The midgies are back :(

[Toddy]

I'm just in from the garden. I've been using handshears to cut the edges of the lawns so that we can get the hover mower to do the rest today.
I went out just after six, and within minutes I was bitten, and it just got worse as it went on.
The midgies are back



Off to find the anti-histamines, I'm an itchy mess.

M

 

[Broch]

Ouch, you have my sympathy.

I tried 'Smidge' last year up on the Spey (DEET free); it seemed quite effective and was especially needed around Loch Insh. If you haven't already seen it, they also have a very informative web site with a midge forecast map (though I don't know if it's any more reliable than the weather forecast!).

 

[Coldfeet]

My other half always gets bitten, so the have my sympathies.

 

[Wayland]

Vicious wee beasties...

 

[Tony]

we need a swarm of midges getting nailed with a flamethrower emoji

 

[punkrockcaveman]

Yep. Got battered by them on Tuesday night while fishing. Not a breath of wind to put them off. I was literally running for the car in the end!

 

[C_Claycomb]

Here is hoping that news of the emergence of the whee sabre toothed hordes keeps the morons out of the Highlands for a while longer.

 

[Broch]

Maybe there should be big signs put up on all roads leading into Scotland "Danger Hoards of Wild Midges". We just have killer sheep

 

[Wushuplayer]

I'm planning to do the North Coast 500 in the 1st 2 weeks of October. Do you reckon midges will still be a problem then? I was considering taking a tarp and bivvy bag to save space as I'll be traveling by motorcycle, good idea or bad idea?

 

[Dogoak]

First really noticed them just over a week ago when we had a couple of damp nights, luckily it’s been breezy since

I'm planning to do the North Coast 500 in the 1st 2 weeks of October. Do you reckon midges will still be a problem then? I was considering taking a tarp and bivvy bag to save space as I'll be traveling by motorcycle, good idea or bad idea?

Should be ok October time, maybe less motorhomes on the road as well!

Up to you with tarp and bivi set up, the weather can be really good in October. On the other hand we can have our first snow in October

 

[Wushuplayer]

Snow?!

What does one do to protect against biting insects with a bivvy set up anyway, sleep with head net and cap?

 

[oldtimer]

Friends just back from doing the West Highland way for charity. I agreed to sponsor them per mile but not per midge bite. Did I get the best deal?

 

[Early P]

I went and slept out by the canal 2 weeks ago. Just my sleeping bag, some cider and a t shirt. For some reason i didn't equate water with flying biting insects. I didnt get bitten as much by mosquitos next to the Danube in Hungary! This years midges are fierce.

 

[Dogoak]

Snow?!

What does one do to protect against biting insects with a bivvy set up anyway, sleep with head net and cap?

Yep, and/or repellent.
You should be ok that time of year though.

Generally they’re not so active when it’s hot and dry, avoid damp areas, if possible.
Try and find a breezy site, sometimes that’s easy, everywhere .

Keep an eye on the forecast before you leave and pack appropriately, it could be chilly.

 

[Toddy]

We've been pretty safe with them this last wee while, but it rained last night, and it's supposed to come down again tomorrow, so I reckon they'll be out
They're a blight. Not quite as much as clegs, but pretty blooming close

M

 

[Broch]

Smidge is very effective; though, as I found over the last few days in the wood, it doesn't keep the clegs away - had to revert to Lifesystems Expedition Plus for that!

I tend to put an insect repellent on when I sleep under a tarp; it keeps the slugs off your face

Smidge - The UK’s No.1 Midge Repellent

Developed in Scotland, Smidge is scientifically proven to provide instant, sweat-proof protection from all biting insects for up to 8 hours.

www.smidgeup.com

 

[Laurentius]

I can't say that I have not noticed.

 

[Wushuplayer]

Had to look up what 'Clegs' are! I think they have a nasty bite right?
Does the Lifesystems Expedition Plus stuff damage equipment, waterproofs etc?

 

[Broch]

Had to look up what 'Clegs' are! I think they have a nasty bite right?
Does the Lifesystems Expedition Plus stuff damage equipment, waterproofs etc?

There is a specific species called a 'cleg fly' but, I suspect, different regions apply the name to the most abundant horsefly in their area. What we call 'clegs' around here (and, from my youth, in Yorkshire) are a relatively small horsefly about 12mm long - and yes, they give a nasty bite that hurts initially then itches like mad for a couple of day

Yes, Lifesystems Expedition Plus does damage certain synthetic materials; it even removed its own printing from the bottle

 

[arthem]

Smidge is very effective; though, as I found over the last few days in the wood, it doesn't keep the clegs away - had to revert to Lifesystems Expedition Plus for that!

I tend to put an insect repellent on when I sleep under a tarp; it keeps the slugs off your face

Smidge - The UK’s No.1 Midge Repellent

Developed in Scotland, Smidge is scientifically proven to provide instant, sweat-proof protection from all biting insects for up to 8 hours.

www.smidgeup.com

Smidge is a life saver. A few years ago I went to Arthog (Wales) for a camping trip, I was using Jungle Formula and still managed to get 65+ midge bites in 48 hours. Not good. Started using smidge and it works so well I am now going to be bivvying on my next wales trip .