Fear of the Wee Scottish Beastie

[Wha burst the ba]

Just depends where you go really. Towns and cities are fine, just wet grassy countryside (I suppose that's every where else)

Plenty of sprays, Smidge is quite good. Skin so soft works for some folks. if it's bad just keep walking and eating at the same time!!!!!!!

A really good malt whisky works well in the evening

[LFCRed]

Just depends where you go really. Towns and cities are fine, just wet grassy countryside (I suppose that's every where else)

Plenty of sprays, Smidge is quite good. Skin so soft works for some folks. if it's bad just keep walking and eating at the same time!!!!!!!

A really good malt whisky works well in the evening

Thanks Wha

Would you sleep with no physical barrier between you and midges if you are using Smidge or Skin So Soft (aka DEET)?

Have you used permethrin?

(Unfortunately I can't walk and eat while sleeping!)

[Wha burst the ba]

Thanks Wha

Would you sleep with no physical barrier between you and midges if you are using Smidge or Skin So Soft (aka DEET)?

Have you used permethrin?

(Unfortunately I can't walk and eat while sleeping!)

No and No!!! Been trying to get out without a bug net but not managed. Usually go up Aviemore way and the blighters can get you. Was reading the permethrin threads so might give it a go. West coast is notoriously worse than elsewhere.

[GadgetUK437]

I'm planning a Lands End to John O Groats bike ride next year.... anyone used permethrin around midges?

Midges are no problem as long as you keep moving, stay away from damp, shady areas, rivers and .... trees... ah, I see the issue!
Joking aside, it's a manageable risk. The only extra gear needed is a Fronkey bugnet and a headnet, you can make both from a few yards of noseeum, very easily and cheaply (see the OP). I took thin cotton gloves too, but never used them.
I used Permethrin on my bugnet, headnet and clothes. But Permethrin is an insecticide, not a deterrent... It kills them, but doesn't put them off... and midges seem to have the blatant disregard for personal safety that is typical of many other Scottish residents . My bugnet had the bodies of unfortunate midges on it in the morning.
I think that Permethrin has its place, stops the blighters crawling in your clothing (and deer ticks too), but you need to keep them off you exposed skin too, Permethrin won't help you there. You will need some other chemical warfare (combined with a headnet). I used DEET, because I have gallons of it (for the missus's horse), but Smidge, Autan and others will do.
All that said, we were quite lucky, and had enough of a breeze to ameliorate the problem. Midges are not strong flyers. Also, they are quite picky about their ideal conditions they need high humidity, still air, and temperatures between 10 - 20°C (50 - 70°F).
So, with careful choices of campsite you can minimise the threat. Set up on the windward edge of a wood, on higher ground, away from water.


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Gadget