It's that time of year again!
With the heavy rain and warm(ish) tempretures right now in the Scottish Highlands, we've seen the return of the dreaded Scottish midge. These little beasties have a way of being a nuisance during what should be the warmest time of year in the Scottish Highlands.
Throughout this time of year, I get a lot of questions about how to best deal with midges. If I'm being perfectly honest, I might not be the best person to ask about how to deal with midges. I have a real way of forgetting to put on midge repellent and then regretting it the next day when I am covered in itchy bites. But hopefully you can learn from some of mistakes so that midges don't end up putting being an annoying inconvenience to your trip in the Scottish Highlands.
Know When Midges are at their Worst
Midges like warm, damp weather, so they are generally at their worst between the end of May and the end of August in the Scottish Highlands. Midges generally aren't very active during particularly warm sunny days, or if its very windy outside. But on overcast, damp days in the Scottish Highlands, the midges will be out to play. Midges generally are most active at dawn or as the sun is starting to set, so just be aware of this if you are heading out early in the morning or later in the afternoon. Midges are also generally worst near lochs and watersides, as well as in shaded woodland areas.
Prepare yourself well for Midges during the summer months
One of the best investments you can make for a trip to the Scottish Highlands during midge season is Smidge. This midge repellent allows you to spend hours outside exploring the beautiful Scottish Highlands, without the fear of itcy midge bites.
One way people often end up getting bitten by midges without realising is by leaving a window in their room open and leaving a light on. During dusk, midges are attracted by lights inside, so if you leave your windows opens, they'll find a home in your home! If you need a bit of air in your home or accomodation, it might be worth getting a fan to keep your rooms cool, or if you need to keep your windows open, make sure you keep your lights off to avoid beasties coming in.
What to do when Midges Bite
Generally you won't end up noticing you've been bitten by a midge until the next day when you start to get really itchy. I am definetely someone that midges love, so I often end up with loads of bites on my arms and legs during summer months.
After I've been bitten, I generally use an anti-bite gel or cream to help reduce itchiness and annoyance. Sometimes I will also use an antiseptic healing cream (such as Sudocrem) to reduce any inflammation caused by the bites. I tend to get very irrated by bites, so if its particularly bad, I'll take an antihistamine tablet to help relieve this.
I hope these tips will help you to do your best to avoid the Highland midges that are everywhere at this time of year. Let me know if I've missed any tips out of this little guide.
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