While one walker or cyclist will suffer only tiny red dots where the midges have bitten, someone else could come up in larger, itchier bits. By taking preventative steps to stop them from biting you, you’re potentially cutting off their ability to lay more eggs. We sometimes use Incognito insect repellent which we also spray onto our clothes to help protect against ticks. If you don’t have any Avon, their products are relatively cheap and easy to find, so what are you waiting for? As with everything, there are a few negatives to this product which include not being waterproof, and I’m rather suspicious of the claimed 8 hours of protection from one covering.

Midge bites aren’t usually a serious problem but they can be irritating as they cause swelling and painful itching. This was the go-to option for midge repellant before Smidge made its entrance and it is a great alternative which you can pick up easily in supermarkets across Scotland. We’ve found the best midge repellent for Scotland is Smidge insect repellent spray which was actually developed in Scotland. Take the bite and burn out of summer and give your family uninterrupted outdoor fun with the full collection of Bug Guard mosquito repellent and DEET-free bug sprays and lotions. The theory behind these devices is that the sound waves or electromagnetic fields will cause the midges to avoid the area where the machine is located.

The other reason some suggest it works is due to the use of citronella in the ingredients which again repels mosquitos. The 150ml light green/blue bottle contains a specially formulated, pleasantly scented, non-greasy oil spray, which when applied after bathing or showering, absorbs into the skin quickly and locks in moisture.

For example, Canada only allowed the use of icaridin in 2012, a long time after the United States and the United Kingdom did.

Fieldsports Press Limited, Epsilon House, Enterprise Road, Southampton Science Park, Southampton, SO16 7NS, United Kingdom. Whilst we cannot make the midges disappear, we hope this guide has given you some helpful advice on how to deal with the midges in Scotland.

This is active travel when you want to treat yourself, with ample opportunity for great food and wine! Filled with active days on unforgettable routes, these trips have been designed with the journey at their core. Avoid being outdoors at dawn and dusk: Midges are most active at these times, so try to limit your outdoor activities during these periods. 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. Citronella candles can be used to keep midges away when sitting outside or can be used to deter midges from the house.These are really effective and suit outdoor eating scenarios, picnics and BBQs, although BBQ smoke does a good job of keeping the midges away too.