Are midges really a problem in Scotland?

05. Midge Activity & Seasonality. While biting midges are abroad in Scotland between May and September, with some outliers hitting the skies in April and October, July and August are generally considered to be the time when midges in Scotland are at their worst, in the average year.



Yes, midges (tiny biting flies) are a significant, albeit seasonal, reality in Scotland, particularly in the Highlands and the West Coast. They are most prolific from late May to September, thriving in damp, still, and low-light conditions. While they don't carry diseases, a "swarm" of midges can be incredibly annoying, as the females bite in large numbers, causing itchy red bumps. They are most active at dawn and dusk and when there is little to no wind; even a light breeze of 5 mph (8km/h) is enough to blow them away since they are poor fliers. For 2026 travelers, the "midge problem" is easily managed with the right prep: using "Smidge" or "Avon Skin So Soft" repellent, wearing long sleeves, and carrying a fine-mesh head net if you plan on camping or hiking near water. If you visit in the "shoulder" months of April or October, you can often enjoy the stunning Scottish scenery without encountering a single midge, as they cannot survive a frost.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Anti-midges protection The best way to avoid being bitten by midges is to cover up your bare skin at times when they are most likely to be around. If it's a still, humid morning or evening, wear long sleeved tops and trousers. A midge net made for your head can be a useful addition to your outdoors kit list.

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25% strength should offer about 5 hours midge repellent of protection. If you'd prefer not to use DEET, Avon Skin so Soft is an effective alternative. Whilst DEET works to block midge antennal receptors (meaning they can't smell you), Avon Skin so Soft works because once the midges land on you they ain't coming off.

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Although they are averse to strong sunshine, huge numbers are being reported, particularly in Glasgow and the West of Scotland in the early morning and evenings.

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Pipistrelle bats (Pipistrellus pipistrellus) do eat insects in the midge family, but these only form a small part of their diet. Similarly, birds such as warblers (Phylloscopus spp.) and swifts (Apus apus) will feed on midges, but this is rare due to their small size and crepuscular habits.

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In theory yes, they prefer darker colours - because their prey is dark in colour. They are least attracted to white and bright colours. That's the theory at least, most people I know say it doesn't make a jot of difference in practice but it certainly can't hurt to take extra precautions.

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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!

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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.

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