Midges

[Blue]

Dont know if this is the right place to ask about this,
But I was thinking of going to Scotland the end of July and camping some nights
are the midges going to be as big a problem as some people have told me.

Had a great 4 Day tour up the west coast and along to John o Groats at the end of last September no problem of midges then and four glorious days of sun, and roads out of this world.

Thank

 

[hank]

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[Myke Rocks]

It helps if you have a mincing walk.

Midges.
Avon So Soft is the cure. They hate it and will give you a wide berth, so buy it, slap it on, and don't forget your handbag!

Myke

 

[Klanky]

Plan for midgies. The little bastards don't like a breeze so pick somewhere open, but avoid trees and parked cars like the plague if you are camping.

 

[Coolcarbon]

End of July, all being well, they'll be out to greet you depending on where you go of course....

 

[G.C.]

They had to change the formula for skin so soft.
Its not nearly as effective as it used to be.

Beware the Mighty Midge

Not saying they were big here last year but I saw one flying off with a seagull in its jaws

 

[kisimul]

the bad winter was meant to have depleted stocks but i've still managed to breed 7.5 million of them
hope you guy's were as successful

 

[Northern jock]

They sell stuff in the local shop here that is really good, better than skin soft stuff, can't remember the name though and cant be arsed walking down to see

But anything with a high deet level will do (at least 30) just keep it off plastic etc and don't use if you have scabby skin etc

Failing that, try axle grease

And don't listen to Klanky, midges love wind and sun, try and find sheltered spots to camp, out the wind and near marshes or other standing water then you'll have peaceful evenings by the fire. July will be fine, they don't start till about October

 

[Packer]

They sell stuff in the local shop here that is really good, better than skin soft stuff, can't remember the name though and cant be arsed walking down to see

But anything with a high deet level will do (at least 30) just keep it off plastic etc and don't use if you have scabby skin etc

Failing that, try axle grease

And don't listen to Klanky, midges love wind and sun, try and find sheltered spots to camp, out the wind and near marshes or other standing water then you'll have peaceful evenings by the fire. July will be fine, they don't start till about October

You are a very bad man NJ

 

[thauma]

Yes they are a problem, there were 3 of the buggers trying to nick my GSA last year

Deet did nothing but melted my watch strap…… midges kept biting through the rain and the wind (Glencoe was a nightmare for me).

Skin-So-Soft (apparently only the Woodland (blue) stuff) works. Buy before you go as it is much more expensive (*4 or *5 times) on the mosquito (west) coast of Scotland.

I tried the 'pink' stuff but that went in the bin - useless and clashed with my eyes, but the blue stuff worked.

There are local concoctions that are also being sold, but don't know how good they are.

Be brave, ignore them at your peril and enjoy the scenery……. I'll be back again this year

 

[Hax]

They sell stuff in the local shop here that is really good, better than skin soft stuff, can't remember the name though and cant be arsed walking down to see

But anything with a high deet level will do (at least 30) just keep it off plastic etc and don't use if you have scabby skin etc

Failing that, try axle grease

And don't listen to Klanky, midges love wind and sun, try and find sheltered spots to camp, out the wind and near marshes or other standing water then you'll have peaceful evenings by the fire. July will be fine, they don't start till about October

, that made me

 

[AberdeenAngus]

Buy a midge head net. In fact buy 2.
They're the stoopidust lookin things - until you need em.
Then - not so stoopid
............. and you can name your own price for the second one.


Deet works. I prefer the Jungle formula but it's nasty stuff. Try putting it on your face then licking your lips.
Some of the home remedies like skin-so-soft seem to work for some folk and not others. Guess its a body chemistry thing. Some aren't bothered at all, ever.

One good tip. When you first get in your tent. Take your gear off and give em a bit of a shake.
They lay on your back and shine a torch at the ceiling, wait a minute - and the buggers will congregate in the beam.
A 5 minute squishing sesssion and you will be midge free for the night.

Oh - and make sure your tent is midge proof. They can fly through normal mossie netting 5-a-breast.

At the end of the day - don't let them put you off.
They're usually only really bad at sunset on a still day - just when you should be in the pub or walking there. So no problem.

 

[boatman]

Aye and if you happen to be in pub thats full and have to take tae the beer garden you can still sup yer pint o guiness through a midgie head net

 

[AberdeenAngus]

Aye and if you happen to be in pub thats full and have to take tae the beer garden you can still sup yer pint o guiness through a midgie head net

Handy for real ale too. Strains oot the chunks

 

[newbuild100]

Skin so soft only works sometimes, although its as good a stuff as anything ive ever used. The little bastids love me.
I camped at Oykel bridge last year and got bitten quite badly, as per the norm.
I took a few pictures of my lower back where the little beggers had got under my shirt.. The pics look like ive been in a fire.

I can quite understand the stories of people going mad in the jungle cos of beasties.

Keep covered up and get a hair net/cap. . . . . or emigrate. !

 

[newbuild100]

Oh yes, only go into midge areas when its windy, and take fly spray/killer into your tent.

 

[shugie]

Blue skin so soft used to work for me, as did Deet, but the best method by far is not to venture in Teuchterland betwixt early June and late September.

 

[bhud]

100 - 200 yards offshore is too far for them to fly

 

[(RIP) Proff]

Evil little bastards

You can't see the little feckers but by hell they hurt

Just imagine if they were the size of Houseflies

they'd have your fecking arm off

This stuff works, but I prefer Avon skin so soft

 

[piebaps]

Handy for real ale too. Strains oot the chunks

Just be careful if you feel very ill very suddenly! Failing to remove the head net in time can leave a thick sludge much closer to your face than is comfortable