Midges

Scottish Biting Midge

Why are Scots living in the West Highlands generally fitter than their southerly counterparts? It may well be to do with the frantic arm flapping and jumping up and down required for “Midge Aerobics” – what starts out as a gentle arm movement to dislodge an itchy midge can escalate into a full blown midge-induced panic which can provide a serious cardiac workout.

The tiny Scottish midge, Culicoides Impuctatus, appears between mid May and early September. Each year is different depending on the previous year’s weather conditions. Generally they are only a problem in July and August and even then there are a number of strategies which should mean you can enjoy your walking regardless of the midges. Midges prefer damp, overcast, and windless days and are most active early in the morning and around sunset. The midge cannot fly in even a small breeze and therefore you can often get away from them on walks especially coastal and hill walks. They also hate direct sunshine and are attracted to dark clothing and pools of water. So avoid taking breaks in the shade or sitting next to pools and wear light coloured clothing to deter them.

Only the female midge bites, as she needs a meal of blood to feed her eggs. Midges have the ability to detect carbon dioxide which may account for the fact that you can’t seem to out walk them as more are attracted the harder you breathe.

When a midge has bitten it releases a chemical signal which attracts other females to the all you can eat buffet. Most people only have a very mild reaction to the bites, it tends to be the tingle on the skin and irritation of them buzzing that drives people to distraction.

People are divided over the best midge repellents. There is no doubt that a net midge hood will stop the midges biting if the mesh is fine enough but it will also stop you eating, communicating and seeing properly. In our experience midge hoods are best for sitting around when camping or fishing rather than walking. There are a number of chemical repellents available, most effective are the ones containing deet, although these do smell bad and not everyone wants to slather such a strong chemical on their skin. Some people swear by the natural repellents containing bog myrtle or citronella and the citronella-based coils that you burn can be effective when camping or having a picnic. Avon’s Skin so Soft is also on sale in many outdoor shops and chemists on Skye. It has a pleasant smell and if you don’t mind the slippery sheen left on your skin, it does work for many people. Other people swear by ingesting copious amounts of whisky, garlic or marmite!

Midges do seem to prefer the taste of some people over others, so if the chemical deterrents don’t seem to be working you may just need to find yourself a super tasty (to the midge) walking companion.

Midges forecasts are available - see http://www.midgeforecast.co.uk.