"Transmission" By Hari Kunzru. "Do you have midges in proper London, Miss Caro (152)?"

biting insects; Midges are various gnatlike flies of the family Chironomidae. They are found worldwide and frequently occurring in swarms near ponds and lakes. However, female midges are not biting insects like the males. They are found in streams, lakes, and ponds producing a high pitched humming sound as they fly around.

http://www.ext.vt.edu/departments/entomology/factsheets/midges.html

http://ohioline.osu.edu/hyg-fact/2000/2129.html

http://www.pestproducts.com/midges.htm