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.

Avoiding midges in Scotland requires a multi-layered defense strategy focused on wind, timing, and physical barriers. Midges are weak flyers; they cannot fly in breezes over 7 mph, so choosing windy coastal spots or staying on high ground is the most effective natural deterrent. They are most active during the "golden hours" of dawn and dusk, so it's best to stay indoors or keep moving during these times. Physically, you should wear lightweight, light-colored clothing with long sleeves and trousers, as they are attracted to dark colors. Using a specialized repellent like "Smidge" or "Avon Skin So Soft" (a cult favorite) is highly recommended. If you are camping in 2026, ensure you have a "midge-proof" mesh net, which has a much finer weave than a standard mosquito net, as midges are small enough to crawl through regular screen holes.