Especially as, if you beat about bushes in the Highlands in the summer, you’re liable to disturb clouds of midges. We have tried and tested these and can clarify they do 100% what they claim - keeping the midges out and leaving you midge free to pursue whichever activity you need it for. During larval stages, these creatures live as omnivores/ detritivores in the water films of the surface layers of the soil.

Astoundingly, during the height of summer, when midges are at their worst, these tiny creatures can be a true impediment to forestry, agriculture, and for all those spending time working outdoors. What is more, from an ecological standpoint, sheep and red deer (another food source for midges) do a lot more damage, due to a lack of predators and unsustainable land management, than the midges do. There are a range of products to stop midge bites itching which are also effective for relief from other insect bites, such as horse flies and mosquitoes. Specimens of this genus related to species alive today have been found preserved in 120 million year old amber in Lebanon, and in Scotland, in amber that dates back 75 million years.Unless you are prepared to slather on amusingly large amounts, and reapply every ten to fifteen minutes or so to renew the effect, then this is only ever going to be a partial solution to the biting midge problem. Midges in the larval stage remained safe below the ground, but the cold weather killed off more of the midge’s natural predators such as bats and birds, and so midge numbers were higher. It's incredibly light at only 16 grams and comes in a tiny stuff sack that will help to keep the net protected in your pocket when not being used.

OK, it’s not a very high statistical probability (though hereabouts we are still talking about June/July 2018). While feeding, midges release an anti-coagulant substance into the bite wound to which our immune system responds.It is worth mentioning that however annoying these pesky Scottish midges can be, they are not such a serious threat to your health as ticks which can give you Lyme disease. When you go out and it isn’t that windy, carry a couple of different natural insect repellents and a midge hood and hopefully, you should be fine. However, though insect repellents containing DEET do not pose a significant danger to human health or the environment, some people can experience negative skin reactions when using such products. Smidge comes in a pump spray and is like a moisturising milk or lotion which you apply to your skin. Do midges, black flies, no-see-ums or sand-flies gravitate towards you, leaving you with itching welts once they've had their way with you?