Tips on repelling midges, please!?

Question

Hi guys, I'm a geology student about to go mapping for 5 weeks in the far northwest of Scotland. I'm going to be around lochs and rivers, so the midges are going to be abundant - I need tips on how to survive with them buzzing around! I'll take deet spray, but last time it wasn't 100% effective, so I'm thinking I'll take a bandanna too. I'll also take Anthesan for the bites I do end up getting.

Any additional tips or suggestions would be really helpful though. Cheers! ;D

Answer 1

I've often wondered why people don't use the type of hat with a veil that bee keepers use

Answer 2

Hi I used to be prone to getting bitten even in the garden.  I use citronella oil, but I also take \Vitamin B1 and find that effective.

Answer 3

Avon Skin So Soft usually works well, (except for me cos they love to bite me way too much), they've actually started stocking it in Tiso in Aberdeen

eat garlic!

Calendula cream is good for bites

Answer 4

I'm a native of that neck of the woods, and about all that works is  an Avon moisturiser. I know, this'll sound like bollocks, but you do get some very nice smelling forestry workers up there. They'll still annoy the h**l out of you, but you won't get bitten to bits.

It's Avon Rich Moisture Face cream and it does work. My missus has got some that'll be going missing when I go climbing next month.

I take it you'll be heading for Assynt then? That area tends to attract geology field groups almost as much as midgies.

Ah, and if you're camping, Citronella candles are more effective than you'd believe at keeping them away from the entrance to your tent.

Answer 5

well i find this works for mosquitos - use the spray - no perfume etc - wear closely woven clothes long sleeves and trousers regardless of your s*x - spray your shoes/boots

heavily with deet - mossies seem to work from ankle up -

good luck

Answer 6

Eat lots of Marmite it gets into skin and midges don't like it it really works