Wait, "biting midges" only came to Iceland in 2017? What are the insects that Lake Myvatn is named for, then? How are the ones there for centuries different from this new batch?
I'd love to open a screen business in Iceland--or really, any sort of business--but I need to know what I'm dealing with!
Very good question! Having done some research I see I need to qualify that *this* strain of biting midges came in 2017. The ones at Mývatn are certainly biting midges, but they are far less aggressive, even though they are super annoying. For one thing they are only around for a short time out of the year, and for another they apparently do not bite people indoors. I never heard Icelanders complain of the bites from the midges around Mývatn, though they're a total pain because they get all up in your nose and ears, etc.
This particular strain of mý is a lot worse. For one thing, you can't avoid them, they are pretty much everywhere in those locations I mentioned (and it's only a matter of time for the rest). For another, you can't easily see them, so you may think you're safe but then realize you've got painful bites all over your body. People have literally had to go to the hospital. They really do go all out to try and suck your blood, whereas the Mývatn mý just swarms around, and you can easily get away from them by leaving the area.
Ah, that makes sense, thanks. I have written about European travelers to Iceland and they all complain about these midges when get to Myvatn, but not anywhere else. It is what makes Myvatn unique in their travels--getting your mouth, ears, and eyes filled with insects. Fun!
Screen doors—very funny. Bug sprays or certain scents of candles or torches are a last (but not pleasant) line of defense in the USA where bugs love humans. Maybe you need to import some bats next to eat them.
Wait, "biting midges" only came to Iceland in 2017? What are the insects that Lake Myvatn is named for, then? How are the ones there for centuries different from this new batch?
I'd love to open a screen business in Iceland--or really, any sort of business--but I need to know what I'm dealing with!
Very good question! Having done some research I see I need to qualify that *this* strain of biting midges came in 2017. The ones at Mývatn are certainly biting midges, but they are far less aggressive, even though they are super annoying. For one thing they are only around for a short time out of the year, and for another they apparently do not bite people indoors. I never heard Icelanders complain of the bites from the midges around Mývatn, though they're a total pain because they get all up in your nose and ears, etc.
This particular strain of mý is a lot worse. For one thing, you can't avoid them, they are pretty much everywhere in those locations I mentioned (and it's only a matter of time for the rest). For another, you can't easily see them, so you may think you're safe but then realize you've got painful bites all over your body. People have literally had to go to the hospital. They really do go all out to try and suck your blood, whereas the Mývatn mý just swarms around, and you can easily get away from them by leaving the area.
Ah, that makes sense, thanks. I have written about European travelers to Iceland and they all complain about these midges when get to Myvatn, but not anywhere else. It is what makes Myvatn unique in their travels--getting your mouth, ears, and eyes filled with insects. Fun!
Yeah about as much fun as being barefoot in a room full of legos 😆
Screen doors—very funny. Bug sprays or certain scents of candles or torches are a last (but not pleasant) line of defense in the USA where bugs love humans. Maybe you need to import some bats next to eat them.