Just like the mosquito and the sand fly, the Scottish midge is a famed living irritant. It bites, it’s hard to catch, yet there are effective repellents on the market and we should all buy them in order to save our self some unnecessary discomfort when on holiday in Scotland. Fun fact: Not all Scottish midges bite you.
What is the best insect repellent for Scotland?
Best midge repellent for Scotland & UK
- Saltidin (also known as Icaridin and Bayrepel)
- citronella.
- thyme.
- DEET.
- DMP.
Is there anywhere in Scotland that doesn’t have midges?
In the Inverness and Loch Ness area, most places by the coast and along Loch Ness are pretty much midge free, but in other places like Glen Affric you are more likely to encounter them.
Are mites a problem in Scotland?
Will they spoil your enjoyment of the Scottish Highlands? Yes, they can be a serious nuisance – though you’d have to be bitten by 20 million midges simultaneously for their bites to be fatal!
What is the best way to avoid midges in Scotland?
Locals will often say that it is best to avoid the midges rather than trying to keep them away from you. Prevention is better than treatment! You can avoid damp areas, head for higher ground, wear a midge repellent, cover bare skin and wear a midge head net. Alternatively, relax indoors until they’re at bay.
How do locals deal with midges in Scotland?
Citronella Candles
Midges are actually attracted to the CO2 in our breath, which is why filling the air with a lemony-fresh smell confuses the wee critters and keeps them away. As another tip, you can also add a few drops of citronella essential oil to your skin or clothing to keep midges away.
When can you avoid mosquitoes in Scotland?
Come between late September and late May. In the Highlands of Scotland, particularly in the Cairngorms, we can have an early frost in September or a late frost in May. Midges can’t survive a frost.
Do you get midges around Loch Lomond?
Only midges will be a problem and then only on calm evenings or mornings unless you’re very sheltered. I use avon skin-so-soft as a repellant and it seems to work.
Do you get midges on the beach in Scotland?
Are coastal locations free of midges? Beaches make great midge free locations in Scotland. The evening coastal breeze from the sea serves as a great tool for keeping the midges away. In fact the bigger the beach the better as the well drained sandy soil drains moisture away very efficiently.
Can midges bite through clothing?
Biting activity varies among species but they are most active in day time or near sunrise and sunset. With short mouthparts, biting midges are unable to bite through clothing and so exposed body parts such as hands, arms, legs (when wearing shorts) and the head are most frequently attacked.
What bugs do you get in Scotland?
Gardening and outdoor experts from BillyOh are warning Scots to be extra vigilant around certain bugs and wildlife in the summer months.
Here’s the list of the top 10 dangerous bugs and wildlife:
- Dust Mites.
- Ticks.
- Weever fish.
- Ants.
- Horsefly.
- Adders.
- Poisonous Plants.
- Bees, Wasps and Hornets.
Why does Scotland have so many midges?
The short answer is rain. Larvae develop in mossy damp breeding grounds over many months from October. A dry winter or spring reduces numbers. Cold helps them by reducing predators – mainly bats.
Do midges in Scotland bite?
There are over 35 different species of biting midge in Scotland, but it is Culicoides impunctatus, otherwise known as the Highland Midge that earns its place as Scotland’s most ferocious foe.
Does Avon Skin So Soft repel midges?
If you want the best protection against midges, Skin So Soft from Avon is the ideal choice. It was originally created as a skin moisturiser, scented with citronella oils. However, outdoor types discovered that as well as keeping skin soft, the product was also highly effective at keeping away midges.
What smell keeps midges away?
Citronella, peppermint oil, lavender and eucalyptus can all be used to repel midges by spraying your equipment or surroundings and even diluting for personal use. Citronella candles can be used to prevent midges from closing in on a localised area.
Where are midges most prevalent in Scotland?
the West Highlands
Where do midges live in Scotland? The greatest numbers of midges are to be found in the West Highlands. They tend to live close to their food source, cattle, below 1,500 feet. The east coast of Scotland is relatively free of midges.
What are Scottish midges attracted to?
Midges are attracted to higher than normal levels of carbon dioxide in the air and know that this means there are humans around – so holding your breath when they’re nearby could help! They’re also most active in low light, so try switching on a torch.
How do you stop midges attacking you?
Insect repellents are an important way of protecting yourself against biting midges. When outdoors use an effective insect repellent if biting midges are active. Insect repellents containing either diethyl toluamide (DEET) or picaridin are the most effective.
Where are the mosquitoes in Scotland?
In the north west of Scotland, and down the Western coast to north Wales, the highland midge is usually very prevalent from late spring to late summer. Female highland midges are well known for gathering in clouds and biting humans, though the majority of the blood they obtain comes from cattle, sheep and deer.
What is the best month to visit Scotland?
The best time to visit Scotland is during spring (late March to May) and fall (September to November). Temperatures are warmer by spring, with averages of 43°F to 59°F, although there will still be snow in the mountains of the Highlands and the Cairngorms.
What time do midges come out in Scotland?
Key Takeaways for midges in Scotland:
Midges appear from April to September. Smidge is the best midge repellent. West Scotland is worse for midges than east. Windy days can help blow midges away.