When should I avoid midges in Scotland?
When should I avoid midges in Scotland? If you really want to explore Scotland, try go out of midge season (September to April) when the weather is cold and windy (yep, this is the trade-off sadly!) and the biting insects are hiding!
What are the worst months for midges?
Our Tips for keeping the Midges away Firstly, midge season is generally in the height of the summer, from mid-May to September. So, if you are visiting us at any other time of year, you will not be bothered by them.
When can you go to Scotland without midges?
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.
Can midges bite through clothing?
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.
Are there midges in Edinburgh?
Scottish midges tend to be much less numerous on the east coast, and in the southern part of Scotland. Locations that are attractive to tourists and relatively midge free include those around Inverness, Aberdeen, Dundee and Edinburgh, the Loch Ness area and the Cairngorms National Park.
How do you avoid being bitten by midges in Scotland?
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.
What Colour do midges hate?
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.
How do locals deal with midges in Scotland?
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.
What repels Scottish midges?
If you're planning on eating outside, smoke from the BBQ is a popular repellent to Scottish midges. Buy some citronella candles and coils to create a wider no-midge zone too.
What months are bad for midges?
Our Tips for keeping the Midges away Firstly, midge season is generally in the height of the summer, from mid-May to September. So, if you are visiting us at any other time of year, you will not be bothered by them. Also, midges are tiny, much smaller than mosquitoes.
Does DEET work on Scottish midges?
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.