r/OutdoorScotland • u/Spuddiewoo • 15d ago

Midges

Hi, I am coming to stay in a house in Skye of Curr near Grantown-on-Spey in just over a week and want an honest assessment on just how bad the midges will be? I am assuming I will need repellent (stronger than Avon Skin So Soft)? Biting insects love me.

4 Upvotes

70% Upvoted

39 comments sorted by

20

u/YourErrors 15d ago

The only repellent that works is a net

2

u/Ophiochos 15d ago

And only one that keeps them at a distance (they still bite through most ones I’ve used) https://www.lifesystems.co.uk/products/pop-up-mosquito-headnet-hat

4

u/YourErrors 15d ago

Good point. OP, if the net touches your skin they still get you.

Wear a hat under your headset to keep it off your flesh.

1

u/Ophiochos 15d ago

I gave up on adding a mesh to my hat - never big enough. Then I saw someone with an integrated one as per link and never got on the net so fast to order something;)

4

u/Ophiochos 15d ago

Also OP be careful of leaving windows open. I’ve got a horror story about a youth hostel years ago when I asked some people to close windows when they were finished cooking. They gave a funny look and ‘whatever, sure’. Returned an hour later to an insane swarm of them indoors, had to go find a chip shop…

2

u/55percent_Unicorn 15d ago

I find the A82 works well. Keeps me away from the worst of them

2

u/darkhaloangel1 11d ago

Came here to say this. Just cover up, nothing else will work.

9

u/radical-radish 15d ago

Midge season runs from about May to September. If you plan on being outdoors during that time, bring a bug net and repellent, I think Smidge works very well.

8

u/littlerabbits72 15d ago

The best way to avoid the majority of midges is, according to my GP, hang out with someone who they find tastier.

Unfortunately, I am that person.

5

u/Moongoosls 15d ago

We cannot get out. They have taken the bridge and the second hall. Frár and Lóni and Náll fell there bravely while the rest retreated to Mazarbul. We still hold the chamber but hope is fading now. Óin's party went out 5 days ago but today only 4 returned. The pool is up to the wall at west-gate. The watcher in the water took Óin - we cannot get out.

1

u/Own-Equal5890 13d ago

hopes and prayers🙏🏻

4

u/twattyprincess 15d ago

Repellents do not work. Get a head net and pray for a breeze.

3

u/TobblyWobbly 15d ago

I actually find that to be the best repellent. I live in Argyll, so I have experienced the little bastards a fair bit.

3

u/macfearsum 15d ago

Smidge has always worked for me. The little feckers even bit me through skin so soft.

3

u/EngineeringNormal838 15d ago

Check out "smoking midge" thank me later

3

u/LJizzle 15d ago

You can also check the midge forecast!

https://www.smidgeup.com/midge-forecast/

3

u/BillyHey 14d ago

Came here to say exactly this. No guarantees but it's usually good. Says a 1 which is pretty much no midges for grantown on Spey for the next 5 days.

2

u/EpexSpex 15d ago

if you just sprint everywhere they cant catch you.

2

u/BioCuriousDave 15d ago

Walking around is fine, even in the woods, it's when you camp next to a stream like I stupidly did last week that they're bad

2

u/guyfromecosse 15d ago

Hey! I am actually there right now. Staying in my campervan and rock climbing around there today. We didn’t find the midges too bad. There are a few in the evening but it’s not horrendous. Weirdly there were no midges at Huntley’s cave during the day today. Not much breeze either and fairly warm. Not sure if it’s just the weather or what but I think we’re definitely past peak nudge season

1

u/Spuddiewoo 15d ago

Great, thanks!

2

u/Ally699669 15d ago

This is the only midge repellent I have found that works.

2

u/fgspq 14d ago

If you stop when hiking, try to do so where there's a bit of a breeze; they're pretty wimpy fliers.

2

u/Consistent-Tiger-775 14d ago

As well as the net, I've been glad of gloves too. Nice to have the option, on the day.

2

u/Nonilogical 12d ago

A net, smidge and they hate the wind and smoke

2

u/Nyctalus75 12d ago

I’ve never experienced bad midges in the Cairngorm region in early September. I go there regularly this time of year. Take some Avon skin so soft, original formulation - the one that works as an insect repellent. In my experience the midges are much worst in forested areas in the West of Scotland. Biting insects love me too. Hoodies & sunglasses 😎 are useful PPE for midges too!

4

u/cowpatter 15d ago

Nah you’ll be ok in the eastern highlands. They may come out of a still evening but you’ll be grand

1

u/Spuddiewoo 15d ago

Hopefully!

1

u/Spuddiewoo 15d ago edited 15d ago

Thanks everyone for the replies. Smidge will be processed, and hoping for a breeze!

1

u/TB303808909 13d ago

They will eat you alive no hacks here

1

u/Spuddiewoo 12d ago

I was asking to see how bad they actually are right now, but the product suggestions and the smidge forecast have been really helpful.

1

u/Fridarey 12d ago

They’re really the limit

1

u/shortopia 11d ago

The midge season is ending, not so much a problem now.

1

u/Interesting_War_zone 15d ago

Skin so soft is not great for midge , and leaves oil on clothing. Smidge cant be beaten

1

u/ChanceStunning8314 15d ago

Skin So soft doesn't work like it used to. Smidge is good. headset is best. but it is HIGLHY dependent on amount of wind/rain/run. all these affect local midge experience. As an eg-last weekend I was inundated by midges on a walk as no wind/location on a moor. Same day, no midges, nearby forest. So therefore, just be prepared for the worst/hope for the best.

1

u/CommunityOld1897GM2U 14d ago

Perhaps this website might be of use to you rather than other people having a punt: https://www.smidgeup.com/midge-forecast/

1

u/Spuddiewoo 12d ago

The forecast is now closed until spring. Hopefully they've told the midges that they're no longer in season 😉