No really, there's a Scottish midge forecast. Throw a few essential items into your pack to make sure your trip is unforgettable for all the right reasons. A good old-fashioned insect repellent we like Smidge midge repellent can be really effective for combatting midge season. As well as biting, midges can fly up your nose or into your eyes they're just delightful, really so it's a good idea to don a wide-brim hat, which is apparently due to come back into fashion any day now so my mate Ray told me.
Some hats come with a built-in net, or you can go for a full anti-insect head net. Midge hoods are another option. Feeling crafty, or just want to save some pennies? Make your own midge net from mesh — just make sure there are at least holes per square inch to really stop the determined beasties getting through and biting you. Because if they can, they will. Whilst we're not scientists far from it and aren't offering an opinion, just note that there have been worries about DEET being carcinogenic so probably best not to bathe in it.
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. It sounds a bit gross and it may weigh on your conscience probably not but after the first few hundred Scottish Midge bites, you'll be happy you brought it. Just because it's not thought to be as strong though doesn't mean it's not effective. Tried and tested by hundreds of wild campers, hikers and fishermen, Beastie Be Gone is a natural and child-friendly alternative to DEET.
Plus, it comes in a recyclable metal tin, so we're onboard. Midges can smell us from a mile away, so to speak. Those little rascals are attracted to the smell of our breath. Smidge midge repellent blocks the midges ability to detect that smell. It's like wearing an invisible smell cloak If you've got little ones or are pregnant then it may be best to go with Smidge.
Or if you're an 'I don't do chemicals' kinda person then there are completely natural alternatives like citronella. The jury is still out on the effectiveness of citronella as a midge repellent. Many swear by it. Many claim it's useless. I've personally had mixed results so you could always try it but have some Smidge in your back pocket just in case. Finally, we recommend packing a handheld fan. Not only will this come in handy while hiking on hot days yes, they do happen in Scotland , but you can pop them on the table or close to you when you're eating.
Given midges can't fly in higher wind speeds, your battery fan should stop them from landing on your lunch.
Despite these great tips and tricks though, we're going to level with you , one or two midge bites are pretty much unavoidable. When it does happen, have a soothing after-bite cream handy to stop you itching and let you get on with your exploring in peace. Anything cooling, like calamine cream or tea tree oil, should do the trick nicely and take away that infuriating urge to scratch.
This is a great reason to bring mum along on your adventure Now you've got your midge repellent arsenal sorted, here are some practical tips you can use while you're out there in the wilderness. As we mentioned, midges, and particularly Scottish midges, like damp, marshy ground and still air in the warmer season. Going sailing is pretty much the opposite of that.
Take the opportunity to explore some of Scotland's famous lochs there are a LOT, so look past good old Nessie or it's infamous West Coast. Good news, midges love dark clothing. Opt for whites, creams and light greys and they're less likely to spot you. Simple, but oh-so effective. Midges don't like hot and dry weather.
They also love dawn and dusk. They prefer mild temperatures and wet conditions, which is what makes bonny code for rainy Scotland during the summer such a perfect habitat for them. Equally, midges aren't a big fan of the cold, and can't survive frost.
If you don't mind chilly temperatures, take a winter adventure to the Highlands and stay bite-free, well maybe not frostbite-free.
Due to their tiny jaw-span, midges aren't very adept at biting through clothing. It's a good idea to opt for full-length trousers and long-sleeved tops. Your very own midge trap. Keep materials lightweight and breathable if you're hiking in the summer.
Midges tend to stay near the ground in low winds and where there's lots of brush. If you're climbing hills and mountains over m, it's unlikely you'll encounter them. Plus, we promise that the views are worth the hike pretty much anywhere in the Scottish Highlands. Scottish midges are most active during low-light conditions. If you can, stay indoors at these times. If you're a hardcore great outdoors fan and you're camping, slather yourself in plenty of insect repellent before the sun starts going down.
If you're stopping for a snack or a break, make sure to do so out of damp, long grasses or wet shrubs where there might be swarms of biting midges. Trust us, it's worth walking that extra kilometre to find bare ground. At your wit's end? Here are some more… unconventional methods to rid yourself of midges. So just remember that if you are a hotelier contemplating one of these midge-zapper devices all you are doing is reducing the food for the local bats.
As for repellents applied to the skin, there is a choice of sprays and creams, some using natural products. Avon Skin So Soft is also popular.
I like my midge-hood though — I wear it over my hat as vaguely seen in a pic above. These also help in keeping away clegs horse-flies. To be honest, if the midges in Scotland are bad, then clegs are worse! We had a bad experience of Scottish clegs in Knoydart.
Oh, and on the road to Stronachlachar in the Trossachs. No, really, it was…. And some advice on finding midge-free places in Scotland. Of course, the other tiny terrors you have to seriously watch for are ticks in Scotland.
Potentially worse than midges, for sure. L ike the tell-it-like-it-is-approach? The most helpful and entertaining pages on this website are now available as ebooks covering many aspects of travel in Scotland. Scotland — Know Before You Go. Midges, weather, tipping, driving, best time to visit and more…essential background for your trip to Scotland. Fully illustrated in colour but easy to read on your smartphone or e-reader.
All the favourites in Scotland: Highland cows, puffins, dolphins and more — plus top ten lists — best beaches, views, walks — positively a treasury of information to make your trip a success…. Close Menu Where To See.
Where to See Highland Cows. Nothing more Scottish, apparently. Where to see dolphins. It still has to be the Moray Firth. Good To Know. Midges in Scotland — Protect yourself from Highland menace! Scotland — FAQs. Tipping in Scotland — no big deal and pretty straightforward. Scottish Words are alive and well. Try them out! What To See. Cities of Scotland — which ones are worth a visit? Is Loch Ness Worth Visiting? Or just monster make-believe? Oban or Fort William? Choosing a West Highland base.
Driving Route to Skye — take time, make a day of it. Seven day tour of Scotland — Highland and Lowland. Inverness in two days — check-list for the Highland Capital. Trip to Scotland — and we sneak off to enjoy fine coastline. Only Joking. Aberdeen the Silver City — an old guidebook recalls the past. Extra Stuff. In the Inverness and Loch Ness area, most places by the coast and along Loch Ness are pretty much midge free, but in other places like Glen Affric you are more likely to encounter them.
Just remember our tips on how to avoid midges. Sign up to our monthly newsletter. The Highland Midge. Our Tips for keeping the Midges away Firstly, midge season is in the height of the summer, from mid-May to September.
0コメント