Midge menace poised to ease its own lockdown

Bad news for humans – the midges have chosen this weekend to ease their lockdown too.

And Scotland’s infamous pest is set for a perfect swarm, says its top expert.

The official Scottish Midge Forecast is to relaunch this weekend – after lockdown meant few people were posting data.

“As we come out of lockdown, so are the midges. The first big swarm is due this weekend into next week and the conditions are perfect for them,” said Dr Alison Blackwell.

“There have been a few early ones about but the big hatch is always at the end of May, first week in June.

“We are relaunching the daily midge forecast and would appeal to people to send in their data.”

Scotland’s unpredictable weather in 2019 took the bite out of midges with numbers down by 15% compared to the previous year.

“Though there have been less people about outside during the pandemic, it won’t affect midge numbers – the conditions ahead look very good for them,” said Dr Blackwell.

“For the forecast this time we will be also including information on ticks. There is already some evidence of ticks being about.”

Numbers of midges were well down in last year’s early season due to a quickly changing weather spell, well up in July and August and even a small third hatch in the autumn.

That was mixed news for the Scottish tourism industry which was previously estimated to lose about £286 million a year because of the voracious and swarming insects.

A previous study also found that many tourists said they would not return to Scotland at the same time of year because of midges.

“The numbers fall quickly in hot, dry spells. Midges only have a 2mm wingspan so they become dehydrated quickly,” said Dr Blackwell of Dundeebased APS Biocontrol Ltd, which runs the midge forecast.

“Some weeks the numbers being trapped can be down by about 50% compared to normal years because of hot, dry spells. They like it warm and wet.”

First-generation midges mate and lay eggs that normally give rise to a second generation about six weeks later.

Dr Blackwell and her team previously calculated for the first time that there were 139 billion midges in the Highlands and islands.

SIR, – Sad times during lockdown but when normality returns will we miss the quiet traffic-free streets when birdsong can be enjoyed and we can cross the road without danger?

Will we miss the sweet-smelling fresh air without the smell of diesel fumes spreading particulates to destroy lungs? Will we miss the litter-free streets and a surprising lack of dog poo on daily walks?

Will we miss the many acts of kindness within communities as the vulnerable are shielded?

Yes, times are tough, but is there a chance that these compensatory features will continue after lockdown?

Dot Bremner, Gurness Circle, Elgin

The big midge hatch usually takes place at this time of year