we are planning a trip to the fort william area 12th may onwards (2 week) will we be lucky and miss the mozzies? jim
midges north of the border
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- Dec 16, 2003
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Despite what Cris says, midges are not usually a problem in May, particularly the first half of the month. For thirty years now, I have gone on a hillwalking holiday on the west coast during the first week in May and midges have NEVER been a problem. I don't think you will be too troubled by them - but I also recommend Jungle Formula!
I often beleive that the midgie "myth " is promulgated to keep us sassanachs south of the border!
From the "stories" I have heard and read, you would think that there would be no one living up there.
Go and enjoy one of the most beautifull countries in the world, and "they say" that the Avon lady sells the best "midgie" lotion. Regards Fred
From the "stories" I have heard and read, you would think that there would be no one living up there.
Go and enjoy one of the most beautifull countries in the world, and "they say" that the Avon lady sells the best "midgie" lotion. Regards Fred
- Jan 19, 2008
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When we went it was June and I can vouch for the ferociousness of the midges. My wife is an Avon rep so I used the Skin So Soft, Dry Oil Body Spray - Soft & Fresh but it made no difference although a lady at Oban said the fishermen swore by it. The local S.A.S. use it too when abroad.
The midges started biting my bites when they ran out of room. People said don't worry they don't come out to play in the rain, well they do. I was packing up in the rain at Loch Lomond and the only part of me showing was my hands but they still dive bombed me, sticking to my wet skin. Killin and Kenmore were the worse places I visited for them. As I drove into Kenmore one evening it was as if the local nutters had escaped from the asylum, people everywhere were waving there arms about like demented loons, when I out of my car I soon knew why.
At the end of 3 weeks I was covered with bites and 2 years later still have purple blotches on my arms where I was bitten. Ironically Her Ladyship didn't have one single bite, I told her they don't go for bad meat.
In all seriousness I couldn't suffer that every year and it's not surprising that a lot of Scots live south of the border and I don't blame them because I would too :O)
Saying that I've given in to Her Ladyships demands and bribery and are now going to the Mull of Kintyre in June, Im just praying that the beachside location has no midges.
The midges started biting my bites when they ran out of room. People said don't worry they don't come out to play in the rain, well they do. I was packing up in the rain at Loch Lomond and the only part of me showing was my hands but they still dive bombed me, sticking to my wet skin. Killin and Kenmore were the worse places I visited for them. As I drove into Kenmore one evening it was as if the local nutters had escaped from the asylum, people everywhere were waving there arms about like demented loons, when I out of my car I soon knew why.
At the end of 3 weeks I was covered with bites and 2 years later still have purple blotches on my arms where I was bitten. Ironically Her Ladyship didn't have one single bite, I told her they don't go for bad meat.
In all seriousness I couldn't suffer that every year and it's not surprising that a lot of Scots live south of the border and I don't blame them because I would too :O)
Saying that I've given in to Her Ladyships demands and bribery and are now going to the Mull of Kintyre in June, Im just praying that the beachside location has no midges.
- Jan 19, 2008
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Praying you're right Malcolm :O)The little beggars don't like wind so being on the Kintyre peninsula, there's a good chance you'll be midge-free. They like dank conditions so somewhere like the CC site at Kinlochewe is often known as Kinlochmidge among my friends!
- Dec 16, 2003
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Malcom don't blame me for the Scottish midge season as stated by Scottish tourist depts and other Scottish depts.
I've been to Scotland numerous times at differnt times of the year and have been fine one time and bitten alive another.
It wouldn't stop us going again though. Just take the bug spray and a plug in for the caravan as usual.
I've been to Scotland numerous times at differnt times of the year and have been fine one time and bitten alive another.
It wouldn't stop us going again though. Just take the bug spray and a plug in for the caravan as usual.
On my last excurssion to the Highlands I was bitten so bad at Fort William that the local chemist was worrried that I might need hospitalisation. I had over 400 bites on my arms and legs.
All of those bites were contracted within a 48 Hr period. I must of been the equivalent of a T bone steak to the little perrishers.
I too tried Avon skin so soft woodland fresh which came highly recommended as "the deterant". I believe marmite also works when eaten in volume. Spreading it on your sun toasted legs could be a bit sticky and stinky!! I'm sure her ladyship would be most amused-not.
Still, despite bearing the battle scars of three years ago (yep still got scars) I'm going back for a second bashing from the little pesky blighters. Scotland is realy a wonderful place to see, midges and all.
East side though is rumored to be less infested.
All of those bites were contracted within a 48 Hr period. I must of been the equivalent of a T bone steak to the little perrishers.
I too tried Avon skin so soft woodland fresh which came highly recommended as "the deterant". I believe marmite also works when eaten in volume. Spreading it on your sun toasted legs could be a bit sticky and stinky!! I'm sure her ladyship would be most amused-not.
