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.

Midges, much like mosquitoes, are highly attracted to dark, high-contrast colors such as black, navy blue, and dark red. These insects use visual cues to locate their "prey," often mistaking dark moving objects for large mammals like deer or cattle. Scientific studies indicate that dark colors absorb more heat and provide a sharper silhouette against the sky, making you an easier target for these biting pests. Conversely, midges are significantly less attracted to light and neutral colors like white, beige, light grey, or pale yellow. Bright, fluorescent "high-vis" colors are also generally safer choices. In 2026, outdoor enthusiasts in regions prone to midges, such as the Scottish Highlands, are advised to wear long-sleeved, light-colored clothing made of tightly woven fabric to minimize both visual attraction and skin exposure. Avoiding dark clothing won't make you invisible to their carbon dioxide sensors, but it can drastically reduce the number of insects that choose to swarm or land on you.