Category: General
Biting Midges UK: The Scoop on the Infamous Scotland Midge
If you’re a fan of the great outdoors, there’s no doubt you’ve encountered biting midges at some point. Often called “no-see-ums” in North America, biting midges in the UK are commonly known as “biting gnats.” Scientifically speaking, these tiny flies belong to Ceratopogonidae, a diverse insect family of over 5,600 species.
What Do Midges Eat?
Midges are minuscule winged insects that belong to the order Diptera or true flies. They can either be biting (family Ceratopogonidae) or non-biting (family Chironomidae)—both troublesome pests in their respective ways. Avoiding, eliminating, and protecting yourself against these bothersome insects entails a thorough understanding of what makes them tick. Perhaps one fundamental question, to begin…
How Long Do Midges Live?
Midges—regardless of species—are no doubt pests. Biting midges, or Ceratopogonidae, cause itchy, painful, and overall irritating lesions in humans and livestock. Non-biting midges, or Chironomidae, can be equally bothersome, causing blockage and contamination in air and water filtration systems. So, of course, many would want to eliminate them as quickly as possible, whether through setting…
Midge Fly Larvae: Biting and Non-Biting Midges
Development of midge fly larvae happen through four stages known as ‘instars.’ Only the first instar is planktonic, with the succeeding stages taking caterpillar, or worm-like body forms.
WHERE DO MIDGES LIVE?
Midges—whether biting (Ceratopogonidae) or non-biting (Chironomidae)—are known to many as problematic pests. While there are multiple ways to protect yourself against them and eliminate infestations, an understanding of these insects’ habitat and ecology can be essential in getting to the root of the problem. Being able to adequately prepare and determine the correct course of…
Biting Midges (Culicoides)
Engaging in outdoor activities such as camping, hiking, fishing, and lounging on the beach can be refreshing. However, many will attest that biting midges can render these otherwise beautiful occasions uncomfortable and distasteful because of their nasty bites. These biting flies are encountered at least once in a person’s lifetime. Still, not many people…