Temps are Rising, Looks like Summer is on its Way

Funny thing about the Lonestar State. None of our seasons stick around for very long, well, except for summer. She just loves to hover over the whole state, drenching us with humidity, and making our hair stick out like cotton bolls. Summer also attracts every bug that can fly, walk, or catch a ride on a horse, cattle, bird, or anything that moves. The bugs have work to do and are bound and determined to start their chores. I'm not talking about the lovely pollinators because really, who can argue with a bug that makes the flowers bloom and brings fruits and vegetables to our gardens? 

Nope, I'm talking about the nefarious kinds, the ones that bite. Sure as shineola, as soon as the temps rise to 80+ degrees those critters start biting. Take this evening for example. I stepped outside to revel in the jaw-dropping sunset and looked up toward the sky to feel a soft breeze graze my face. Nearby a few fireflies buzzed around the intoxicating honeysuckle. Spring at its finest. If I didn't know better I woulda thought I was on the front cover of an issue of Southern Living Magazine. Sounds idyllic, right? Not exactly. 

Just as I was melting into my reverie, something invaded my daydream. That "something" bit me on a finger, then another bite on a different finger. By the time I flew up the back porch steps and into the house, I had five bites. I never saw a single one of the ne'er-do-wells, but I knew exactly who they were -- the infamous No-See-Ums! You think I'm joking? I kid you not.

 Actually, they do have a more scientific name -- biting midges. Name or no name, they make spending time outdoors unpleasant. If there's an upside to these nasty critters it is that they have a relatively short lifespan. Adult midges live only two to seven weeks. I wish I could tell you that they disappear after that. They don't. Their offspring replaces them and the generation after that keeps the cycle going. And on and on it goes until a few cold storms freeze them out in early winter and they disappear until the following summer. Meanwhile, all you can do is spray yourself with Deet or an essential oil like eucalyptus. Apparently, they don't like eucalyptus. That's probably why you'll never get bit in Australia or California where eucalyptus trees grow like weeds. 

My first summer living in Texas I decided to figure out why the darn bugs will fly 150 miles to bite me. Because truly, it seemed like they were coming in from everywhere just to dine on me. I discovered that they're attracted to moisture, warmth, carbon dioxide, and lactic acid, and we lucky humans emit this stuff all day long. Animals do too, but with a nice layer of fur, they don't get bitten as often as humans. Evidently, I am one big ole juicy bundle of deliciousness. Just my luck. Fortunately, I've got plenty of Deet and eucalyptus spray to cover myself until winter arrives.