Midges in Scotland

[mercalia]

why so many in cold Scotland? we do have open non urban jungles in the south. or is it they like northern meat more ?
dont see any in London? lots of meat there

[durhambiker]

never had a problem at all in sept.Arran.Oban
Skye.Uists.Benbeccula.Harris.etc..cycled all the way.20 musicfestivals in Tarbert.Jura..not 1 problem with midges i sept.

[durhambiker]

why so many in cold Scotland? we do have open non urban jungles in the south. or is it they like northern meat more ?
dont see any in London? lots of meat there

they do not like chewin on southern softies!

[robing]

Yep definitely watch out for the clegs! Unlike midges they like hot sunny weather. They can bite through clothing and can get you on the bike particularly when your speed drops going up hills! Midges aren't really a problem on the bike until you stop or if you are camping

[Navrig]

Also worth noting midges tend not to carry horrible bugs or dirt.

Clegs on the other hand are likely to have just left a pile of horse manure before biting you.

I'm a trendy consumer. Just look at my SM-G930F using hovercraft full of eels.

[Ron]

Awful!
Pitch your tent in the wind away from water and you'll be ok.

I see a problem there

[profpointy]

We had a trip in Knoydart at the margins of the midge season. Used deet and bee nets, but cooking outside still unpleasant. I was thankfull when it started raining as I assumed they'd be driven off - but no; was simultaneously rained on and bitten, albeit only at the annoyance rather than screaming ab dabs level

[Navrig]

Just back from Arran. Typically the midges there are bad.

We kept them at bay with Skin So Soft BUT the clegs were hellish. Over 3 days I probably had more than 10 bites, some through my lycra shorts and whilst moving.

I'm a trendy consumer. Just look at my SM-G930F using hovercraft full of eels.

[ChrisButch]

The widespread view on Scottish hillwalking forums is that midges are less prevalent this year than for many years. Not surprising given the drought conditions, since midges need water to lay their eggs.

[robing]

Midges may be down, but the clegs are out in force in this dry sunny weather! Very similar to 2013.