Midges are mosquito-like flies belonging to the Order Diptera. The three species under Order Diptera are Tipulidae (Crane Flies), Culicidae (mosquitoes) and Chironomidae (Common name midges).

Midges are pale insects with size ranging from 3/16 to ½ inch. Often mistaken for mosquitoes, midgets can be differentiated by their females who do not bite and male midges that possess large and bushy antennae.

Adult midges are frequently collected in large swarms near ponds, streams, and lakes during late afternoon or evening. You can attract midges by putting outdoor lights in houses that are close to the midges’ swarming sites.

Midges primarily breed in water. Some midges species, however, develop in manure, decaying vegetation, or under tree barks. The larvae of midges, which crop up in large amounts in water, are an important food source for a variety of fishes. Adult midges surface during spring in large numbers. A high-pitched humming sound can be heard when adult midges swarm.

The adult midges can be a ruthless nuisance, even when they do not bite, simply by their numbers. Fogging for adult midges is impractical since ponds, streams and lakes cannot be treated with insecticides.

Midges have been used by anglers even though flyers have been fashioning mosquito patterns. Midges are made available to fishes in a wide selection of colors that include light cream, brown, tan, green, light and dark olive, red and black.