Midges in Scotland: A Survival Guide

The humble midge can be the bane of anyone living in or visiting Scotland, particularly in the Scottish Highlands and the west coast, but we do get them in east Scotland too, just in lesser concentrations.

Although there is a running joke about midges being a major predator in Scotland, they do actually influence tourism and the local economy, affecting camping trips, fishing, and hiking, as well as people who work outside, such as rangers, gardeners and farmers. People will even take entire days off work if the midge season is particularly bad. In fact, the Scottish tourism industry loses an estimated £268 million annually in lost revenue due to midges, with tourists wisely staying away at peak times or cutting their trips short.

Biting midges are not pleasant and should be taken seriously if you are planning a trip to the Scottish Highlands, the west coast or the associated islands. But with the right preparation and timing, you absolutely can enjoy Scotland without being eaten alive. This guide covers everything you need to know.

Table of contents:

What are Scottish Midges/Midgies?

The Highland biting midge is a small flying insect that appears in the spring and summer months. All areas of Scotland are affected, but the worst areas are in the west highlands due to perfect breeding grounds in the wet conditions. Midges in Scotland are only between 1-3 mm long and a light grey colour unless they have a belly full of blood; then, disgustingly, they might look red.

Midges are in the family of Ceratopogonidae and are scientifically named Culicoides impunctatus. The Gaelic name for midge is "meanbh-chuileag", which means "pigmy fly" or "tiny fly". In my area of northeast Scotland, these tiny flying insects are called midgies (midgees); I guess this is yet another local difference in the pronunciation of some words.

Midge breeding and lifecycle

Female midges lay eggs in wet soil or vegetation, which hatch into larvae in less than 24 hours. Interestingly, female midges don't need a blood meal to lay their first batch of eggs after mating with male midges. To reproduce again, they will require an abdomen full of blood to lay each additional batch of eggs (usually a maximum of three batches in their lifetime). In midge season, there are potentially 180 trillion midges in Scotland!

The average lifespan of a midge is 20–30 days.

How midges find and feed on you

The female midge has powerful serrated mandibles, perfect for biting into the skin — unlike mosquitoes that pierce with a needle-like proboscis. They will source their blood meal from any available animal within their vicinity, from cows, sheep, horses/ponies to humans; they are not fussy eaters! They are also drawn to flowers and sap but will prefer a live blood feast.

Here's how the feeding process works:

1. CO₂ in your breath — this gives an instant signal to midges that you are available for snacking on.

2. Your location — body odour, heat, sweat, colour and movement all give clues to your whereabouts.

3. The midge will land on your exposed skin and initially sample how you taste with its taste receptors.

4. Using their serrated jaws, they will make a small opening to start filling up on blood in a similar way to a mosquito bite.

5. Pregnant females will actually give off a pheromone to invite other adult midges to take part in the feast — this is why you are suddenly swarmed.

Why cold weather doesn't help as much as you'd think

Cold weather and frost are the death knell for the Scottish midge; they cannot survive cold weather conditions, much to the relief of the west coast population. The soil-dwelling larvae will hunker down over the winter, ready to restart the process again next year. Surprisingly, a bad winter does not seem to affect the following year's swarm — numbers can actually increase after a cold winter if the subsequent spring is wet, creating ideal breeding conditions.

Are Scottish midge bites painful?

They aren't too bad, more of an itchy annoyance, but many bites in quick succession may cause significant discomfort. The midge will actually feed for 3 to 4 minutes until they have had their fill of blood, and you may not even feel it. The midge bite injects anticoagulant saliva into the wound; the body's reaction to this is to create itching and swelling, which is why the raised red bumps appear on the skin. Only female midges bite.

What is the best treatment for midge bites?

The best treatment is antihistamine cream or gel. Although it will itch, try not to scratch the bite marks as this can lead to infection. Keeping the area clean and cool also helps. Please see the NHS insect bites and stings page for detailed medical advice.

Are some people more likely to get bitten?

Yes, for some reason, some people seem a lot more delicious to this tiny insect than others. Probably due to varying body temperatures, diet, sweat levels, and maybe sugar levels in the blood. I have seen midges go for a specific person in a group (my dad is an all-you-can-eat buffet) and almost leave others completely unaffected.

A chemical called ketone has been identified in individuals who seem less palatable to midges. This compound, found naturally in body odour, appears to be hereditary. The hope is to turn this into a future treatment or natural prevention method instead of using insect repellents.

Do midge bites affect everyone the same way?

No — everyone's immune response is different, so some people who are bitten may experience very little reaction, while others will get itchy raised bumps that last for days. Serious or life-threatening reactions to midge bites have not been documented in Scotland.

Where is the worst place in Scotland for midges?

The western highlands of the Scottish mainland and the Scottish islands experience the worst midge problems by far. Specific areas notorious for midges include:

• Glen Coe — sheltered valley with boggy terrain

• Fort William and the Great Glen — damp conditions and low elevation

• Torridon — remote, wet, and sheltered

• Isle of Skye — particularly inland areas away from the coast

• Kintail and Glen Shiel — classic midge territory

• Loch Lomond western shore — sheltered woodland areas

• Argyll and the west coast islands — Mull, Jura, and the Inner Hebrides

Midges thrive in damp, boggy areas with acidic peatland. Humid, sheltered spots with recent rainfall and cloud cover are particularly hellish. If there's no wind, standing water nearby, and it's overcast — you're in prime midge country.

