The honest truth: Scottish midges are real, and in the right conditions they can be a nuisance. The good news is that with a little planning they are very beatable. Here is how.
Understanding Your Enemy
Scottish midges (Culicoides impunctatus) are tiny, about 1 to 2mm long. They are most active in still, damp, overcast weather, especially at dawn and dusk.
- Peak season: late May to September, worst in July and August
- Active times: dawn and dusk, especially on calm days
- Weather: most active in still, damp, overcast conditions
- Worst areas: the west coast, lochs, forests and sheltered glens
Protection Strategies
Chemical Defences
- Smidge or Avon Skin So Soft
- DEET 50% or higher
- Citronella
- Reapply every 2 to 3 hours
Physical Barriers
- A midge head net is essential
- Long sleeves and trousers in light colours
- Tightly woven fabrics
- Use your van's window screens
Environmental Control
- Midge coils
- Choose breezy, exposed locations
- Avoid still water and dense vegetation
- Set up camp in daylight
Recommended Products
- Smidge, Scottish-made and the gold standard
- Avon Skin So Soft
- Jungle Formula Maximum (50% DEET)
- Midge nets
Timing is Everything
Visit in early May or late September for the fewest midges. Midday is usually quieter, and any wind above about 7mph keeps them grounded. The east coast and the islands tend to have far fewer.
Myths vs Facts
- Dark colours attract them: true
- Marmite or vitamin B keeps them away: false
- They only bite at dawn and dusk: mostly true
- Campfire smoke helps: partially true
Campervan-Specific Advice
Keep windows and doors closed at dawn and dusk, check your screens, cook inside on still evenings, and keep a fly swatter or electric trap handy. Holly and Ivy both have excellent screens to keep the living space midge-free.