Still, despite bearing the battle scars of three years ago (yep still got scars) I'm going back for a second bashing from the little pesky blighters. Scotland is realy a wonderful place to see, midges and all.
East side though is rumored to be less infested.
- Jan 19, 2008
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There could be more truth in eating Marmite than people think. I've read that it helps and in Her Ladyship's case she has Marmite on toast every morning and as I posted above she never had one bite in spite of me being covered.
With reference to the Avon Woodland Fresh, that has now been superceded by Skin So Soft, Dry Oil Body Spray - Soft & Fresh.
With reference to the Avon Woodland Fresh, that has now been superceded by Skin So Soft, Dry Oil Body Spray - Soft & Fresh.
How bad the midges are is very much down to the weather conditions. If there is any sort of breeze, you won't be bothered. I certainly don't let them stop me visiting any area. Remember it's only the female of th especie that bite so if you see one wearing a skirt, feel free to squash it.
If you are bothered by them in the awning, you can burn a mosicoil but they do tend to leave a lingering smell..........and lots of very dead midges!
If you are bothered by them in the awning, you can burn a mosicoil but they do tend to leave a lingering smell..........and lots of very dead midges!
In reply to lord Braykewynde comments, I have marmite for tea,
the midges still attack, worst site Troutbeck Head they waited for me to venture out (after a shower)to connect the van up, I dressed for the occasion in my winter skie outfit but they seemed to attack with more venom, even with the door flyscreen closed they flew straight through you could not see the ceiling for them, we took them back over the A66 to thirsk opened all the windows they do not like the fresh air there!!
We have visited Fresh Water Bay in Scotland in June there where midges away from the shore, but managed to stay unharmed.
It must be the warm air over the west side of the British Isles, as we have encounted midges in Bolton Abbey,and Grassington west Yorkshire.
We are heading for the eastern side of Scotland in May, hopeing that they will not be about.
Royston
the midges still attack, worst site Troutbeck Head they waited for me to venture out (after a shower)to connect the van up, I dressed for the occasion in my winter skie outfit but they seemed to attack with more venom, even with the door flyscreen closed they flew straight through you could not see the ceiling for them, we took them back over the A66 to thirsk opened all the windows they do not like the fresh air there!!
We have visited Fresh Water Bay in Scotland in June there where midges away from the shore, but managed to stay unharmed.
It must be the warm air over the west side of the British Isles, as we have encounted midges in Bolton Abbey,and Grassington west Yorkshire.
We are heading for the eastern side of Scotland in May, hopeing that they will not be about.
Royston
Midges are at their worst on still, damp cloudy days. They do not like direct sunlight or high winds because their flight speed is less than human walking pace - so running around screaming should stop you from getting nibbled.
Midges are attracted by Carbon Dioxide and the smell of a sugar (I think lactose) produced by animal metabolism. There was a report that vitamin K (I think) repels the little bu@@ers - and I think that's where the Marmite story has some truth. Somewhere in my journals is the article from the Rowett Research organisation that discussed attractants and repellents.
If you are in a midge area, then the chemical repellent DEET is the best solution (Jungle Formular and others) applied regularly.
Midges are attracted by Carbon Dioxide and the smell of a sugar (I think lactose) produced by animal metabolism. There was a report that vitamin K (I think) repels the little bu@@ers - and I think that's where the Marmite story has some truth. Somewhere in my journals is the article from the Rowett Research organisation that discussed attractants and repellents.
If you are in a midge area, then the chemical repellent DEET is the best solution (Jungle Formular and others) applied regularly.
- Jan 19, 2008
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Thanks Royston, you don't realise how happy you have made me ;O)In reply to lord Braykewynde comments, I have marmite for tea,
the midges still attack, worst site Troutbeck Head they waited for me to venture out (after a shower)to connect the van up, I dressed for the occasion in my winter skie outfit but they seemed to attack with more venom, even with the door flyscreen closed they flew straight through you could not see the ceiling for them, we took them back over the A66 to thirsk opened all the windows they do not like the fresh air there!!
We have visited Fresh Water Bay in Scotland in June there where midges away from the shore, but managed to stay unharmed.
It must be the warm air over the west side of the British Isles, as we have encounted midges in Bolton Abbey,and Grassington west Yorkshire.
We are heading for the eastern side of Scotland in May, hopeing that they will not be about.
Royston
I hate Marmite but was prepared to hold my nose and eat it, anything to stop those little shysters from biting me. Now I won't have to suffer the indignation of seeing my wife smirk as I try to eat it :O)
- Mar 14, 2005
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once again thanks everyone for the help, but it now looks like we will be heading south !! may even involve a ferry crossing? who knows ? jim
- Jan 19, 2008
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Don't blame you Jim, mozzies are preferable to midges ;O) at least you can hear and see the b*ggers.
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