Image your self strolling via the enchanting Scottish Highlands, crammed with fascinating lochs and majestic mountains. Abruptly, you are feeling tiny pinpricks in your pores and skin and listen to a faint buzzing sound.
Congratulations! You’ve simply encountered the infamous Scottish midge. These stealthy bugs measure a mere 1-3 mm in size, making them the minuscule tormentors of Scotland.
The Scotland Journey Ideas Fb group will get many questions relating to midges and I believed it is perhaps greatest summarising them multi functional place for a simple go-to toolkit.
On this information, I clarify what midges are, find out how to keep away from midges in Scotland, and share some recommendation about find out how to fight them.
Midge Truth: Do you know that “a midges baw-hair” is an official unit of distance in Scotland? For instance; “Jings, Margaret! You have been a midges baw-hair away from reversing into that wall!”
The place Do You Discover Midges?
You’ll discover midges lurking of their favorite haunts—damp, mossy forests, heather-clad moors, and close to shimmering lochs.
Usually, built-up areas like cities and cities don’t are inclined to have as a lot of a problem with midges. You could, nonetheless, spot them close to our bodies of water (corresponding to lochs or canals).
When Do Midges Seem in Scotland?
Daybreak and nightfall are usually rush-hour for midge actions. These sneaky bugs thrive within the moist and delicate local weather of the Scottish countryside, rising with the arrival of spring and peaking through the summer time months.
That’s between April and September, with July and August being significantly problematic months.
Midge Tip: There’s a Midge forecast you should use to get an concept of how unhealthy the midge state of affairs is the place you’re going to be travelling to in Scotland.
Do Midges Chew?
I can verify that is certainly right. These airborne terrors possess an uncanny means to detect the scent of human sweat from a mile away, making them extra stealthy than Maverick within the finale of Prime Gun 2.
With lightning velocity, they descend upon unsuspecting victims, forsaking an itchy memento—a purple, infected bump. Or a number of hundred if you happen to aren’t ready and are in a Degree 5 dying zone. Don’t fear, I made the Degree 5 Loss of life Zone up. It’s really a Degree 4 Loss of life Zone.
Simply kidding.
It’s value noting that while midges do chew they don’t transmit any illnesses, so don’t panic if you happen to get caught together with your pants down. Except you get caught together with your pants down in a Degree 3 Loss of life Zone!
Fortunately, not all midges chew. Males midges do not need a bloody candy tooth- however the females do.
Totally grown adults eat principally plant sap and nectar for his or her day-to-day calorific wants, nonetheless, the principle distinction between biting and non-biting midges is that for the previous, copy requires feeding on blood.
These tiny terrors primarily feed on the blood of mammals. When you’re not obtainable, they’ll accept the following most suitable choice—cows, sheep, deer, and even birds. Pregnant females will land, take a style and, in the event that they such as you, then give off a pheromone which can direct others to this newly found pop-up restaurant.
How To Keep away from Midges In Scotland
Now that we’ve delved into the realm of Scottish midges, it’s time I expose my secret suggestions so you possibly can defend yourselves from their wrath.
- The Citrusy Odor of Success: Midges have an aversion to sturdy smells. Arm your self with a bottle of insect repellent, ideally one containing the pleasant aroma of citronella or eucalyptus. Not solely will you stay bite-free, however you’ll additionally odor like a strolling rainforest!
Smidge is the go-to model in Scotland for repelling midges. You should purchase Smidge on Amazon, or in supermarkets and out of doors outlets in Scotland.
There are sprays containing DEET that are efficient however could be very harsh on uncovered pores and skin, and possibly not too good for the atmosphere.
There’s debate as as to whether Avon Pores and skin-So-Smooth nonetheless works. Many individuals have stated {that a} change in formulation has made it about as helpful as a fishnet condom. - The Midge-Repelling Fashionista: Don a classy midge head internet, ideally in a sublime shade of black. This fashionable accent will rework you into the trendsetter of the Scottish Highlands, guaranteeing that the midges hold their distance.
Be certain it’s a correct midget internet although because the wee beggars are that small they’ll make their approach via regular mosquito nets. Overlaying up can even assist, so if the climate permits for it, put on a protracted sleeve t-shirt and trousers.
Put on lighter colors, as midges are extra interested in darker colors (which mimic wild animals that midges wish to feast on). - The Midge-Free Zone: Search refuge in areas the place midges worry to tread. Coastal areas and windy spots are preferrred areas to flee their relentless pursuit. Alternatively, channel your internal Indiana Jones and discover historic websites, castles, and distilleries, the place the midges dare not trespass. They have an inclination to remain near low floor, so if you’re going to be mountain climbing a Corbett or Munro you shouldn’t have too many issues.
- The Midge-night Feast: Embrace the Scottish custom of having fun with a dram of whisky. It seems that midges aren’t keen on the sturdy scent of this golden elixir. So, whilst you sip and savour, these pesky pests will probably be left nursing their wounded egos.
- The Put up Midge Feed Medic: You have been unfortunate. You get caught out and return to your lodging with quite a few itchy bumps. How do you restrict the injury? One of the best treatment is to make use of an antihistamine cream or gel, and check out to not scratch the chew marks.
One thing’s Out to Get Me – What are the Actual Risks in Scotland?
Wolves, bears, and wild boar. Not them. We hunted them to extinction generations in the past. The true enemies of the outdoorsmen and ladies are clegs, ticks, feral haggis, and (perhaps) adders.
Clegs
Clegs are horse-flies on steroids. They aren’t as plentiful as midges and are usually extra lively on sunny days. Their bites do harm much more than midges although, and sadly, you gained’t know a lot about them till they’ve already bitten you. Insect repellent will hold them at bay. They’re additionally interested in sweat and darkish colors.
Ticks
Ticks are small, spider-like creatures which feed on the blood of birds and mammals. Scottish ticks can carry the micro organism which causes Lyme illness so be wise if you’re going to be in woodland or strolling via lengthy grass.
Lengthy trousers and even a good pair of gaiters could be good safety. Be certain to test your self for ticks when you have been outside and if you happen to do discover one take away it as quickly as you possibly can. If the chew mark begins to appear like a bullseye search medical recommendation sooner fairly than later.
Snakes
The adder is Britain’s solely venomous snake, however its venom is mostly of little hazard to individuals. A chew could be very painful and grow to be infected, however is actually solely harmful to the very younger, previous, or sick.
Most assaults occur when they’re trodden on or picked up. I’ve solely come throughout two in my lifetime and one among them was in England, so we gained’t rely that. You’ll must be significantly fortunate/unfortunate to see one.
Yvette has solely seen one adder throughout her hike of the Scottish Nationwide Path. She claimed that taking part in rock music on her cellphone scared it away. I’d have assumed it was Taylor Swift.
Wild Haggis
Feral haggis solely reside above 700 metres. When you encounter one merely begin strolling in a zigzag sample away from it. Haggis have two legs longer than the others and can tumble gently down the hillside permitting you to flee unscathed.
In Conclusion
Midges could also be formidable adversaries, however armed with slightly information and a very good sense of humour (and perhaps among the previous ‘water of life’), you possibly can face them head-on.
So, the following time you end up amidst the breathtaking landscapes of bonnie Scotland, bear in mind this: whereas the midges could also be unbearable, they make for nice storytelling materials and a newfound appreciation for the Highland winds.
Keep vigilant and should your adventures be as memorable as they’re bite-free!
