gordon hamlett
Well-known member
Define spring.... I generally get bitten from April onwards, whatever the books say.
John
Hi John,
I can honestly that I have never been bitten in either April or May. But then I tend to avoid still, damp places at dusk...
This is taken from the SNH website
http://www.snh.org.uk/publications/on-line/advisorynotes/29/29.htm
2.6 Factors affecting biting behaviour
1. General considerations: One of the main factors affecting the biting rate by any midge is the distance from the nearest breeding ground. Midges can be blown on breezes for considerable distances from their breeding site and female midges have been found over 1km from their breeding ground In search of a blood meal. However, the .highest numbers will usually be nearer to the breeding site. The midges prefer to bite near to the ground and are uncommon more than about 3m (10*) from the ground.
2. Weather and time of day. the Highland midge is usually most active in the two hours before sunset with less activity after dark. However, several factors can modify this pattern.
(i) Light intensity: female midges are only active in low light (about 1/3 full noon sunlight). Most midge attacks, therefore, occur around dusk, although midges can also be active on cloudy days and in shaded areas,
(ii) Wind speed: midges stop flying in wind speeds greater than about 3ms (6mph). However, in sheltered situations such as hollows and in the lee of trees biting will continue on windy days.
(iii) Humidity: midges seem to have a threshold of about 60-75% humidity below which they are inactive. Peak activity occurs at 90% humidity.
(iv) Temperature: this is strongly correlated with the time of day and light levels so identifying the effects of temperature alone is difficult. However, activity is reduced below 10°C and may stop below 3°C. Midges will bite in a variety of weather conditions and they are not stopped by light rainfall.
Cheers
Gordon