Scottish Midges...Which is the best repellant ?

[cuppa joe]

Moving to the Highlands and planning on getting out a lot but the Midges are murderous .
What is the best product to protect my delicate skin lol ?

[Aaron Rushton]

soak your hat and sleeves in deet. it's prety strong stuff and it can melt pwatch straps and such so be carefull where you apply it. but it does keep them away, it's also likely to keep your mates or anyone you pass in the street away as it smells foul. i've also heard if you start to eat marmite every morning about a week before you depart you can keep them off you.

[comanighttrain]

uhh Avon Skin So Soft seems to be quite popular. keeping your skin covered up and wearing a net works if you need to stay still (hunting, fishing).

I grew up in the Highlands and to be honest, just cover up as best you can. Lotions and Potions dont seem to deter them. You just kinda get used to it

[cuppa joe]

Thanks for the advise Aaron and nighttrain.

[Martin]

I would also add, you can't beat a good mosquito net over your head. I used one in Snowdonia and Dartmoor earlier this year and I was able to sit out all evening without being bothered at all. It does make eating and drinking a bit of a nuisance but I don't really like the feeling of grease all over my skin.

Martin

[cuppa joe]

Martin i am watching a few army surplus midge nets now on fleabay.

[Martin]

Martin i am watching a few army surplus midge nets now on fleabay.

Ideal. Ashley gave me one of these, http://www.ultralightoutdoorgear.co.uk/coghlans_no-see-um_headnet.html which was pretty comfortable to wear and much better than being attacked. On our trip to Dartmoor, Adam used an insect repellant spray that was, I believe, DEET based. It tasted pretty rank when you got it on your lips and needed fairly frequent reapplication although it certainly appeared to do the job it was designed for.

All in all, I would prefer the head net and long sleeves.

Martin

[Metal mug]

Ideal. Ashley gave me one of these, http://www.ultralightoutdoorgear.co.uk/coghlans_no-see-um_headnet.html which was pretty comfortable to wear and much better than being attacked. On our trip to Dartmoor, Adam used an insect repellant spray that was, I believe, DEET based. It tasted pretty rank when you got it on your lips and needed fairly frequent reapplication although it certainly appeared to do the job it was designed for.

All in all, I would prefer the head net and long sleeves.

MartinThat was a good night. And the bonus with the midges is that they add extra protein to your food. :D

[happybonzo]

The latest word on DEET is that a preparation of 30% is sufficent. There's a new version on the market that is being used by the MoD but then those &**^%%%DS probably got it cheap. Also, it is endorsed by Mr Mears LINKY (http://www.3mselect.co.uk/c-481-skin-health.aspx?utm_source=nmp)

I fould that Avon Skin so soft - woodland glade worked really well in Norway

Regarding the Marmite idea: The Loggers in canada overdose on Vitamin D. This is contained in Marmite so there may be a bit of truth in this story

[Tony1948]

The best way to rid you'r self of them is.......................come to ESSEX LoL.The only bitee clingee things we got down ear wear white hiheals & low tops oh & a few tattos LoL,atb..............never mind the midge........DONT GET EATEN BY THE BEARS.................TONY

[cuppa joe]

I have been looking online and the deet ones seem to be the best but im going to get a mozzy net as well .
http://www.which.co.uk/home-and-garden/archive/reviews-ns/insect-repellents/best-buys/

[jbrown14]

Atlantic Ocean water keeps the Scottish Midges off my fair skin. :D Hee hee!

We get some nasty blackflies here in the Adirondack Mountains of New York State. Anything with a high concentration of DEET (like 90% and above) seems to keep them at bay. When in doubt I use a headnet.

[happybonzo]

The only thing you'll get off them will be crabs :D

[Adam Savage]

I wouldn't bother using DEET based products, they deter mossies but don't seem to effect midges. As Martin may tell you, I took some safari strength 70% spray with me, when we attempted the ten tors challenge. The midges just kept rolling in, no matter how much I used. At £8-£10 per 100ml, save the cash and buy a head net, like Martin advises.

Adam

[klause]

Head nets on sale in Wilkinsons for £1.79 if anyone's interested !
I can't tell you if it's any good as i can't find it (very small item in a badly organised room full of kit !), i just threw it in the basket as it was cheap !

[Martin]

I wouldn't bother using DEET based products, they deter mossies but don't seem to effect midges. As Martin may tell you, I took some safari strength 70% spray with me, when we attempted the ten tors challenge. The midges just kept rolling in, no matter how much I used. At £8-£10 per 100ml, save the cash and buy a head net, like Martin advises.

Adam

I thought the stuff was ok for a while until the effect wore off. I've just realised that you and Jack were sleeping in tarp set ups which must have been plagued with midges?? Whilst Kieran and me were safely protected from them by our tents. Yuk, it's making me itch just thinking of the pesky creatures!!

Martin

[cuppa joe]

Head net and long pants it is then...Thanks for your advice .

[Adam Savage]

I thought the stuff was ok for a while until the effect wore off. I've just realised that you and Jack were sleeping in tarp set ups which must have been plagued with midges?? Whilst Kieran and me were safely protected from them by our tents. Yuk, it's making me itch just thinking of the pesky creatures!!

Martin

Toward the end of the evening, I was spraying it on as they were flying through the spray. Maybe they just got desperate lol.

[Thumbcrusher]

What about a midge jacket?

http://www.midgejacket.co.uk/

[comanighttrain]

Toward the end of the evening, I was spraying it on as they were flying through the spray. Maybe they just got desperate lol.

You guys should try fishing at 5am...they arise in anger...

[Adam Savage]

You guys should try fishing at 5am...they arise in anger...

I think I'll pass lol.

