Learn Portuguese (Portugal): As melgas fartam-se de zumbir à noite.

In Portuguese, using fartar-se de followed by an infinitive like zumbir forms an aspectual periphrasis. This structure shifts the meaning from being literally tired of something to doing that action a lot or to an extreme degree. Here, it emphasizes that the gnats buzz an annoying, excessive amount.

Could I say As melgas se fartam de zumbir instead?

No, not in standard European Portuguese. In an affirmative main clause like this one, the pronoun must follow the verb and attach with a hyphen, giving us fartam-se. There are no magnet words here, such as negative words or certain adverbs, to pull the se before the verb.

Is the preposition de strictly necessary before zumbir?

Yes, the grammar pattern is strictly fartar-se de followed by an infinitive. The preposition de is the required bridge connecting the conjugated verb to the action being performed excessively.

Are melgas exactly the same as mosquitoes?

Biologically, melgas are gnats or crane flies, but colloquially the word is used for any small, annoying flying insect. Interestingly, melga is also common slang for a very annoying, clingy person, which fits perfectly with the idea of a bug buzzing around excessively at night!