Midges in Scotland

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NJMcK

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We hope to take our 20' trailer boat to Scotland this year, visiting the Firth of Clyde, Arran, Loch Fyne etc. When would be best to go, to avoid the midge menace?

We're considering mid May.

All relevant information gratefully received.
 
One of the worst of many midge attacks I have experienced was at Lamlash (Arran). That was in August. Traditional wisdom would be that May should not be too bad but the crucial thing is the number and duration of frosts in the preceding winter. In recent years severe midge conditions have been present as early as April.
 
Do you smear the treacle on like sun cream? /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif
 
Midges usually run from mid-may to mid-august , but the winter previous and the spring weather seem to make a difference. Arran has a reputation for being particularly bad for midges. They don't like sunlight, and they don't like a breeze. They also don't like to travel any distance over water , they are very "terratorial" and won't travel more than a few tens of metres. Avon skin so soft is as effective as any other repellant that I have used.
If we carry on getting frosts up here, and if we have a dry-ish spring then by mid may they should "just" be getting going , stay offshore if its not sunny or breezy and you should be fine.
 
Agree with most of the other posters. They don't travel and they really don't like even the slightest breeze. And Avon Skinsosoft is the business. But get the... er... forest frangrance one... the green bottle. It makes you smell less of a nancy! But IT WORKS, and I've tried nearly everything else.
Oh.. yess... and one other thing... ENJOY.
It's a lovely sailing area, so long as it's not raining /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif
 
You cant avoid them, they seek out fresh blood from across the border, they have lookouts posted and follow you till dusk then get you, sneaking into all tight places like beneath your belt, round your cuffs and anckles.
 
Just looked on the Avon website for Skin So Soft and there are loads of different types but can't see the Forest Fragrance one. Can you be more specific? Thanks
 
Skin So Soft Soft & Fresh Dry Oil Body Spray is what we have used for a few years now to great effect.

BTW, if you are taking your dog, watch out for the Sheep Ticks. They are rife and a real problem. Ask your vet for Frontline. It's not cheap but is easy to apply (just once a few days before you go), lasts several weeks and sorts out fleas as well, but you probably know more about that than I do, living in West Wales.
 
Don't begin to believe the misinformation that others will deploy on here.

To cope with West Coast of Scotland midges and clegs, there is only one reliable product that will ensure comfort.....

NBC.jpg



Enjoi!

/forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif
 
Thanks Aitchw, have ordered some. Look forward to see how it works as I always come up like a balloon if get bitten. Thanks for the tick hint.
 
If the probl4em is 'ticks' - watch out, Lymes Disease is spreading via ticks on the other side of the Atlantic - my son seems to have picked it up whilst camping in Canada, and there were reports of it maybe in the New Forest area
 
I lived up there for many years and would agree with the others. May can be hit or miss midgie wise - the earlier the better to avoid them. I discovered through diving that once bitten, bathing the affected area in the sea works wonders to get rid of the itch, for me at least. Not sure if it is the salt or the cold, but it worked. Good excuse for skinny dipping /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif
 
Another recomendation for Avon Skinsosoft. Regarding treatment..don't touch the bite or the itching will get worse. Having spent the summer? last year touring that whole western area, we were not troubled at all by them, so it was probably a 'miss' year.
Different story for the Vale of York, thick with them until into October.
 
There have been instances of Lyme disease in Argyll; a friends son was diagnosed (fortunately very early). So it not just the dog to watch. Can be a real primeval bonding process with your mate searching for and removing ticks.

Cameron
 
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