Swarms of midges are back in Toronto. Here’s what the pesty insects are really doing when you get a mouthful

Smaller than a mosquito, and these ones won’t bite — but that doesn’t mean swarms of midges don’t bug — the hoards can be hard to avoid. But experts say midges are a sign of a healthy ecosystem, which means there’s at least one thing to celebrate next time you are met with a swarm. Here’s why Torontonians are seeing more midges this time of year, what the insect is actually up to and what it means for our environment.