Which coast of Scotland is worst for midges?

Many people want to know the worst place for midges in Scotland in order to avoid them. Well, unfortunately the worst places for midges happen to be some of the most stunning places in our wee country ? the West Coast. Due to the West Coast facing more damp weather, their midge population thrives in the Summer months.



The West Coast of Scotland is notoriously the worst area for midges, particularly the Highlands and the Inner Hebrides. These tiny biting insects thrive in the damp, boggy, and wind-sheltered environments that characterize the western glens and islands. Hotspots like Glencoe, Fort William, and the Isle of Skye are famous for "midge clouds" during the peak months of July and August. The midges are most active at dawn and dusk or on overcast, still days when there is no breeze to blow them away. In contrast, the East Coast (including cities like Edinburgh, St Andrews, and Aberdeen) is significantly less affected because it is generally drier and experiences more consistent winds from the North Sea, which the midges cannot fly against. If you are planning a West Coast road trip during the summer, it is highly recommended to carry "Smidge" repellent, wear head nets in rural areas, and try to stay in breezy, coastal spots rather than deep, wooded glens where the Highland midge reigns supreme.

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Where are the midge hotspots Scotland? The west of the Highlands, islands and parts of the Cairngorms. They are also found in Perthshire and Argyll.

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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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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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Citronella, peppermint oil, lavender and eucalyptus can all be used to repel midges by spraying your equipment or surroundings and even diluting for personal use. Citronella candles can be used to prevent midges from closing in on a localised area.

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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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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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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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