Best Insect repellent?

[Circa Soundtrack]

Heard a few thing's about Avon Skin So Soft being pretty good at getting rid of the little nasties around the country and something to do with Ray Mears endorsing what was described as thick black wax but i haven't been able to find that. I live in the north east and spend most of my time in the cairgorms where we're very lucky against bugs. I'm going to Fort Williams next week though for a good long stay where it's probably the worst so decided to prepare. Recommendations please, you guys have been very helpful before, so thank you so far and thank you in advance!

[bootsandpaddles]

Anything with a high proportion of DEET in it!

[Caberfeidh]

Try Smidge - a friend on Skye swears by it. At least, he swears a lot...http://2010.midgeforecast.co.uk/index.php/shop

[sloosh]

I'd second Smidge.

and there's always one of these...


[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QNu0sR89_BM[/youtube]

[rockhopper]

as above, smidge - I've also just bought a can of this to try, which has DEET and came recommended, but haven't used it yet

[danrun]

I use Mosi-guard Natural. Comes in aerosol and cream form, ive used both n had no issues with the little beasts...
It does'nt contain deet which is a major bonus too.

[Hantswalker]

I have tried all sorts of things over the years (including deet products). My approach these days is to cover up, so no shorts and no short sleeves and always have a head net handy. Precautions also include not parking near trees if possible and getting ready (socks, trousers etc) before setting out rather than having parked up.

My best bit of advice though (still not a lotion or potion to deter) is to start a course of anti-histamine such as cetirzine hydrochloride a day or so before a walk and to keep it going for a few days after if bitten. Not a fail safe but if/when you are bitten the effects are not as bad.

[kinley]

I've heard that death stops them biting - you may wish to visit Dignitas.

Short of that - midge jackets, daylight, breeze.

[IainG]

I live in the north east and spend most of my time in the cairgorms where we're very lucky against bugs.

You must be lucky!

This was me, Linn of Dee carpark, September 2007, after a 'call of nature' duration of time with no repellent on, this is my back. The rest of me from head to toe had an equally painful distribution

Let it be a lesson to all who think the east coast is safe!

[ChrisW]

This was me, Linn of Dee carpark, September 2007, after a 'call of nature' duration of time with no repellent on, this is my back. The rest of me from head to toe had an equally painful distribution

Let it be a lesson to all who think the east coast is safe!

you must smell like midge McDonalds or something

[AlisonFox66]

the midges don't like me much now

perhaps its the marmite I eat

can you get immune ?
the first summer I lived in Scotland was terrible for me - after that it got better

[kinley]

Let it be a lesson to all who think the east coast is safe!

Worst midge storm I've ever been in was Geldie Lodge - not far from there. Our first wild camp too - amazing we kept at it

[nathan79]

This was me, Linn of Dee carpark, September 2007, after a 'call of nature' duration of time with no repellent on, this is my back. The rest of me from head to toe had an equally painful distribution

Let it be a lesson to all who think the east coast is safe!

YOWZA!!!

I'm itching just looking at that!

You're right though, i don't like this idea that midges are few and far between in the east. I was lucky i happened to have some repellant with me when out on Sunday morning in the heart of Fife.

[pollyh33]

I used Skin So Soft last year doing the WHW and had no problems at all with midges. The added bonus is that your skin is in pretty good nick as well by the time you get to Fort William

[Circa Soundtrack]

I live in the north east and spend most of my time in the cairgorms where we're very lucky against bugs.

You must be lucky!

This was me, Linn of Dee carpark, September 2007, after a 'call of nature' duration of time with no repellent on, this is my back. The rest of me from head to toe had an equally painful distribution

Let it be a lesson to all who think the east coast is safe!

dear god! That's pretty bad! Well i work on a high ropes course and spend all my time out in the woods and although we get the little hellions in our hair, face and arms, they're just a pest rather than a problem, i spend pretty much all my time walking around linn of dee/bob scots on my way into the hills and they are no more a problem than they are at work. When the midges look at you they must just see a walking talking buffet

But i have a long sleeve Under Armour shirt now and bought some Smidge today, so hopefully i won't have any problems out in Fort Bill! Thanks for your advice guys