How to Avoid Midges in Scotland: A Complete Guide
Scottish midges may be tiny insects with just a 1-2mm wingspan, but they’ve built quite a reputation among locals and visitors alike. These small creatures exist worldwide, yet Scotland’s Highland midge stands out as particularly notorious.
People frequently ask us about these determined insects, and it makes perfect sense. Scotland hosts more than 35 different species of biting midges. These tiny warriors become most active during warm months from May until September. July and August see peak midge activity. The challenge intensifies as they prefer dawn and dusk, especially on warm, damp days.
Let me walk you through the essential information about handling midges in Scotland. You’ll learn about their behavior, discover the worst affected areas, and find the best times to visit. This piece will help you prepare and protect yourself against these tiny but persistent companions, whether you plan a Highland adventure or a coastal getaway.
Understanding Scottish Midges
The Highland midge, Culicoides impunctatus, stands out as a unique species among Britain’s 500+ non-biting midges. These tiny creatures pack quite a punch despite their small size – their wingspan measures just 2-3mm, yet they’ve become Scotland’s most feared tiny enemies.
What makes them different
Scottish midges don’t have a proboscis – the long, needle-like mouth part you’d find on blood-sucking insects like mosquitoes. Their wings look like small glass panes, which makes them quite different from mosquitoes with their scale-covered wings.
These Highland midges show up in mind-boggling numbers. Research shows that up to 40,000 can land on an unprotected arm in just one hour, which means you could get about 11 bites every second. These persistent little insects have amazing senses – their antennae can pick up plant breakdown products and smell fermentation odors from lactic acid bacteria.
The weather plays a big role in midge activity. They can’t handle winds stronger than force 2 or bright sunlight. These insects are busiest at dawn and dusk. Cloudy days might keep them active all day long.
Why they bite
Scottish midges have interesting biting habits. You might be surprised to learn that only 35 species actually bite out of hundreds. The females do all the biting.
These insects bite purely to survive. Female midges emerge with enough fat to develop their first batch of eggs. They need blood’s protein to make more egg batches later. The males stick to simpler foods like plant nectar and rotting vegetation.
A female midge releases a chemical signal to other females after finding prey. This explains why you’ll see swarms of hundreds or thousands attacking at once, especially during July and August.
These tiny warriors have clever ways to find their next meal. They track carbon dioxide from our breath. Research shows they love dark-colored moving objects and can smell specific chemicals in human body odor, including acetone and lactic acid.
Their bites can cause reactions from small red welts to serious itching. The good news? Scottish midges don’t spread any diseases to humans. Still, they can really disrupt outdoor plans – studies show they cause workers to lose up to 20% of summer working days in outdoor jobs like forestry.
Are There Mosquitoes in Scotland?
While midges are the most infamous flying pests in Scotland, you might be wondering if mosquitoes also make an appearance in the country. The answer is yes, but the situation is quite different from other regions.
Much like cockroaches and other pests, mosquitoes in Scotland are much less prevalent than midges, and you’re unlikely to encounter large swarms of them, especially in the cooler months. They are typically found in more humid or wet areas, such as near ponds, marshes, and standing water. However, unlike midges, mosquitoes are more active during the warmer summer months, particularly from late spring to early autumn.
Most mosquitoes in Scotland are harmless, and their bites are less itchy and irritating compared to the notorious bites of midges. They are also generally not a significant concern in cities or urban areas, where the environment isn’t as conducive to their breeding.
If you do find yourself being bitten by mosquitoes, the usual preventive measures—like wearing long sleeves, using insect repellent, and avoiding standing water—can help minimize the risk.
In short, while mosquitoes do exist in Scotland, they are not nearly as bothersome or widespread as midges. So, if you’re planning outdoor activities, it’s more likely that midges will be your primary concern.
Worst Places for Midges in Scotland
Scotland’s Western Highlands serve as the perfect home base for these tiny warriors. These conditions create real challenges for outdoor enthusiasts and workers. The tourism industry loses approximately £268 million each year when visitors stay away during peak midge season.
Highland hotspots
The midge-activity scale shows Fort William, Ullapool, and Glenfinnan at the top with a solid 5 out of 5 rating. The Great Glen and Glen Coe rank among other notable spots where these persistent insects swarm in large numbers.
These locations share features that make them perfect for midges to thrive. Damp, boggy grounds with acidic peat soils create the ideal breeding environment. Female midges usually stay within 1km of where they breed, though some adventurous ones travel further.
Coastal areas
The west coast beaches paint a different picture than you might expect. Many spots remain relatively midge-free. In stark comparison to this, spots along the North Coast 500 route show level 4-5 rankings on the midge forecast scale.
Safe zones
Several areas let you enjoy midge-free adventures. The Central Belt, Dundee, Perthshire, and Aberdeen’s north-east coast see minimal midge activity. Edinburgh and the Scottish Borders also keep their midge populations low.
The Forestry Authority’s research shows that workers lose approximately 20% of their summer working days due to heavy midge activity. Learning about these geographical patterns is a vital part of planning outdoor activities.
Some practical tips to pick your location:
- Midges rarely show up in areas above 500m elevation
- Built-up towns and cities stay mostly midge-free
- The east coast keeps midge numbers down consistently
- The Cairngorms National Park and Inverness areas offer more comfortable conditions
Weather plays a big role in midge activity whatever the location. These tiny insects can’t fly when winds go over 7mph, and direct sunlight makes them less active. This means you might find temporary relief even in areas where midges usually thrive.
