Midges (August 2010)

Midges are an ever-present drawback in fungi-rich woods . . .

Mention this diminutive insect, and most people think of the West Coast of Scotland. Indeed, the most aggressive of our 152 native species is often dubbed ‘the Highland Midge’. Unfortunately those of us who live in Wales know quite how false this soubriquet can be. While there are plenty of blood sucking insects to spoil a summer picnic, midges are undoubtedly the worst.
At just 1.4 mm, these may be small but they can make warm summer evenings a misery. To be fair, most midges prey on other insects, but the 50-strong Culicoides family rely on warm-blooded animals. In all 16 have been recorded dining on humans, but the worst offender is C. impunctatus.
Despite the nuisance factor, the underlying science is fascinating. Midges lay their eggs in permanently damp soil and as a result they are only a serious problem in areas which receive more than 50” of rain a year – which is why they are so at home along Britain’s West Coast. The larvae feed on tiny animals underground as they over-winter before emerging as adults the next spring.
Man’s difficulties are entirely down to the adult females. Males either go completely without food or drink plant sap but his mate needs richer fare. Her first batch of eggs use protein reserves she built up below ground, but to provide the yolk for subsequent eggs she requires blood. She is not choosy where this comes from: tests on gut contents reveal cattle, deer, sheep, cat, dog, rabbit and mice. As we all know to our cost, humans are not immune. All victims are bitten with short, blade-like, mouthparts. These make a shallow wound which oozes blood, stimulated by histamines in the saliva. After five minutes the midge is engorged and leaves.
The bite itself is painless, but the problems stem from the saliva which causes a mild allergic reaction. In most people this is no more than an itching sensation and mild swelling, but some react more violently. The person who claims midges target them is bitten no more frequently than their neighbour, merely more sensitised. 
Repellents are only a partial solution. Most commercial brands are based on synthetic compounds which may be unsuitable for prolonged use. Extracts from several plant-based products can also be effective: for example citronella and herb oils such as thyme. Alternatively, local anglers swear by a 4:1 mix of baby oil and Dettol or (bizarrely) Avon’s Skin so Soft. Ultimately, however, nothing is entirely effective and the most practical solution is to avoid peak midge activity.

Please click here if you would like to join our Newsletter mailing list

Latest

Newsletter

Mushroom Newsletter (18 January 2012)
I wouldn’t normally send out a newsletter this early in the year, but the weather has been so unusual that several readers have written in with reports of unexpected finds . . . .

Wildlife Profile

Hare
Brown hares used to be thought of as natives, but they were probably brought here two millennia ago . . .

Wild Food

Crab Apple
The self-seeded descendents of cultivated apples abound in hedgerows. Often mistakenly called 'crab apples', these sports are generally too tart to eat, but they make a brilliant base for a savoury jelly . . .

Recipes

Mushroom Parcels
These crunchy, fluffy, packages are a cross between a samosa and a pastie. They combine butter-brushed filo pastry, cream cheese and delicate fungi.to make a delicious starter, picnic filler or veggie maincourse . . .

Shop

German mushroom knife
These specially imported knives have a hawk's bill stainless steel blade, lanyard hook and measuring scale. The blade's serrated back and inbuilt natural bristle brush allow collectors to clean their finds in the field.

Website designed and Hosted by Mid Wales Design

Nochex Merchant Account