Midges - advice

[dylanwinter]

I wondered about strategies for dealing with midges on our scottish trip

can I just buy some mesh to put over the main and fore-hatch

are there any repellents that work

I want to avoid the trauma

all suggestions gratefully considered

D

 

[robmcg]

Avon Skin so Soft is supposed to repel all forms of midge/mosquito. Mesh, covered in deet will also dissuade a midge invasion.

 

[dylanwinter]

Avon Skin so Soft is supposed to repel all forms of midge/mosquito. Mesh, covered in deet will also dissuade a midge invasion.

what mesh?

where from?

D

 

[Poignard]

I seem to remember reading that paraffin repels them. I assume you anoint yourself with it rather than drink it.

A pipe of tobacco is a pleasanter way of deterring them.

 

[wully1]

Avon Skin so Soft is good but Smidge is better.

If you are at anchor you'll be fine, the female midge ( the sex that bites) has a range of a few meters at most and is a **** flier so will be grounded out of range in the slightest breeze.

On shore? Depends on you and the weather. Some folk seem immune, some get eaten. The north and east are not as midgey as the west.

Still, damp , warm mornings and especially evenings are the worst conditions for the wee buggers. Strong wind and sun keep them down.

A harsh winter kills them and we've had a mild one so it might be a bumper midge summer, good news for the bats and swallows...

 

[dylanwinter]

I seem to remember reading that paraffin repels them. I assume you anoint yourself with it rather than drink it.

A pipe of tobacco is a pleasanter way of deterring them.

Paraffin is a camera killer

so that is off the list

pipe smoking.... my missus would kill me

D

 

[superheat6k]

I find midgets very useful for servicing the stern glands - OK i'll get my coat !

Mind you for Scottish Midges you will need some form of 'independent' system to be rid of them, as we will all be soon - (hopefully)

 

[Blue Drifter]

Not yet up and running for the season but keep an eye on:

http://midgeforecast.co.uk/home/

Sailed the west coast for 12 years now and midges not been an issue, they were a pain when hill walking (West Highland Way) bit even then only for one day in Fort William.

 

[TimBennet]

They're not a problem on a boat.

 

[Vallich]

Wouldn't summat with copious amounts o' DEET deter the blighters?

 

[Sailingsaves]

This works for mosquitoes.

I made batches and gave it to a National Trust Warden who was plagued by them.

Buy Citronella pure essential oils and Eucalyptus pure essential oils.

Mix a few drops with a carrier agent in a spray bottle. Some say use an oil (like olive oil) but I didn't want a mess so I went for alcohol.

Surgical spirit is alcohol but is given a smell to stop people drinking it, same with meths, so in the end I used vodka.

National Trust man said it worked very well (better than anything he had bought) but had to keep applying it a lot (guess alcohol evaporates off and only leaves trace of oil).

Have not tested on MIDGES.

The oils are cheap. Mix some up, if not work drink the vodka.

 

[dylanwinter]

so as long as we are on a mooring it will be fine

is that right

frabtious joy

what about marina pontoons?

D

 

[VicS]

Paraffin is a camera killer

so that is off the list

pipe smoking.... my missus would kill me

D

Then they will stop biting you ... problem over!

 

[Andrew G]

Our (Aus) versions fly straight through normal "fly wire" mesh so don’t necessarily put your faith in that - fine mesh is available but reduces ventilation. I have found "mosquito coils” to work well in both crocodile (and midge) infested swamps and on sand-fly beaches. Andrew

 

[davidpbo]

+1 for Avon Skin So Soft.

 

[Searush]

They're not a problem on a boat.

Provided you stay offshore.

Stay out of the canals & anchor at least 50m away from any sheltered mossy banks & you should be OK. Crinan Canal scared me, as the boat descended in the loch the sky darkened as a massive murmuration of billions of tiny midges blotted out the light. There is no protection from that.

Whatever you do - DO NOT KILL ONE!











all the bloody relatives will come to its funeral! :disgust:

The other trick is to go to midgey places in May or earlier (or after October).

Learn to recognise Bog Myrtle & pull up a handful to rub on exposed skin, that works quite well.

I don't think they like seawater so pontoons in salt water should be OK if not too near mossy grass. Pontoons on fresh water could be a poor choice for you, but a feast for them. Yeast tablets are said to make your breath sweat & blood less attractive to them. Remember they are attracted by the warm moist CO2 you breathe out, so stop breathing.

 

[Spyro]

so as long as we are on a mooring it will be fine

is that right

frabtious joy

what about marina pontoons?

D

Never had a problem with midges in a marina.

 

[lenten]

google "point north" fabric supplier----must get midge netting ---mosquito nettings larger mesh will let the little devils through-----good luck---regards lenten

 

[lenten]

or pennine outdoor---fabric supplier----regards lenten

 

[cryan]

Personally I'm unaffected by them (must be my Pictish blood) but I know folks who swear by Autan spray. You won't be bothered by them on the boat or in towns etc. inland and near fresh water is where they are worst.