Midge flies take over the lakefront in Milwaukee. How long will they be around?

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MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) --- If you've been to the lakefront recently, you probably noticed some pesky creatures flying around. They're called Midge flies and are typically active around this time of year.

"If you open your mouth, they like going in there too...up your nose. Just about anywhere," said Jan-Marie Genland who was walking her dog along the lake.

Experts say while these flies don't bite or spread disease, they can be a huge nuisance because they show up in swarms.

"A midge is a small fly. To us they're going to resemble a mosquito but don't have biting mouth parts so they're completely harmless from a human health standpoint," said PJ Liesch from UW-Madison's Insect Diagnostic Lab.

Liesch says it's normal to see more midges around this time of year.  "They develop as larva in the sediments of bodies of water in many situations," he said.


The warmer temperatures have brought them out but Liesch says they won't be around long.

"They tend to be active for a relatively short period of time. The adults aren't terribly long lived. They may come out. we may see them for a week or two but often it's not a prolonged, season long thing," said Liesch.

People walking along the lakefront in Milwaukee say while the flies are a nuisance, they won't keep them from visiting the area.

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