Smidge comes out of the can as a lotion rather than a spray and it doesn’t feel at all oily on your skin, and I love the fact it smells quite nice too. Totally agree with DDootsie, folklore indeed...If it really worked, and it was proven it really kept biting insects and the like away, they would actively promote this and widely advertise if it was fact. Wearing light-coloured clothing may attract fewer midges as, like goths, midges seem to prefer dark colours.

Make sure you carry repellent with you and if you avoid wearing perfume and aftershave this can help too - it can also make you feel as wild as the countryside! Your midge-free months in Scotland range from October through to May, so if you really don't want to deal with them then these are the times to visit Scotland. In saying that, the closer you are to the sea, the less you are likely to experience them. Read about the best beaches in Scotland. Which areas of Scotland are affected by midges? 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. We also recommend carrying a midge head net (also known as a midge hood). We have Smidge head nets which we wear over our Tilley hats. This product couldn’t come more highly recommended – it does the job and it is very affordable to boot. I,e read its used from everyone from the SAS to the Mounties, to give protection from midges to mossies.....allegedlyThe best defence is a strong offence, in this case, and we suggest you begin by keeping your windows closed, particularly at dawn and dusk. Although strong sunlight perturbs them, they find artificial lighting attractive. Leaving a living room light on with a window ajar is an open invitation to a midge, so keep everything closed tightly. If you’re planning on eating outside, smoke from the BBQ is a popular repellent to Scottish midges. Buy some citronella candles and coils to create a wider no-midge zone too. Bought this for a holiday , partly as I know Avon products are good quality and then as it was recommended by friends. It was. A very good dry oil moisturiser as well as a useful insect repellent. I normally get bitten by everything, but using this I had no insect bites at all. I agree with the reviewer who disliked the initial smell, but I found the scent vanished within a couple of minutes. Husband used to swear by smoking a pipe - the smellier the better.... The only problem was that he would be clear but I'd end up with clouds round me. Jungle Formula Maximum is the big daddy of insect repellents and it definitely deserves its place at #2 under Smidge.

Calm, windless days and dull days are likely to be more midgey– midges stop flying in wind speeds greater than about 6mph. There are nearly 40 species of biting midge in Scotland but only five of these are thought to regularly feed on people. Of these, the Highland midge, Culicoides impunctatus, is the most bloodthirsty, and the species responsible for most of the bites of people.When it comes to the worst one, the bath oil and lotion are tied. Neither one excels at repelling mosquitoes, with both only repelling two types of mosquitoes: Aedes and Culex. 6 If you’re ahead of the game and already have some Avon products, then great! All you need to do is keep applying it like you are already, keeping your skin safe while free from itches. If you don’t have any Avon, their products are relatively cheap and easy to find, so what are you waiting for? Get going and keep those pesky mosquitoes away! 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.

Using Avon’s “Bug Guard” is a good solution for a (relatively) cheap repellent that also aids your skin. Regular Avon Skin-So-Soft will work too, but only for a fraction of the time, it seems. Though, it’s better than using other items around your house, such as Listerine. Each application lasts for up to 8 hours. Re-application may be required in areas with high temperature and humidity. Smidge comes in a pump spray and is like a moisturising milk or lotion which you apply to your skin.Avon Skin So Soft Soft & Fresh (used to be Woodland Fresh) Dry Oil Body Spray leaves your skin feeling soft. But this spray also has a hidden secret. Although not marketed as such, it is widely regarded to be an effective insect repellent. 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.

A great alternative is to light a few of these candles if you’re intending to sit outside as they’re designed to release a scent that midges, mosquitoes, and other buzzy critters hate. 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. Midges dislike the smell of the candles, so burn a couple at a time to double your chances of keeping them away. What time of year do midges come out in Scotland?Female midges are only active in low light so the most active period tends to be the two hours before sunset Disclaimer: Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information at the time of writing, Literally covered from head to toe – I was advised by a friend to try this but never ever again. Don’t know why anyone can think it works as a repellent I am covered in bites Reply I have to start this review by saying I’ve used Mosi-Guard natural repellent before and while it works, in my opinion it’s not quite as good as Smidge or any product that uses DEET.