Midge Repellent

VisitScotlandHeather · April 2016

If you've ever been out and about in the countryside of Scotland, you'll have come across the midge (for those of you who haven't, they're small insects with a big bite). Some people get bothered by them, some don't but it's always good to have midge repellent on to make sure.

Is it better to spend a little more or are the cheap and cheerful brands the best? We want to know!

VisitScotlandIntro · May 2016

I know several people (including hard-bitten military types) who swear by Avon Skin-So-Soft. It's not meant as a midge repellent, but apparently it works a charm. So much so, in fact, that it is now stocked by several outdoors shops in Scotland.

VisitScotlandAlison · May 2016

I use the Avon Skin-so-Soft too, but the lady in the NTS shop in Dunkeld assured me that the very best thing is to get basic citronella oil and rub that on any exposed skin. I've still to test it out, as I do tend to try avoid midgies if at all possible!

Smidge · May 2016

I always use Smidge (i promise my nickname is not named after it) which you can get right across the Highlands. Works for me.

Ewan · May 2016

I have a reasonably high tolerance but Avon works for me. I've also been reliably informed that eating Marmite sandwiches for a couple of weeks beforehand is effective ?!

Other than that, avoid standing still, cover your arms and legs (and head!), find somewhere with a breeze, avoid wearing dark clothing and stay in bright, sunny areas. (OK, so maybe that last solution is a bit more challenging in Scotland ... )

There are some more tips on my blog here.

VisitScotlandHeather · May 2016

Ewan said:

I've also been reliably informed that eating Marmite sandwiches for a couple of weeks beforehand is effective ?!

Never heard that one before... will give that a try!

VisitScotlandJulie · June 2016

Some great midgie tips there on your blog @Ewan. I was told that when passing through a swarm of midgies to put my hand up higher than my head and hold my breath to discourage them from going right into my face and mouth. Apparently they are attracted to the highest warm spot on the body. Anyway, I'm sure we've all done the freestyle midgie dance in desperation.

VisitScotlandHeather · June 2016

I put marmite on my shopping list this week as I usually get bitten pretty bad so willing to give anything a go! Will also try the breath holding/hands up high thing @VisitScotlandJulie.

arjc1971 · June 2016

watched a team of rugby players at half time lather on Avon Skin-so-Soft in a particularly bad pitch swarming with the damn things and they swore it works

[Deleted User] · June 2016

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VisitScotlandAngela · June 2016

I was sitting enjoying my fish supper at Duck Bay, on Loch Lomond, the other night when I looked up to find a swarm of midgies hovering above my head. I feared the worst but for some reason they left me alone!!!

Image: https://us.v-cdn.net/6027156/uploads/editor/n2/9wymqtw75kw1.jpg

Have I discovered a new midge repellent in fish and chips....??

VisitScotlandLyndsay · June 2016

Wow @VisitScotlandAngela, they sure are big midges! I wonder what the Duck Bay midges feed on....?

I'm not a fan of marmite @Ewan so I'll stick to the Smidge lotion. It works for me

Margaret · June 2016

I will try ALL of these remedies - the midges just love me

Joolshornet · July 2016

I'm a recent convert to a midge net with hat - although they don't bother me as much as some, this just helps stop them crawling all over you. I also found a very effective repellent from Aldi that is cheap, so definitely on the shopping list from now on.

WildAboutLochaber · July 2016

We like the Lifesystems Midge/Mosquito head net. Its a pop up hat which includes a net. Folds up and fits into a small bag when not in use.

Zarabelle · July 2016

I was speaking to a lady today who told me that garlic powder is her go to repellent - she eats a spoonful a day for three weeks before she comes up to Scotland and it has apparently made such a difference!!!

johnmurrayjnr · July 2016

I used Smidge on Rum recently, was fine! #SmidgethatMidge

We took Avon's Skin so soft but was told that the ingredient in it which repelled the midges, was removed, so it's not effective anymore.

Sometimes, a good dram of whisky helps you forget about the midges

Gilly · July 2016

I always get mauled by them, was horribly bitten last year and swore I didn't want to go back to Scotland again. So, we set off for the Highlands next week

VisitScotlandHeather · July 2016

Gilly said:

I always get mauled by them, was horribly bitten last year and swore I didn't want to go back to Scotland again. So, we set off for the Highlands next week

Haha - the Highlands have that sort of draw, it's difficult to keep away

VisitScotlandAmyR · July 2016

@VisitScotlandHeather Looks like there might not be as much need for midge repellent after all - according to reports in the media, there have been a significant drop in numbers this year ! Hurrah!

VisitScotlandMiriam · July 2016

@John_WelcometoFife @Gilly @Margaret I'm off to Bute at the weekend, going to try out Smidge for the first time - will let you know how it goes!

It might not be necessary at all though, as I see the Midge Forecast says there aren't any around there at the moment. Will see if it's accurate!

Gilly · July 2016

@VisitScotlandMiriam there aren't too many around (we are in Ardmair) but I've still been using the Avon stuff and eating bananas! Been here five days and would usually be covered in bites by now, I only have one (it's the size of a £2 coin mind) so looking good so far

mustseescotland · July 2016

We use Smidge. Good at keeping midges, flies and (my most hated) cleg at bay too.
(Pictured here) Midges landing on Gilbert's trusty Tilley hat in quite big numbers, near Shieldaig, Wester Ross.

mustseescotland · July 2016

@VisitScotlandAlison I have always read that you should avoid using pure citronella oil on your skin. It can cause skin irritations or allergic reactions - need to dilute it a bit first. Good luck!

VisitScotlandAlison · July 2016

Thanks for the tip!

GirlFridayScotland · July 2016

I once went on a guided tour of the Botancis in Edinburgh and we were told that bog myrtle is a midgie deterrent, but might stick with the Avon - at least I know what the bottle looks like!

TravellingHat13 · July 2016

My main problem with midges only occurs when I am on the West coast- then I have to use liberal applications of Jungle Formula insect deterrent (IT WORKS !). When I am on the East coast,especially the Moray Firth between Nairn and Fraserburgh,I can walk around without a shirt for a fortnight without ever getting bitten. A very cold winter followed by a dry spring will normally reduce the problem in most areas.

sgitheanach · August 2016

I live on the Isle of Skye and know only too well about the dreaded midge. But it's not just Scotland that has them. I quote from an article that I read recently, 'Midges are a group of insects that include many kinds of small flies. They are found (seasonally or otherwise) on practically every land area outside permanently arid deserts and the frigid zones'. The reason I think they are bad in some areas is because they breed in boggy or stagnant water. I use a midge hood. Very effective.

VisitScotlandMiriam · August 2016

Just back from Bute

pleased to report that there were no midges until the last night, and even then they were very few.

Weighty_Matters · August 2016

Amazon has come great deals on Avon Skin so Soft and also the plug-in midgie repellent. I cannot post links but if you have a search you should be able to find them.

deenise27 · August 2016

Samantha_Grant said:

Skin so soft for me too, works like a miracle although I did hear recently that Avon have changed the formula and it no longer repels the dreaded midgies. Hoping that's not the case. Hate the wee blighters.

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