Midge swarms getting in your way? Here's how to repel them
Midge swarms typically only last a few weeks. In the meantime, here are some ways to keep them at bay.
Midge swarms are back. These tiny, non-biting insects form thick swarms, covering trees, rocks, and just about everything in between.
If you're heading out for a walk in the near future, there's a non-zero chance you'll unwittingly wander into a cloud of midges.
While that won't cause you any harm, it can be annoying.
Midge swarms typically only last for a few weeks at most, but if you're sick of swatting them away, here are some repellants and avoidance tactics:
Garlic. It's common folklore that midges hate garlic. There may be some scientific evidence to back that up: a 2019 study from the University of Vermont (UVM) found that garlic essential oils are an effective deterrent against swede midges, an agricultural pest that's in the same family as the aquatic midges currently congregating in your neighbourhood.
The same study also found swede midges don't like spearmint, thyme, eucalyptus lemon, and cinnamon bark.
An insect repellent containing DEET is another way to keep the bugs at bay.
You can avoid midges by staying inside at dawn and dusk. Those are their most active periods.
Check the weather! Midges will extend their active period on overcast days. They also prefer calm conditions with minimal wind. Another thing to keep in mind: They love humidity.
Consider covering exposed skin with loose, lightly-coloured clothing.
Campfires are also effective repellants. Just make sure there are no fire bans in place before starting one.
*Header image: Stylized photo created by Cheryl Santa Maria for The Weather Network using graphic elements found in Canva Pro.