They don’t bite (usually), but they’ll absolutely ruin your picnic. Meet the midges — tiny flying nuisances causing big drama in travel hotspots. Learn what these flying pests are, why they swarm in massive clouds, and how Pang Wangle’s Insect Shield® clothing helps you stay stylish, comfortable, and blissfully unbothered.
If you’ve never heard of midges, congratulations. That means you’ve probably never walked into a dense cloud of them while trying to enjoy a sunset, a hike, or a glass of wine. Unfortunately, visitors to the charming Tuscan town of Orbetello, Italy, recently found themselves in a swarm they won’t soon forget.
Palazzo del Governatore in Ortebello, Italy. Image from hi-land.it
This spring, midges have taken over the area — swarming tourists, clogging the air, and making outdoor dining nearly impossible. The situation has gotten so bad that local leaders are asking for it to be declared a state of emergency and restaurant owners are covering their patios in mosquito nets. Mamma mia!
But... what even are midges?
Tuscan town of Ortebello, Italy
🧬 Midges 101
Midges are tiny flying insects that resemble mosquitoes. Some bite, some don't. They're part of a larger family of flies and can emerge in massive swarms, especially near water during warm months.
Biting midges are also called no-see-ums or sand flies. They're small, stealthy, and miserable to be around. And they are everywhere — from Florida marshes to Scottish lochs to coastal Italian towns.
🌀 Why Do Midges Swarm in Massive Clouds?
Midges swarm for one main reason: love. 🖤
Reproduction, technically.
Male midges gather in large hovering groups—called “mating swarms”—to attract females. These clouds often form in warm, humid areas near water and are most active during dawn and dusk. The bugs rise and fall with the breeze, drawn to reflective surfaces and body heat (like, say, yours).
That’s why you’ll often see them near lakes, coastlines, and marshy areas — especially in the spring and summer months when they’re at peak activity.
🧳 Why Midges Are a Travel Buzzkill
While midges don’t carry disease like mosquitoes or ticks, they’re often worse for your sanity. Their swarms can number in the thousands, making it hard to breathe, eat, or take a photo without becoming part of the cloud.
For travelers, midges can:
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Swarm your hair, face, and clothes
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Cause allergic reactions or skin irritation
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Ruin that cute dinner al fresco vibe
🛡️ So… How Do You Repel Midges?
Bug spray can help — if you’re okay smelling like chemicals and constantly reapplying.
But if you'd rather stay stylish and bite-free without dousing yourself in DEET, we’ve got you covered.
Literally.
Pang Wangle’s eco-friendly travel apparel is powered by Insect Shield®, a technology that binds permethrin to fabric fibers. It’s odorless, EPA-approved, and effective against mosquitoes, ticks, flies… and yes, midges too. Permethrin disables midges on contact — which means fewer bug-related freakouts and more time enjoying the outdoors.
✨ Travel Smarter, Swat Less
Whether you're hiking in the Smokies, lounging at a lakeside Airbnb, or exploring the streets of Tuscany (midges permitting), our insect-repellent styles are designed to help you stay cool, covered, and confident.
🧣 Check out our Essential Wrap — a USA Today Top 10 Adventure Product — and stay bite-free, wherever the bugs may roam.