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The Scottish midge

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 season usually lasts from June until September, with July and August being the worst months.

The Scottish Midge Forecast bravely and selflessly trap and count midges in order to map midge levels across Scotland and provide a daily midge forecast to keep visitors and natives alike updated on what the midges are up to.

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 too windy, and prefer dark clothing to light.

They are worst in the north-west and west of Scotland compared to other areas.

There are numerous ways to protect yourself against these tiny monsters, from lotions and potions to specialist clothing. Please visit the insect repellents page for more information, and a group test of four kinds of midge repellents.

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 completely!

Two books are available, taking a light-hearted look at midges.

Wildlife blog posts

Red squirrels at Eskrigg Reserve (and some castles)
6th of April 2018 • 0 comments
Walking around Gosford House and gardens
20th of June 2014 • 0 comments
Edinburgh Riding of the Marches 2013
9th of September 2013 • 0 comments
Culzean Castle and country park
4th of August 2013 • 0 comments
Scone Palace and the Tayside beavers
29th of June 2013 • 0 comments
The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh
3rd of June 2013 • 0 comments
Exploring the Carmichael estate
5th of May 2013 • 0 comments
Castles and Pictish stones in the north of Scotland
13th of April 2013 • 0 comments
Winton House open day
7th of April 2013 • 0 comments
Castles around Falkland in Fife
6th of April 2013 • 0 comments
Organic goodness in the Borders
9th of December 2012 • 0 comments
Dirleton Castle and gardens
19th of August 2012 • 0 comments
Edinburgh World Heritage Official Tour
16th of August 2012 • 1 comment
Exploring the Marchmont Estate
7th of April 2012 • 0 comments
A seal in the sea at Seafield Tower
15th of January 2012 • 5 comments
more wildlife blog posts….

Related pages

Dunbar harbour and castle
Dunbar harbour and castle
Castles around Falkland in Fife
Castles around Falkland in Fife
Castles and Pictish stones in the north of Scotland
Castles and Pictish stones in the north of Scotland
Scone Palace and the Tayside beavers
Scone Palace and the Tayside beavers
Culzean Castle and country park
Culzean Castle and country park
Red squirrels at Eskrigg Reserve (and some castles)
Red squirrels at Eskrigg Reserve (and some castles)
Published on the 15th of January 2012 at 10:03 pm. Updated on the 20th of July 2013 at 12:35 pm.

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Andy Sweet above Fast Castle

Stravaiging around Scotland is written, photographed and researched by Andy Sweet.
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