This is an article from last year at this time reporting the increase in swarms of flying mosquito like bugs called midges. If you have been on the Trail near the cut-off or worst near the canal, you would notice how bad it is this year. I don't recall a problem last year.
News May 15, 2017 by Mark Newman Hamilton Mountain News
If you’ve been walking the Hamilton Beach Trail recently you can’t help but notice the swarms of bugs just about everywhere.
“It’s in conjunction with the high water,” said Lisa Jennings, an aquatic ecologist at the Hamilton Conservation Authority.
Jennings noted the recent spell of rain mixed with mild temperatures is perfect for nonbiting midges, a species of fly that thrives in wetlands and is attracted to the carbon dioxide emitted by people and animals.
“They’re very important for fish in the area,” said Jennings.
She said the fly eggs were laid over the winter and the new flies will likely stick around until temperatures warm up and the flooded lakeshore areas dry up.
“Into June, you’ll see it quiet down,” Jennings said.
by Mark Newman
Mark Newman is a Reporter for Mountain News. He can be reached at mnewman@hamiltonnews.com
Email: mnewman@hamiltonnews.com
More from the CBC;
http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/toronto-faces-invasion-of-midges-1.2632675
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A truck parked near the canal;
News May 15, 2017 by Mark Newman Hamilton Mountain News
If you’ve been walking the Hamilton Beach Trail recently you can’t help but notice the swarms of bugs just about everywhere.
“It’s in conjunction with the high water,” said Lisa Jennings, an aquatic ecologist at the Hamilton Conservation Authority.
Jennings noted the recent spell of rain mixed with mild temperatures is perfect for nonbiting midges, a species of fly that thrives in wetlands and is attracted to the carbon dioxide emitted by people and animals.
“They’re very important for fish in the area,” said Jennings.
She said the fly eggs were laid over the winter and the new flies will likely stick around until temperatures warm up and the flooded lakeshore areas dry up.
“Into June, you’ll see it quiet down,” Jennings said.
by Mark Newman
Mark Newman is a Reporter for Mountain News. He can be reached at mnewman@hamiltonnews.com
Email: mnewman@hamiltonnews.com
More from the CBC;
http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/toronto-faces-invasion-of-midges-1.2632675
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
A truck parked near the canal;