Midges

[Ex-member EagleOwl]

Got bit in the eye last week causing the eye to swell and close. This happened on a 5 day bushcraft session in the North of France.

On an overnight last night in Fife, Scotland and was savaged, at least ten large bites on head alone plus a bad one on the ear causing that to swell up and stick out.

Might invest in a headnet and repellent.

Is it possible i'm highly susceptible to bites or is this normal?

 

[Toddy]

For some it's normal, unfortunately On the other hand, one of my sons is totally immune and so is my older brother.

Beatson's midgie jacket and new forumla Autan is my latest defence.
Best advice is to cover up, and take the anti histamine's, they really do help. If you do get bitten, take anti histamines and ibuprofen anti inflammatory. Just mind and eat something with the brufen too.

Miserable damned things, the only thing that's worse are clegs, and I have an epi pen because of their bites

Best of luck with it.

cheers,
Toddy

 

[Shewie]

I only get mildly irritated by them myself, I don't get much itchyness or swelling but it just the fact that they get all over your exposed flesh and somehow into your brew or food.

As Toddy says, Beaton midge jackets is the way to go and for when they're not swarming I use Nordic Summer.

 

[Soloman]

Im not bothered to much my self but my wife is and weve found that "be gone" made by Chris at mystic moments in Aberdour Fife works well.I think she does mail order.
Steve.

 

[Ex-member EagleOwl]

Im not bothered to much my self but my wife is and weve found that "be gone" made by Chris at mystic moments in Aberdour Fife works well.I think she does mail order.
Steve.

Sounds interesting. I'm in Kirkaldy so i would prefer to buy local-ish.

 

[Silverback 1]

There is a product by Avon called 'Skin so Soft'(cream better than the spray) with a high citronella content,the midges hate it and it works a treat and very cheap, OK if you can stand the p**s taking when the lads see it in your pack, which could possibly be worse than being bitten!

 

[Bigfoot]

^

That doesn't work for everyone and I understand the new formula isn't as effective, as they have changed it? (looking for confirmation here).

Eagle Owl, you need to take the precautions Toddy suggests but ideally bring along a family member who can act as midgie bait and give you some relief

 

[Shewie]

I heard Avon had stopped or were about to stop producing the SSS stuff, might be worth finding out if your a fan. Personally I tried it and it had no affect but everyone is different.

 

[Toddy]

and if there is sunshine, rare I know, but that strange, hot, bright yellow ball light does appear in the sky sometimes, then be careful, because Skin so Soft is oily and folks burn when wearing it.

cheers,
Toddy

 

[jackcbr]

Have just ordered some SSS from Avon. Wish i had read this first. Oh well, you live and learn! Should have considered the oil burning thing, being fair skinned that could be an issue.

 

[Totumpole]

I get marauded by the mozzies and react quite badly, its a real pain.

 

[dandan]

I have used this stuff called 'Smidge'
Available on mail order. Here is the link - http://2010.midgeforecast.co.uk/index.php/shop

We have had a long hot Spring herein S W France , and have been bothered by the flying insects. Well , not now. I recommend this product. Excellent service. Have an insect free Summer !!

 

[backwoodsman]

i got marauded by mozzies with avon sss, seemed to attract them!!!!! issue stuff is the best, 40% deet

 

[peaks]

Hi,
In camp has any one tried the Thermacells? Supposed to be v effective- has any got any experience of them?

 

[gsfgaz]

is the dreaded midge back , ARGHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH

 

[Toddy]

Yep, got bitten yesterday in the woodland path along side the back garden

M

 

[gsfgaz]

bring back the snow ..

 

[morch]

Have got atleast a dozen from fri night, baskets

Dave

 

[tenderfoot]

Yep, got bitten yesterday in the woodland path along side the back garden

M

Thats a nasty place to get bitten!

 

[Tiley]

I've found the vitamin B patches to be really effective. Stick one on and stride out - the bugs - midges, mosquitoes or whatever - part as you get close. It's like wearing some sort of forcefield. The patches last a lot longer than topical applications but you do have that faint whiff of old Marmite as a result; still, far better that than being eaten alive.