How do you avoid midges in Scotland?


How do you avoid midges in Scotland?

Now you've got your midge repellent arsenal sorted, here are some practical tips you can use while you're out there in the wilderness.
  1. Head for the water. ...
  2. Wear light-coloured clothing. ...
  3. Time it right. ...
  4. Long sleeves are your friends. ...
  5. Get up high. ...
  6. Stay indoors during dawn and dusk. ...
  7. Avoid stopping in long vegetation. ...
  8. The wild cards.


How bad are midges on Skye?

Living and walking a lot on Skye we find that tales of midges do tend to get a bit exaggerated. As long as there is a breeze the midges will not bother you too much so best advice is to head up a hill. They are worst in damp, humid weather and they tend to hang around water and heather.


Can midges bite through clothing?

The best way to prevent midge bites is to wear EPA-registered insect repellent, especially if you're wearing clothes that expose large areas of skin. Biting midges can't bite through clothes, but they can get underneath them. When enjoying outdoor activities, like hiking, it's best to wear long sleeves or pants.


Does DEET repel midges?

Developed in 1946, DEET has been used extensively since then and serves as the standard mosquito repellent against which new candidate materials are tested. In addition to working on mosquitoes, it works well on fleas, biting midges (punkies, no-see-ums) and black flies.


Do midges like coffee?

A: Most insects do not like the strong smell of coffee or the other essential oils you may add to your mixture or spray solution. By spreading coffee grounds throughout your yard, you are helping to fight off other bugs and pests!


What Colour clothing attracts midges?

Another piece of wisdom to avoid midge bites is to never wear dark coloured clothing. Yes, we all love to wear black as it goes with literally everything, but midges are more attracted to dark coloured clothing.


What is the best midge repellent in Scotland?

Citronella, peppermint, lavender and eucalyptus essential oils can be used as natural midge repellents. Citronella candles can be used to keep midges away when sitting outside or can be used to deter midges from the house. BBQ smoke is another effective deterrent.


What smell do midges hate?

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.


What is the best month to avoid midges in Scotland?

May, June, September and October. These months give you long days, almost all the tourism businesses are open, the crowds of July and August are avoided, midges are not at their most prolific and even the weather is pretty decent.


Is DEET better than skin so soft?

When tested against the special mixture, both DEET (P<. 0001, NNT=1) and Avon Skin So Soft (P=. 0048, NNT=2) were found to provide better protection. When DEET and Avon Skin So Soft were compared with each other, Avon Skin So Soft was found to be 85% as effective as DEET (P= .