Scottish midges
There are thousands of species of midge belonging to the Ceratopogonidae family across the world. In Scotland there are around 35 types of biting midge, 5 of which particularly enjoy the taste of people. Of these 5, by far and away the worst is the Culicoides impunctatus, thought to be responsible for 90% of midge bites on humans.
Only the female midge bites, drawn to its prey by the smell of carbon dioxide. Unlike a mosquito which punctures the skin in search of blood, the midge actually bites a tiny chunk out, leaving a small red mark which usually swells up and becomes itchy.
Thankfully midges aren’t a problem all year round, and don’t occur all over Scotland. The midge usually season lasts from June until September, with July and August being the worst months. Midges like warm, damp places, and are worse in the morning and at dusk than during the day or later at night. Avoid pitching a tent close to water and trees and you’ll be doing yourself a favour. Midges don’t come out when it’s windy, and prefer dark clothing to light. Midges are worst in the north-west and west of Scotland than in other areas.
There are numerous ways to protect yourself against these tiny monsters. One of the least likely solutions is to use Avon’s Skin So Soft moisturiser, which amazingly (and unintentionally) works fantastically-well as a midge repellent. Avon also now produce a dedicated repellent which can be bought here.
Several Scottish-made natural alternatives are also available:
Eureka! - made from essential oils and based on an oriental formula, it doesn’t contain citronella, alcohol, or diethyl toluamide and is safe for children.
India Tree Insect Repellent - made by NeemCo, this herbal formula contains extracts from the Neem tree and is safe for children..
MozzyOff - made from natural plant oils, it is DEET free, alcohol free, and has no added chemicals, preservatives or perfumes.
Shoo! - DEET, fragrance & odour free, it is non-greasy, non-toxic, and is safe for use on sensitive skin and children.
Stop Bite - a non-greasy solution containing Bog Myrtle, Witch Hazel and lavender.
A group test of these insect repellents will appear here soon, so please check back.
A more extreme solution - particularly suitable for those who are badly affected by insect bites - is to buy a mosquito head net (available from mail-order shops such as Cotswold Outdoor and Field & Trek) and wear long sleeves and trousers.
It is worth keeping things in perspective though. The Scottish midge has a fearsome reputation (with good reason) but while annoying, they won’t spoil your holiday!
