Fears at the start of the summer that Lake Balaton’s shoreline could once again be overrun by non-biting midges now appear to have been overstated. According to the latest observations, the situation is markedly more favourable than previously anticipated, researchers say, based on the most recent data concerning the expected swarming.
Last year’s conditions were unbearable at Lake Balaton
As previously reported, by August last year several areas along the lake had become virtually uninhabitable. The invasion of midges proved not only a nuisance for residents, rendering parts of the region scarcely livable, but also for tourists visiting at the height of the season.
The layer of insects floating on the lake’s surface was already several centimetres thick, while swarms gathered almost everywhere along the shore, coating cars, pavements and even the walls of houses. Walking – and at times even breathing – outdoors became difficult.
Although the insects do not bite, their sheer numbers made remaining outside all but impossible:
After sunset, conditions became particularly severe, with little chance of staying outdoors.
What experts say about this year
According to the Balaton Limnological Research Institute (BalatonScience on Facebook), last year’s surge was driven by high algal concentrations combined with prolonged heat. However, a recently published report suggests that the likelihood of a sustained, large-scale swarming event in the coming weeks is currently low, veol.hu wrote.
While the insects remain present in the lake’s environment – they are, after all, a native species (Chironomus balatonicus) – a mass emergence on the scale seen last year does not appear realistic at this stage.
Researchers note that part of the population that developed in spring has already hatched, and weather conditions have not favoured prolonged or intense swarming. Periods of wind and variable conditions have significantly curtailed the process, preventing the insects from multiplying to previous levels.
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Current estimates indicate that the number of larvae still in the water is no longer sufficient to trigger a truly disruptive массов emergence. Instead, sporadic, localised swarms are expected, rather than the dense “clouds” that caused widespread frustration.
That said, the insects will not disappear entirely. As a natural component of Lake Balaton’s ecosystem, midges will continue to be present in smaller numbers. The key difference is that this year is not shaping up to be an exceptional, invasion-like season.
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