Have you been seeing small bugs around that look like mosquitoes but are not biting? It's possible that they are midges.
Midges are flies and are often mistaken for mosquitoes due to their size, color, and habitats. Unlike mosquitoes, midges do not bite people or animals, but they do swarm.
Here are some other differences between midges and mosquitoes that may help you identify them:
- The wings of midges are shorter than their body, while mosquito wings are slightly longer than their body
- Midges have nonfunctional mouth parts, while mosquitoes have a long needle-like projection for a mouth
- Midges form large mating swarms in the evening, which may occur over several days. While male mosquitoes may swarm when mating, they are typically in a defined location and difficult to see.
- Midges only live long enough to mate and lay their eggs, while certain species of mosquitoes can live for months at a time
Midges require water during most of their life cycle and are often encountered near residential areas close to bodies of water such as lakes and ponds. Although, people often find them nuisances due to their swarming habits, midges do not bite.
Like mosquitoes, midges are best controlled with source reduction. Unfortunately, natural ponds and lakes can be difficult to treat.
More information
Check out the UF IFAS Extension page on midge fly management.