How to beat midges

MIDGES hit peak season between late June and early August across their known trouble spots, and anyone who’s ventured into those areas when the midges are out knows exactly how relentless they can be.

Here’s a simple, field‑tested guide to keeping them off your skin, out of your camp, and away from your sanity.

1. Know when midges are at their worst

• Warm, still, humid days
• Dawn and dusk
• Anywhere near standing water, bracken, or damp woodland
• Particularly troublesome around Scotland’s west coast, the Lakes, Peak District, Wales

Understanding their behaviour is half the battle.

2. Use repellents that actually work

Not all repellents touch midges. But these have proved effective:

• Smidge – one of the most reliable UK‑tested formulas.
• Avon Skin So Soft (Original) – a cult favourite among hillwalkers, but it HAS to be the original formula with the higher level of picaridin which is the active ingredient.
• DEET (20–50%) – effective but can damage plastics/fabrics, and still just about remains approved for public use under UK and EU biocidal regulations.
• Citriodiol‑based sprays – natural but surprisingly strong.

Apply before you step out, not after you’re already being mobbed.

3. Wear midge‑smart clothing

• Light colours (they’re drawn to dark shades).
• Long sleeves and trousers.
• A head net for still evenings.
• Avoid tight‑weave synthetics that trap heat and sweat.

Think ‘cool and covered’.

4. Control your environment

• Keep moving – midges struggle to follow at walking pace.
• Avoid sheltered spots – wind is your friend.
• Camp in breezy areas – carefully selected ridgelines, open fields, exposed pitches.
• Use a midge coil or Thermacell around camp.

Even a gentle breeze can reduce midge numbers by 90%.

5. Treat bites properly

• Don’t scratch – it only worsens swelling.
• Use antihistamine cream or tablets.
• Apply cold compresses.
• Try aloe vera or witch hazel for soothing.

If bites blister or become infected, seek medical advice.

We’re building outdoors communities!

Come join us on Reddit here… r/outdoorsnews.

Find us on Facebook… www.facebook.com/everwildoutdoors

You can follow Ever Wild Outdoors on Twitter… @EWO_tweets

And if Instagram is your thing, we’re there too… www.instagram.com/ever_wild_outdoors/

Check out our YouTube channel… Everwild Outdoors – YouTube