We’ve been using Smidge insect repellent for about 6 years and find it to be very effective against the wee beasties. Midges can be a serious nuisance. The worst places for midges in Scotland are the areas where you’ll find their preferred habitats such as wet, boggy, sheltered areas. These places include the north and west coast of Scotland and in the Highlands like Fort William, Glen Coe and the Great Glen. Generally, the east coast tends to be more midge-free.

We use some extra extra strong Deet we bought in Greenland which usually works. I do take vitamin B tablets but to be honest, I don't think they make much difference. I'd be dubious about garlic but must admit I've not tried it. I use the oil version on the bowling green. It is quite effective but like the midges I hate the smell. It is only the female midge that bites. When female midges emerge they have built up enough fat reserves as a larva to lay their first batch of eggs. To mature more batches of eggs than this initial batch, the female midge needs a blood meal.So next time you’re jotting down a shopping list, include these items for a midge-free Scotland break. They’ll make you smell nicer too in the process. It’s no big deal to avoid being their next meal We prefer to use insect repellents which don’t contain DEET or DMP. Although DEET and DMP are more effective than non-DEET or natural midge repellents, they are capable of melting some plastics (such as credit cards, glasses and synthetic clothing) and that’s not really something we want to put our skin. As non-DEET insect repellents seem to work fine for midges, we don’t find DEET repellents necessary. Best midge net for Scotland

Don’t use products with strong perfumes as these can attract midges (eg. deodorant, shampoo, soap, perfume, shower gel, etc.) Having the right stalking clothing to help keep midges away is a good place to start, but you will still need something to deter them from making a meal out of any exposed flesh left on your body, such as your hands or head.You’ll need at least two for any area bigger than a dining-table-sized space but they work very well and there’s something incredibly relaxing about watching a candle burn down in the evening. Disclaimer: Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information at the time of writing,

Midges are insects with a wingspan of just 1-2mm. They need blood to survive and enjoy feasting on animals and humans. There are, however, ways to avoid midges which include avoiding the regions where they’re most prevalent ie. the Highlands, the north and west coasts, and the west coast islands, but obviously you will then miss out on seeing the most scenic parts of Scotland. My other half swears by it so I thought I’d give it a go last year and… it actually works. No matter if I sat outside in the evening or walked through the Highlands in the early morning, midges seemed to avoid me whenever I used Avon Skin So Soft. Wearing light-coloured clothing may attract fewer midges as, like goths, midges seem to prefer dark colours. Female midges are only active in low light so the most active period tends to be the two hours before sunset

If you want the best protection against midges, Skin So Soft from Avon is the ideal choice. It was originally created as a skin moisturiser, scented with citronella oils. However, outdoor types discovered that as well as keeping skin soft, the product was also highly effective at keeping away midges. Via word of mouth, the news spread about this unexpected benefit and Avon attracted a surprising new set of fans. Icaridin works similar to DEET, but its adoption is not as widespread. For example, Canada only allowed the use of icaridin in 2012, a long time after the United States and the United Kingdom did. Midges have been around for thousands of years but with climate change, they are increasing their range and extending their season.

I had to laugh recently when a friend of mine said "I can't understand how I've been bitten... I was covered in Skin So Soft!". I wasn't bitten, and I was wearing this, which I swear by: A midge-repellent machine is a device that uses ultrasonic or electromagnetic technology to repel midges. These machines work by emitting high-frequency sound waves or electromagnetic fields that are designed to be unpleasant to midges, but not harmful to humans or other animals.The herbal component of this spray is Citriodol which is a 100% plant-based product that is biodegradable, and to date there is no known accumulation of Citriodol in any public waterways. Use insect repellent: Applying a repellent to your skin can help to prevent midges from biting you. Look for repellents that contain DEET or picaridin, as these are the most effective against midges.