Ah, Scotland — land of lochs, legends, dramatic mountains, and… midges. Yes, those tiny flying fiends that everyone seems to have a horror story about. Forget Nessie — the real menace of the Highlands is the midge, and unlike our famous loch monster, this wee beastie is very real. But fear not — with a little prep and a good sense of humour, midges don’t have to ruin your adventure. So let’s bust the myths, share the facts, and help you fight back (with dignity and insect repellent).
meet the midge (know your enemy)
If you’re heading to the Western Highlands between late May and late August, you’re probably already aware that this is peak midge season. Midges are teeny-tiny flying insects (just 1–3mm!) that thrive in damp, still air, especially near lochs, rivers, and woodlands.
But before you grab your passport and cancel everything, here’s something you might not know: midges are actually important. They’re a snack for bats, birds, spiders and even carnivorous plants. So no, sadly, you can’t just blast them all with insecticide and call it a day. Nature loves a balance.
Also worth knowing: out of the hundreds of midge species, only about 35 bite humans, and only the females do it. Classic.
midge myths (or, what they don’t do)
Let’s set the record straight on a few things:
- Midges don’t carry disease. You’re not going to catch anything from a bite, they’re just incredibly itchy.
- Midges aren’t out to get you personally. They actually feed mostly on deer, cattle, and sheep. You’re more of a backup snack.
how to outsmart a midge
Now for the good stuff. How do you enjoy Scotland without turning into a walking buffet? Here’s your battle plan:
- Pick your weather wisely. Midges hate sunshine. They also can’t handle wind, even a breeze over 3mph grounds them. So if the sun’s out or there’s a stiff wind, you’re in luck.
- Head for higher ground. Mountains, hills, ridges, the windier and more exposed, the better. Bonus: the views are great too.
- Stay away from still water. Sheltered lochs and ponds are midge central. But sea kayaking on open water? Practically midge-free and 100% epic.
- Repel, repel, repel.
- Smidge: Created by Scottish scientists, this stuff is your best friend. It repels midges, mosquitoes, ticks, AND horseflies. It smells decent and doesn’t melt your skin like DEET.
- Avon Skin So Soft: Accidentally discovered by Royal Marines in the Highlands, this dry oil works by stopping the midges from landing on your skin. Avon won’t say it’s a repellent, but soldiers swear by it.
- Smidge: Created by Scottish scientists, this stuff is your best friend. It repels midges, mosquitoes, ticks, AND horseflies. It smells decent and doesn’t melt your skin like DEET.
- Cover up. They can’t bite through clothes, so long sleeves, long trousers, and even head nets are your best bet, especially if you’re hiking or fly-fishing.
- Check the Midge Forecast. Yes, it’s a real thing. Daily updates on where the midges are most active. Genius.
final thoughts: embrace the itch?
Okay, maybe not embrace it — but don’t let the fear of midges stop you from experiencing Scotland at its wild, beautiful best. They’re annoying, sure. But they’re not dangerous, and with a little planning, you’ll barely notice them.
Scotland 1 – 0 Midges