[jus_young]

What about a midge jacket?

http://www.midgejacket.co.uk/

I don't think what little credibility I have left could withstand being seen in one of these

[Metal mug]

I've just realised that you and Jack were sleeping in tarp set ups which must have been plagued with midges??

Martin I was lucky, a friendly bat kept swooping past my shelter and eating the midges. A heartwarming sight to see from my bivvi bag. :)

[Martin]

I was lucky, a friendly bat kept swooping past my shelter and eating the midges. A heartwarming sight to see from my bivvi bag. :)

That was no bat, that WAS one of the midges!! ;)

Martin

[Metal mug]

That was no bat, that WAS one of the midges!! ;)

MartinOr it could of been Freddie Mecury on a microlite.*





*Sorry, I had to bring him up again. :D

[Adam Savage]

Or it could of been Freddie Mecury on a microlite.*



I thought it was Zulus on microlites?

*Sorry, I had to bring him up again. :D

I thought it was Zulus on microlites?

[Metal mug]

I thought it was Zulus on microlites?Oh yeah. Well I guess he must of pinched one.

[Adam Savage]

Just realised no one has said the obvious midge deterrent, our good friend the open fire. When the smokes around, the flying, biting things aren't.

[comanighttrain]

Ye olde firey does work pretty well actually. Midges just LOVE damp and warm conditions...

[Metal mug]

Just realised no one has said the obvious midge deterrent, our good friend the open fire. When the smokes around, the flying, biting things aren't.That's why Freddie M only uses steam powered microlites. It keeps thoose Dartmoor midges at bay. :)

[Reaps72]

It has already been mentioned but I use Avon 'skin so soft' worked a treat however heard that not washing helps and not using perfumes works too, not sure if any else has heard that?

[Adam Savage]

It has already been mentioned but I use Avon 'skin so soft' worked a treat however heard that not washing helps and not using perfumes works too, not sure if any else has heard that?

Not sure about the not washing. I've been out for four days, with just a quick "rinse" all over in the middle, and they still pestered me. Also not sure about the fragrances/body spray/deo/perfume either, I bet some of them are so chemical filled they may stop them bugging you. Don't quote me on that though, I'm well known for getting completely the wrong end of the stick. :p

[comanighttrain]

well one thing that may work which i seen les stroud do for mossies was to rub mud over your exposed areas. Thats like an extreme version of not washing :P

[Metal mug]

Just realised no one has said the obvious midge deterrent, our good friend the open fire. When the smokes around, the flying, biting things aren't.The obvious solution to this problem is to cover yourself in petrol and light up a match. :D

[Adam Savage]

The obvious solution to this problem is to cover yourself in petrol and light up a match. :D

Well it would certainly deal with the insects... :|

[MikeWilkinson]

Not sure that not washing would help, The female midge is attracted to the CO2 in your breath and the complex alcohols in your sweat. By not washing, you are probably leaving yourself open to more bites. What makes it worse is that once one midge starts biting it also releases some chemicals to advertise the fact that your a nice meal!! This generally explains why some people get bitten more than others, as some people have a heavier CO2 content in there breath and produce the right types of alcohol in there sweat.

The whole rubbing with mud thing is to a) clean off your sweat and b) mask some of the chemical 'smells' that attract the midge.
Fires/smoke work by saturating the area with that much CO2 and CO that the midges can't 'see' you and get confused, so they bugger off looking for an easier meal. Normally you when you wander away to answer the call of nature.

The two ways to deal with midges is to either find a good repellant or find a good attractant. In camp, a good smokey fire and some well placed smudge pots should keep the beasties away, away from camp then cover up and use a headnet.

[Adam Savage]

Not sure that not washing would help, The female midge is attracted to the CO2 in your breath and the complex alcohols in your sweat. By not washing, you are probably leaving yourself open to more bites. What makes it worse is that once one midge starts biting it also releases some chemicals to advertise the fact that your a nice meal!! This generally explains why some people get bitten more than others, as some people have a heavier CO2 content in there breath and produce the right types of alcohol in there sweat.

The whole rubbing with mud thing is to a) clean off your sweat and b) mask some of the chemical 'smells' that attract the midge.
Fires/smoke work by saturating the area with that much CO2 and CO that the midges can't 'see' you and get confused, so they bugger off looking for an easier meal. Normally you when you wander away to answer the call of nature.

The two ways to deal with midges is to either find a good repellant or find a good attractant. In camp, a good smokey fire and some well placed smudge pots should keep the beasties away, away from camp then cover up and use a headnet.

Top advise there buddy.

[Thumbcrusher]

I don't think what little credibility I have left could withstand being seen in one of these

Maybe this version is a bit better! i just got one cos i get eaten alive and it seems pretty good and well made. Not bad for the price anyway!

http://www.fifecountry.co.uk/mens/clothing/outerwear/specialist/midgemaster-smock-7821

[bigzee]

I am currently reading a book written by Cameron Mc Neish, in which he has an overnight camp in the Flowerdale forest (NW highlands at the civilized end of the kingdom). He lit what he describes as "the green mosquito coils" - one smoking either side of the tent doorway. He says he's used 'em for years and they've never failed him, as you can retreat into the tent for midge-respite. If you kipped outside of a tent I suppose you'd need to surround yourself with a (I fell into a burnin'...) ring of fire, or a ring of mosquito coils!

Apparently, the discomfort and itching caused by midges is actually your body's immune system reacting to the bites.Over time, the more you get bitten, the quicker the immune system jumps into action (as it recognizes it from previous occassions), which means things tend to feel worse on every consecutive trip you take amongst "the devil's own swarms." Sit amongst smoke, or camp between November and February!