The Enemy

Culicoides commonly known as "no-see-ums", is the species of midge that affects sweet itch sufferers. Its a body feeder and rests mainly among herbage and most are active in warm calm conditions but strongish at twilight . They breed in moist or wet conditions (i.e. ponds, marshy land, muck, poo etc.) and decaying vegetation (i.e. ditches, trees etc.) from march to october but can only fly a short distance (100mish) due to there tiny wing length of 2mm (can also pass through conventional mosquito netting). Males are nectar feeders but after hatching females require a blood meal (our ponies). They cannot fly in strong winds, heavy rain or bright, clear sunshine, and dislike dry conditions.