midges toronto

The midge breeding frenzy is back in Toronto

If you're noticing an influx of pesky little insects, you're not alone. But don't worry. While annoying, these bugs, known as chironomids (or more colloquially as midges), won't hurt you. Although, you may want to mind your drinks or take caution while cycling and running over the next few days.

That's because it's mating season for the midges. Each spring and fall, and up to four times per year, female midges fly about in swarms trying to find apt male partners. You can usually see lots of them by the lake, but the wind can carry them northbound. And, since hatching midges like to hang out by light sources, the CBC notes that they're often attracted to the condos by Lake Shore.

The attack of the midges won't last long and we'll hopefully see less of these non-biting bugs over the next few days. Until then, keep your mouth shut and your doors closed. Sorry.

Photo by Andy Carroll in the blogTO Flickr pool.


Latest Videos



Latest Videos


Join the conversation Load comments

Latest in City

Here's a preview of what it will be like to ride on new Toronto LRT line

There's a brand-new $26M TTC subway station entrance in a popular Toronto park

Ontario's largest snake grows up to 2 metres and squeezes prey to death

Ontario is home to world's oldest pool of water at a staggering 2 billion years old

Stunning new Toronto park set to open next year

Toronto somehow isn't home to Ontario's jankiest LRT

A Toronto transit project is actually going to finish early for once

People worried about Ontario police's plan to use facial recognition software