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Hello Elle,

Somewhat cooler here too, so took advantage to shop etc so that I don't need to go out for a week or so! Rising back up from tomorrow onwards - and really up, might even become a (shortish) period of canicule - or so the met office seems to think.

Tell me, with this warm weather, we tend to have a lot of field fires, with all the cereals ready to be harvested going up into flames. Do you have the same problem ?

With that and car crashes, the Fire Brigade is constantly being called out, sometimes in two opposite directions at the same time.

Also, are you pestered with minute insects that get everywhere, and particularly annoying in your hair/head?

I wonder what purpose they serve - perhaps Jazzy might have an idea..?

Hello, PIgale!
Yes, it's been pleasanter here, too, today - after a very warm night ! I was up about 5.45 am because I couldn't sleep!
I don't think we are bothered that much by fires among the harvest crops? - someone will no doubt rush to contradict me if I'm wrong!
Occasionally , some picknicker will start a fire by being careless with a barbecue, but I don't think it's much of a problem here.
You must mean 'midges'! Yes, they can be a nuisance - but I always use an insect repellent if I'm going out into the countryside , esp if it's in the evening, when the midges are more prevalent.
No idea at all if they serve any purpose other than to bite us!!!

Swallows, swifts, bats etc. eat them, I think.

We were plagued by little things called "fungus gnats" in the house until my wife started growing insectivorous plants. They really have made a difference!

A bit like the Venus fly-trap, Chris?

You know, I don't mean midges; the small things I am talking about are about half the size of a mite, and they are a nuisance throughout the day - I takeChrise's point that they may provide food for other species, but those would sure need to eat a lot of them to fill their stomach!

PS - they do not bite, just tickle ! very unpleasant.

We do have one of those, elle, but several sundew species, and also small pitcher plant type things. We saw a display at a garden festival near Cologne, and she was hooked!

We call them Thunder Flies.

Are those type of plants safe for the cats, Chris? Our cat eats anything and everything!

are your 'Thunder Flies' as I describe Albie, about half the size of a mite, not biting but rather tickling ?