Midge Update

Our good friend, the Scottish midge has been out and about in significant numbers over the past few weeks, evidenced by some of our trade customers calling up in a panic needing more Smidge.   In a “normal” season, we would expect the first generational midge peak during the first week of June, often with overflowing midge traps. However, this year the unseasonably-cool Spring delayed their emergence and the population build up by about two weeks.    

First-generation female midges lay eggs that quickly develop to give a second generation of midges, usually 5-6 weeks after the first. However, midges don’t operate well in warm, dry conditions and we may see a further delay to this second peak or perhaps a reduction in its size compared to other years.  The weather only needs to change though, and the damper weather currently experienced over much of traditional “midge territory” could well results in a further midge boom.  This being Scotland… anything could happen!