How to keep midges away – insect repellent tips

Midges are the dark cloud that hangs over UK summer nights. Here’s how to keep them away!

1. Use insect repellent 

Insect repellent is a surefire way to keep midges from biting you. DEET-based sprays are popular, but they use strong chemicals which may not be appealing to all hikers. Some users may also find their skin swelling and turning red upon applying DEET products.

2. Set up a midge shield protector

Shield protectors are quickly becoming the leading technology in midge and mosquito protection. Emitting a scent-free repellent into the surrounding air, these devices stop bugs from entering the area you’re using to eat, play, or even work outdoors.

3. Wear bug repellent clothing

Midges don’t have long mouthparts and can’t penetrate through layers of clothing, so you should try to keep your skin as covered as possible. 

This might mean tucking hiking trousers into your socks to create a good seal against midges and wearing long sleeve shirts. Alternatively, you can check out specifically-targeted insect repellent clothing. 

4. Light citronella candles

Citronella is a naturally occurring oil found in species of lemongrass (Cymbopogon). If you’re setting up camp for the night or sitting outdoors, you can light a citronella candle to keep midges away. The benefit of doing so is twofold.

Firstly, your camp will be surrounded by the pleasant fragrance of lemongrass rather than any strong chemical. Secondly, you will deter midges from descending en masse and biting you. Although this may not be as effective as some other insect repellent tips previously discussed, it is a natural solution that nature-lovers may find preferable.

5. Stay inside at dusk and dawn

Midges are both seasonal and temporal. In the UK, they’re only active in the summer months and as temperatures cool, the midges die off. The same goes for the time of day -midges are most active at dawn and dusk when weather conditions are calm.

It’s best to avoid being outdoors during these hours. If you keep indoors or stay zipped up in your tent, you should escape the worst of the midge bites.

If the weather is windy and clear, you should be safe. But if it’s mild and overcast, the midges will descend in biblical numbers so, much like a vampire, stay hidden at dusk and dawn!

What are midges?

Midges are essentially small biting flies. There are many different types, but the most common we meet in the UK is the Highland midge. 

Midges are from the taxonomic order Diptera – which is really just a fancy way of saying they belong to a large group of two-winged flies.

They tend to breed around swamps, ponds, lakes, and boggy areas with poor water quality. Midges are often found alongside other biting flies, hanging over these wetland areas and descending upon unsuspecting adventurers.

These bugs look and sound like mosquitos, but they are slightly smaller and don’t have the same adapted mouthparts. Having said this they attack in swarms which can leave you riddled with bite marks if unprepared.

Are midge bites dangerous in the UK?

Female midges require a blood meal to lay their eggs, which unfortunately makes hikers and campers the perfect target. Midge bites are not dangerous in the UK and they don’t transmit any diseases to humans, but they can be very uncomfortable.

At the site of the midge bite wound, an itchy red welt is left behind. These can occasionally become infected, swell further, and release puss if left untreated.

How to treat midge bites

When you get bitten by a midge, you’ll know about it. Even if you don’t feel the urge to itch, you’ll see the visible red lump.

Often, the bite marks clear up in a few days and can be left to heal on their own. However, some bites can be particularly itchy or become infected. In this case, further treatment will be required. Here’s what to do:

1. Begin by washing your skin with water and mild soap. This will remove sweat, dirt, and any skin oils that may irritate your skin. 
2. Use a damp flannel or an ice pack to reduce swelling on the skin. 
3. If suitable (this is not medical advice, we’re not doctors!), taking an antihistamine also can prevent further swelling from occurring.

If the swelling and irritation persist, you can apply bite creams and salves to the infected areas. These creams soothe the skin with antihistamines and use antibacterials to reduce further infection. It may also be a good idea to visit your doctor for a prescribed cream to combat the infection.

FAQ: The best midge repellent tips

Want to know more about preventing midge bits? You’re in the right place – check out our FAQ below and we’ll hopefully be able to help with any queries! 

If you’re still looking for the answer to a question – don’t hesitate to reach out! Send us an email and we will happily get back to you.

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