We were at the site last Sunday and enjoyed the trails... Both my husband and I are hikers and have proper gear however my husband was bitten all over exposed areas... by groups of small flies (or type of mosquito) I am not sure. They did not bite me but did land on my head gear and blouse. Can you tell me what type of inconvenient bugs these are?

Southern Maine has no shortage of biting insects. The infamous black fly is usually not too troublesome at the Wells Reserve, but the mosquitoes can be ferocious. For a few weeks each summer, visitors can also get to know the deer fly and salt marsh greenhead. Few are pleased to make their acquaintance.

Swarms of biting flies tinier than all of these are often biting midges, better known as no-see-ums (in the family Ceratopogonidae). Encountering clouds of these irritating insects can ruin an otherwise lovely walk on the trails. Insect repellent can help keep them away, as can a nice sea breeze.