The midge swarms are back at Mývatn! Yesterday and today three of the different midge species who live in North Iceland have been hatching, creating enormous black swarms. The local newspaper Fréttablaðið reports that locals have not seen similar swarms in recent years.
Read more: The reason for the non-existence of mosquitoes in Iceland
Helgi Héðinsson, who operates a local tourism business, told Fréttablaðið that he hadn't seen anything like this year's swarms:
I haven't seen them burst out with this kind of energy before, I can't remember anything like this. Older men tell me that this is among the worst midge swarms ever seen in the region.
He told Fréttablaðið that some foreign visitors have worried that the midges are dangerous and bite, but the midges at Mývatn are completely harmless, even if they can become a bit annoying Helgi admits.
Read more: Are there midges in Iceland?
Remember, the midges are harmless. Simple head-nets are ideal midge protection for travellers who intend to visit the Mývatn region this week.
The midge swarms are back at Mývatn! Yesterday and today three of the different midge species who live in North Iceland have been hatching, creating enormous black swarms. The local newspaper Fréttablaðið reports that locals have not seen similar swarms in recent years.
Read more: The reason for the non-existence of mosquitoes in Iceland
Helgi Héðinsson, who operates a local tourism business, told Fréttablaðið that he hadn't seen anything like this year's swarms:
I haven't seen them burst out with this kind of energy before, I can't remember anything like this. Older men tell me that this is among the worst midge swarms ever seen in the region.
He told Fréttablaðið that some foreign visitors have worried that the midges are dangerous and bite, but the midges at Mývatn are completely harmless, even if they can become a bit annoying Helgi admits.
Read more: Are there midges in Iceland?
Remember, the midges are harmless. Simple head-nets are ideal midge protection for travellers who intend to visit the Mývatn region this week.
