Depending on weather conditions you could get midges in late April/ early May but if it’s a cold Spring, it’s less likely. I’m a midge magnet so I now avoid the West Coast between April and October! Other opinions may differ…..
Are there midges in Lewis?
And whilst the Isle of Lewis and Harris has a far milder climate that mainland Scotland, the winters are dark, wet and windy. So if you want to explore the Outer Hebrides with the best of the weather, you’re going to have to accept that there will be some midges to deal with at some point over the summer.
Are there midges on Lewis in June?
The midge season usually lasts from May to October, but they are mostly a pest at dusk around the water edge. From May to August there can be strong winds – skippers are a dab hand at anticipating and dealing with them, but if you do suffer from seasickness then you might want to give cruising in summer a miss.
Do you get midges in Stornoway?
Midges. Unfortunately, the pesky wee fellas are here, usually from late May until September. That said, they are not as ubiquitous or bothersome as they are in Argyll or the central Highlands.
Do the Outer Hebrides have midges?
In the Outer Hebrides, midges are not a huge issue as the breeze from the Atlantic often keeps them at bay. For the few days that they do come out, you may want to use a midge repellent. If you are visiting the Isle of Skye, midges can be more prevalent later in the summer.
Where is the best place to avoid midges in Scotland?
If you want to escape them completely, I advise you to head to Scotland’s east coast as they’re very rarely seen there, especially the southeast towards Edinburgh and down to the Scottish Borders.
When should you avoid midges?
What Time of Day are Midges Most Active? Another thing to bear in mind if you are visiting an area where you expect to encounter midges is that they are at their most active in the early morning, just before dawn, and in the evening, as light levels begin to fall.
What is the best month to visit the Outer Hebrides?
Late April to the end of June is probably the best time to visit the Outer Hebrides. The days quickly become much longer – although you are some way south of the midnight sun, it never gets completely dark in mid June – and wildlife, on a mission to breed and rear young, is at its richest.
What is the best time to avoid the midges 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. If you arrive in Scotland, before the weather has warmed up too much you are unlikely to see many midges.
What time of year are midges a problem in Scotland?
Firstly, midge season is generally in the height of the summer, from mid-May to September. So, if you are visiting us at any other time of year, you will not be bothered by them. Also, midges are tiny, much smaller than mosquitoes.
Which Scottish island has the least midges?
East Scotland has much less of a midge problem, and even the Cairngorm National Park is feasible in the summer months.
Are there midges in Ullapool?
Midges: Between June and September you can meet midges, a very small flying insect which swarms in large numbers and bites. They can’t fly very fast so a light wind will keep them away, but a good insect repellant can stop them biting too. They are worst on overcast windless days.
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.
What areas of Scotland get midges?
Midges are most common in the Highlands of Scotland (particularly the western Highlands), along the north and west coasts of Scotland, and on the islands off the northwest coast. Studies have shown that midges are generally active in areas that get more than 49″ inches of rain per year.
What is the best midge repellent?
Citronella and Saltidin (also known as Picaridin and Icaridin) are among the ingredients that midges are said to find repugnant and give a wide berth. Essential oils such as eucalyptus, lavender and lemongrass have been credited with similar properties (more on this in a moment).
Which Outer Hebrides island is best?
Lewis. The largest island of the Outer Hebrides, Lewis is a fascinating place to explore. With strong Gaelic traditions, you’ll find that the island has a distinctive atmosphere and a rich history. From ancient history to wilderness, wildlife and the arts, Lewis is a place of inspiring contrasts.
Are there any places in Scotland without midges?
It is possible to avoid midges in Scotland. East coast places, windy headlands, hill-tops and city-centres should be clear of these notorious biting insects.
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.
Does 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 keeps midges off you?
Citronella candles
These are really effective and suit outdoor eating scenarios, picnics and BBQs, although BBQ smoke does a good job of keeping the midges away too. Midges dislike the smell of the candles, so burn a couple at a time to double your chances of keeping them away.
How do you stop midge biting?
For Midges that are congregating outdoors, we recommend applying Flex 10-10. Flex 10-10 is a synthetic pyrethroid insecticide and can be used both indoors and outdoors, but is excellent to use as an outdoor treatment for your yard ornamentals where midges commonly rest.