Latin: Ceratopogonidae
Biting midges are generally not a big problem in Denmark, as we only have a few species of midges in Denmark. However, sometimes many midges can occur in a swarm, which can lead to nasty injuries on people and animals. Biting midges are extremely effective blood suckers, they go for sensitive areas such as eyes, hairline armpits and the like.
The midge has close relationships with the mosquito, but the midge typically only stays outdoors.
Appearance
To the untrained eye, a midge looks like an ordinary mosquito, just smaller. Midges are so small that they can be difficult to see with the naked eye. They are in average 1-2 mm long. Therefore, it is easiest to see them when they swarm in larger flocks.
There are several different species of midges, just as there are several different species of mosquitoes. Midges, like mosquitoes, have wings, and these wings lies flat over their backs when the midges rest. Some species of midges have beautiful spots on their wings, although these spots will be difficult for humans to see. One will typically see female midges as only the females are bloodsuckers however the females and males looks like each other.
Biology and behavior
Midges likes humid and warm weather, so you they are active on summer evenings and early in the morning in the same season. Midges can be observed flying around in larger numbers, just before the sun goes down and just before the sun rises. Although we in Denmark only have a few species, they can be found everywhere under the right conditions. Different species like different locations but mainly they live in wetlands, as the breeding grounds is best there.
Like so many other insects, midges have a larval stage. In fact, they have four larval stages, but they are typically located in the same place throughout all four larval stages. Only as a fully grown midge they begin to search for food.
Damage
Midges can be harmful to humans as they are bloodsuckers. Since they are a type of mosquito, the females suck blood, but in general, midges are seen mainly outdoors. They rarely reside in houses and other dwellings, although there have been inquiries from Copenhagen’s South Harbor and Amager before.
Midges are considered to be one of the more annoying mosquitoes as they go for the thin skin when biting. Thin skin tends to be on areas of the body that are sensitive, such as the eyes and the hairline. As with most other types of mosquito bites, a bite from a midge will lead to itching and burning feeling. Particularly severe reactions are perceived by severe swelling. In severe cases, edema, fever, nausea, and fainting may also occur.
Farmers and others with livestock should be aware of midges. Repeated attacks from midges can lead to allergic reactions in cattle, sheep, and horses. However, no evidence has been found that humans can develop allergies with frequent midge attacks.
Prevention and pest control
Midges mainly attacks in the wild. Therefore, it can always pay off staying indoors in the evening if you are in an area that generally has problems with mosquitoes. Likewise, one should put his pets in stables so that these too can be at peace from attacks.
If you want to be outside, you can use the usual means for mosquitoes, like creams and ointments that prevent mosquitoes from landing on you. One should be thorough with these means and one must be aware of how long it works. In average, repellents work for a few hours. In some rare cases, a swarm of midges can attack at the same time. In these cases, it is simply recommended to run as far away as possible. If you subsequently discover many bites on yourself or relatives, it will be a good idea to contact a doctor.
"Pests in House and Home"
"Bed Bugs - Bites, Stings and Itches"
"Food Pests"
"Husets dyreliv" (Insects Around the House - Only danish)
"Skadedyr i træ" (Timber Pests - Only danish)
"Stuefluen" (Common Housefly - Only danish)