How to deal with the Scottish midgie

Everything in life has a natural enemy.
Dogs vs cats.
Spiders vs flies.
Mongoose vs cobra.
And then there’s the most ferocious antagonism on the planet: the Scots vs the Scottish midgie!

Don’t worry, it’s not as bad as some people may tell you. For those new to Scotland, however, the midge might not be a well-known beast. It certainly doesn’t show up easily on photographs, and it’s not the sort of creature that will tip over your bins at night. No, the midge (pronounced midjy…probably) is a tiny little fly that, by its own, would be almost irrelevant. However, it likes to hang about with a few thousand of its friends making it into a very bitey cloud. Fortunately, we Scots have have hundreds of years to prepare deterrents, and this blog will reveal some of our hard-fought secrets to you. 

What is a midge?

A Scottish midge is a tiny fly, barely bigger than the head of a ballpoint pen, which likes to travel in swarms. Their favourite food? Blood! Unlike the mosquitos found in other countries, midges don’t transmit disease to humans. They can leave an itchy, swelling lump though. These nibblesome insects enjoy a feast and can make an otherwise perfect picnic spot a rather uncomfortable location in which to stay. But fear not – here are some top tips to keep the Scottish midge away.

Have good genes!

Okay this is something you can’t really change, but you’ll probably notice something strange when a group of you are around midges. Some may not be bitten at all, whilst others are covered in bites within minutes. Doesn’t seem fair, does it? 

This all comes down – scientists think – to chemicals called ketones. They occur naturally in our bodies, and those who produce more of them tend to be bitten less. The midges must hate it! So if you are bitten all over and your friend isn’t, try not to be too offended. It’s all in the genes!

Avoid their patches

Midges mainly enjoy damp, shaded areas. This is often by water, and they especially like calm areas with little to no wind. You’ll often find them by the shores of a loch on a calm day, especially if the weather feels a bit damp. They also tend to be more aggressive in the early morning or late afternoon, giving you a nice window in between to view Scotland with minimal interruptions!

Elderburn is close to the stunning beaches of St Andrews, and by the sea is somewhere you rarely find midges. This makes it the perfect place to enjoy your holiday without being pestered!

Visit Scotland off-season

One of the reasons why visiting Scotland out of the summer holidays is worth considering is that there is a complete lack of midge! They hate the cold and you don’t have to worry about keeping an eye out for little clouds of teeth. So if you stay at Elderburn over the winter season you can enjoy the crisp sunny days without any bother. 

Midge hats

If you are looking to be the height of fashion when in midge country, then keep looking. One of the best ways to stay bite free is also one of the best ways to look like you are a beekeeper. Midge hats or midge nets are like little cloth bags for your head. The mesh is too small for midge to creep through and bite you, and you tighten the string around your neck just enough to keep them out, before tucking it into your top. Available online, the chaps in this video are sporting them with style!

Midge deterrents

If you are determined to stand your ground and keep midges from interrupting your play (good for you!) here are some tried and tested options:

Citronella candles

A few of these placed strategically around a picnic or seating area creates a smell which is lovely to our noses, but hated by the midge. They also provide a night light when the sun starts to set. You can find these at most Scottish supermarkets and DIY stores in the summer, as well as online throughout the year. 

Midge spray

A handy spray bottle in your pocket that can be used to keep midges at bay? Don’t mind if I do! One of the most popular is called Smidge, but word-of-mouth indicates that it works better for some people than others. Another option is using a DEET repellant, available at pharmacies and online. This might not be for everyone as these repellants kill other types of insect too, but they certainly are effective. 

Avon Skin-so-soft

Yes, you read that right. Whilst at Elderburn we’re all for everyone having nice skin if they want it, this stuff is actually one of the best ways to keep midges at bay. How was this unexpected purpose discovered? We’ll never know, but we’re passing on this top tip to you in the hope you can enjoy your Scottish break in peace and return home with beautifully soft skin too. Thank us later. You can buy this in shops, pharmacies and online. 

Take charge of the midge!

So there’s plenty of ways you can be the boss of the Scottish midge, and not let this little insect tell you what to do. Whether that’s topping up with a spray before you leave or being strategic in what you visit and when, you will be able to enjoy your Scottish holiday at Elderburn any time of the year. Check out our special offers and get booking today!