus on alternative management measures. The development of man-made residential and recreational lakes and ponds in temperate regions further stimulated research into environmentally sound pest suppression techniques.; I investigated management measures including microbial pathogens ( Bacillus thuringiensis serovar israelensis), an insect growth regulator (methoprene), and a water surface emergence barrier (isostearyl alcohol). I determined effective lethal doses and concentrations in field populations and I observed water and sediment components to determine organic and inorganic constituents that contribute to bioavailability of control formulations against larvae of Chironomidae.; I treated man-made ponds located in the gated communities of Hilton Head Plantation, Long Cove Club, and Lake Wakendaw. I analyzed resulting adult chironomid emergence to determine reductions following these treatments. Species of Chironomus were present in all samples as well as instances of other genera including Tanytarsus, Dicrotendipes, Glyptotendipes , and Procladius. Chironomus crassicaudatus Malloch was the most abundant species, accounting for an average of 40.73% of all larval midges present. The second most prevalent species was Glyptotendipes paripes Edwards, comprising 21% of identified specimens. |
