Now you've got your midge repellent arsenal sorted, here are some practical tips you can use while you're out there in the wilderness. Head for the water The good news is that there are plenty of parts of Scotland where midges aren't even a problem. The Lowlands, for example, and anywhere when there's a high wind - queue the dad joke. No seriously the tiny little nuisances can't take off when the wind speed exceeds 5mph - the not so mighty Scottish Midge ladies and gentleman... It’s also the cheapest of the bunch, has a manual pump dispenser, and is infused with natural oils so it’s virtually free of chemicals. 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.

It’s only the females that bite as they need lots of protein to form their clutches of eggs, but while they mostly feed on cattle and wild animals they’re also quite happy to chow down on any passing human that comes within range whether young, old, male or female. 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. There is also some evidence to suggest that 100% doesn't provide significant benefits over 50% so that should be more than enough. 25% strength should offer about 5 hours midge repellent of protection. While it is not officially mentioned by Avon that this product, infused with natural oils and citronella aroma offers the best midge protection, it comes highly recommended by the Marines and the SAS.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. Smidge keeps midges, mosquitoes, horseflies and other biting critters at bay for up to 8 hours with just one application and it’s also water-resistant, so if you feel the need to go wild swimming you won’t have to re-apply it. That’s me and my trusty bottle of Smidge at the Fairy Pools on Skye. Avon Skin So Soft is a beauty product that has been recommended as a midge repellent for years, which I always thought was an old wives tale until I tried it myself. It’s a known fact that midges cause misery to Scotland’s tourists across the Highlands and Islands where they gather in vast numbers between May and September.

Midges tend to stay near the ground in low winds and where there's lots of brush. If you're climbing hills and mountains over 700m, it's unlikely you'll encounter them. Plus, we promise that the views are worth the hike almost anywhere in the Scottish Highlands. Seriously.The good news is that those local news stories about how great Avon products are at repelling insects don’t have to be totally wrong anymore! There's usually a first generation (or wave) and a second generation of midges. In the early autumn midge numbers are on the decrease, which is why September and October are great hiking months in Scotland. WHERE BEST TO AVOID MIDGES IN SCOTLAND? Our immune systems all react differently to midge bites so some people may experience swelling and itching from the biting whilst others might barely notice. DO MIDGES LIKE SOME PEOPLE MORE THAN OTHERS? 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.

Scotland’s infamous midges can bring misery to your holiday, especially if you’re not suitably prepared for them. There are an estimated 181 trillion midges in Scotland and for every square metre of ground in the Highlands there could be 250,000 eggs waiting to hatch and go on the hunt for their next meal of tasty human blood. Due to their tiny jaw-span, midges aren't very adept at biting through clothing. It's a good idea to opt for full-length trousers and long-sleeved tops. Your very own midge trap. Keep materials lightweight and breathable if you're hiking in the summer. Get up high Lowland areas with consistent wind and away from water are your best chances for midge free areas in Scotland. Coastal areas (West Coast beaches, we're looking at you) can often be midge free. Scotland's great outdoors is vast and expansive, so you should be able to find somewhere in the summer that's less likely to be a midge fest. WORST PLACES FOR MIDGES IN SCOTLAND? 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. Still, if you want to give midges the elbow this is one of the best products to buy and the fact it doesn’t use DEET or indeed any nasty chemicals is a massive bonus. Sure, for some anti-midge hikers it is a deal-breaker. But Scotland and the highlands has so much to offer that it would seem a shame to let those beastly midges get the better of us. If you really want to explore Scotland, try go out of midge season (September to April) when the weather is cold and windy (yep, this is the trade-off sadly!) and the biting insects are hiding!The Bug Guard works the best, which is unsurprising, considering it’s manufactured for the sole purpose of repelling insects. Feeling crafty, or just want to save some pennies? Make your own midge net from mesh – just make sure there are at least 600 holes per square inch to really stop the determined beasties getting through and biting you. Because if they can, they will. If you're keen to get out and about why not join us on one of our Scottish adventures? How about summit Ben Nevis and learn winter mountain skills? Given the time of year this trip runs, there's not a midge in sight. Leave your Skin so Soft at home and bring your ice axe instead (or you can just borrow one for the weekend). MIDGES IN SCOTLAND FAQ WHEN IS THE SCOTTISHMIDGE SEASON? If you don't mind chilly temperatures, take a winter adventure to the Highlands and stay bite-free, well maybe not frostbite-free. Long sleeves are your friends