Best Times to Visit Scotland
The right timing makes all the difference when planning your Scottish adventure because midge activity changes by a lot throughout the year. Here’s what you need to know about finding the perfect midge-free time to explore Scotland’s beautiful landscapes.
Midge-free months
October through March gives you the most peaceful, midge-free time in Scotland. These tiny insects can’t handle the cooler temperatures during these months. The harsh winters don’t affect future midge numbers – scientists found that there was a surprising surge in midge populations after Scotland’s severe winter in 2010.
Spring frosts play a vital role in determining the start of midge season. Early September or late May frosts in the Cairngorms stop midge activity completely. Outdoor enthusiasts have a great chance to explore before these persistent insects show up in full force during early spring.
Planning around peak season
Midges reach their peak in July and August, with the highest number of active insects during these months. The time of day matters too – these insects love dawn and dusk the most.
Weather plays a big role in how midges behave. Here’s what affects them:
- They become a problem when sunlight drops below 260 W/m2
- Their numbers go up when light levels fall under 130 W/m2
- Winds over 7mph keep them from flying
Warm, damp springs often lead to more midges, and humid, still summer conditions create the perfect environment for these insects. September and October have become great months for hiking because midge numbers naturally drop in early autumn.
Summer visitors should try these timing strategies:
- Do activities around midday when midges are less active
- Pick clear, sunny days for outdoor adventures
- Check the Midge Forecast before going out
- Visit during May or early September for good weather with fewer midges
These tiny insects cost Scotland’s tourist industry about £268 million each year as visitors stay away during peak midge season. Smart timing of your visit will improve your Scottish experience.
Quick Guide to Midge Protection
Scotland’s persistent midges demand multiple layers of protection. Time-tested natural solutions and modern chemical defenses can help you stay bite-free. Let me share what works best.
Natural remedies
Nature’s shield against these tiny warriors comes from bog myrtle. This Scottish plant’s natural oils keep midges away. Citronella works great too – you can apply it on your body or light candles to create midge-free zones outdoors.
Your natural defense arsenal should include essential oils. Eucalyptus, lavender, and tea tree oils keep these pests at bay. Taking vitamin B1 supplements might make you less attractive to midges because they don’t like its presence in human sweat.
Chemical repellents
Scotland’s locally developed champion, Smidge, protects you for up to 8 hours with its active ingredient Saltidin. The sweat-proof formula confuses midges’ sensory system and throws them off your scent.
Avon Skin So Soft has become an unexpected hero in the fight against midges. Though not designed as a repellent, local shops across Scotland’s Highland regions stock it because it works so well.
DEET-based products at 25% strength give you 5 hours of protection. Just watch out – DEET can damage plastics, including watch straps and synthetic clothing.
Physical barriers
Physical obstacles work wonders against these persistent insects. A midge head net worn over a hat will protect your face and neck. Make sure the mesh is fine enough to stop these tiny warriors from getting through.
Your clothing choices make a big difference:
- Wear long-sleeved shirts and full-length trousers
- Tuck trousers into socks for complete coverage
- Light-colored garments work better as midges prefer dark colors
Campers should use fine mesh screens on tent vents and doors to create safe spaces from these persistent insects. A portable fan that creates winds above 5mph will keep your immediate area midge-free.
Conclusion
Scottish midges may be tiny, but they definitely leave a lasting mark on visitors to our beautiful country. These persistent insects can seem daunting, yet dealing with them becomes easier when you understand their patterns.
Your best strategy lies in choosing the right location and timing. The east coast areas and cities provide relatively midge-free visits. The perfect time to explore the Highlands without these tiny companions runs from October through March.
Simple protection works best. You can stay comfortable during Scottish explorations by combining physical barriers like midge nets with appropriate clothing and reliable repellents. Bog myrtle offers a natural defense, while proven products like Smidge give you solid protection.
These small insects should not stop you from experiencing Scotland’s breathtaking landscapes. Your Scottish adventure promises unforgettable moments with just a bit of planning and the right protection.
FAQs
Q1. When is the peak midge season in Scotland? The peak midge season in Scotland typically occurs during July and August. However, midges can be active from May to September, with their activity levels depending on weather conditions and location.
Q2. What are the best ways to protect against midge bites? To protect against midge bites, wear light-colored, long-sleeved clothing, use effective repellents like Smidge, and consider wearing a midge net over your head. Additionally, avoid dawn and dusk hours when midges are most active, and seek out breezy areas where midges struggle to fly.
Q3. Which areas in Scotland have the worst midge problems? The Western Highlands, particularly areas like Fort William, Ullapool, and Glenfinnan, are known for having the worst midge problems. Coastal areas and regions with damp, boggy grounds tend to have higher midge populations.
Q4. Are there any midge-free zones in Scotland? Yes, there are relatively midge-free areas in Scotland. The Central Belt, including Edinburgh, Dundee, and Aberdeen, typically experiences minimal midge activity. Additionally, the east coast and areas above 500m elevation generally have fewer midges.
Q5. Do Scottish midges transmit diseases to humans? No, Scottish midges do not transmit diseases to humans. While their bites can be irritating and cause different reactions ranging from small red welts to significant itching, they are not known to carry or spread any diseases to people.