Midge-free areas in Scotland

The good news is that large parts of Scotland have very few midges, or none at all. If you're planning a trip during midge season and want to minimise your chances, consider these lower-risk areas:

• Edinburgh and the Lothians — urban areas with wind and less breeding habitat

• Glasgow — same urban advantage, though nearby Loch Lomond can be bad

• The east coast — from the Borders up through Fife, Angus, Aberdeenshire, and Moray. The east is drier and windier than the west, which midges hate

• Orkney — exposed and windswept, very few midges

• Shetland — even more exposed than Orkney

• Exposed coastal headlands — anywhere with consistent sea breezes

• Higher elevations — above 500m, midges are far less common due to wind and temperature

• The Cairngorms (east side) — feasible even in summer months thanks to elevation and easterly position

As a general rule, the further east and the higher up you go, the fewer midges you'll encounter. The east coast of Scotland is a world apart from the west when it comes to midges.

Best time to visit Scotland to avoid midges

Timing your visit is one of the most effective ways to avoid midges entirely. Here's a month-by-month breakdown:

Best months to visit: Late September, October, April, and early May offer the best combination of reasonable weather and minimal midge activity. If you must visit during peak summer, head to the east coast or island groups like Orkney and Shetland.

When is Scottish midge season?

Yes, unfortunately, there is such a thing as a "midge season", and west coasters will already be clued up on the worst times for midges in Scotland. Late April to September is roughly midge season, with July and August being the peak times.

Midges emerge in two distinct waves — the first generation appears in late spring, followed by a second, often larger generation in mid-summer. The second wave is typically worse because the first generation's offspring join the population. Early autumn sees dwindling numbers, and the first hard frost effectively ends the season.

Is there a best time of day for midges?

Yes — midges are at their worst during dawn and dusk, roughly from 5–9am and 6–9pm. During bright midday sunshine, they tend to rest in vegetation. If you're hiking or camping, plan your activities for the middle of the day and get into your tent or accommodation before the evening swarm begins. Wind is your friend too.

What clothing is best for midge season?

Midges love dark clothing — dark blues, blacks, and greens increase your visibility to them. Try wearing light colours instead — white, cream, pale yellow, and light grey. Long sleeves and trousers help, though midges can bite through thin fabrics.

A midge head net attached to a hat can be an absolute lifesaver during bad conditions. You might feel daft wearing one, but you won't be the only person — head nets are extremely common on west coast walking trails in summer.

Scottish midge forecast

Before heading out, check our the Scottish Midge Forecast tool. Data collected from weather stations and biting midge traps across Scotland, extended with weather forecast data, helps build an overall picture of midge activity.

The forecast uses a 1–5 scale:

1. Level 1 — No or few midges

2. Level 2 — Low activity, manageable

3. Level 3 — Moderate activity, repellent recommended

4. Level 4 — High activity, repellent essential

5. Level 5 — Midge apocalypse, reconsider outdoor plans

The forecast map shows regional activity levels and is updated regularly. It's an invaluable planning tool — bookmark it if you're visiting Scotland between May and September.

Midge repellents

There are many dedicated midge repellent options on the market; here are the best ones for your consideration.

Smidge

Smidge is the weapon of choice to keep the midges at bay. This is an official product made specifically for midge season and is considered highly successful... although you might have to "clart" yourself in it for it to be efficacious. It contains 20% Picaridin (also known as Saltidin) — endorsed by the WHO and Health Protection Scotland as an effective insect repellent.

The main selling points of Smidge:

• Deet free (no Diethyltoluamide)

• 8 hours of protection

• Water & sweat resistant

• Specifically designed for midges

• Also repels ticks and mosquitoes

Please see some of the affiliate links below for Smidge products, including the insect repellent and midge head netting:

• Smidge 75ml Insect Repellent

• Smidge Head Net Smidge Unisex's Midge and Mosquito-Proof Super Lightweight Head Net-Green, One Size

• Smidge Unisex's Tick Removing Card, Green, one size

Beastie BE Gone

Another all-natural and deet-free option, Beastie BE Gone also acts as a great moisturiser and has a protective SPF effect of 15. An added benefit is it can also be used on bites and stings to provide relief. Sunburns can also be treated with this product. An all-around great option, but it must be reapplied every 2 hours, compared to Smidge's 8 hours.

Cubby's Salve

I was sent this midge repellent directly from Cubby's Salve; it has quite a strong herbal smell but is deet-free and popular with outdoor workers and hikers. Check out the product on their website.

The Wee Midgie Body Butter

A lovely smelling body butter that is hand-made in Scotland. The main ingredient is artificial Bog Myrtle which is a natural anti-midge repellent. The 40g pot is marketed as being able to last the whole season, but I found it doesn't go that far, and a good quarter of the pot can be used on one person. You will need to reapply twice in one day, so if you are a family of 5, one tin might not last a day, let alone your entire trip.

Insect Repelling - The Wee Midgie / Myrtle Body Butter for Midges, Mozzies & Moisturising - Midge & Mosquito Repellent Body Butter - 40g

Buzz Off Spray

This is one of the major brands for repelling mosquitoes, but it is also effective against midges in Scotland. It has a very pungent smell, so maybe see if you can try it before you buy.

Be aware Buzz Off Spray does contain Deet / Diethyltoluamide, which can affect human health (negative skin reactions) and even ruin some plastics, i.e. parts of your coat around your neck. I would try Smidge first and Buzz Off as an alternative option.

Avon Skin So Soft

This product is not marketed as an insect repellent but does have a legendary reputation amongst Scottish outdoor enthusiasts for repelling midges — but only for a short time. You will probably have to reapply it every 15 minutes (compared to 8 hours with Smidge), so it's not really ideal for a day on the hills... imagine how soft your skin will be, though!

2 x Avon Skin So Soft Dry Oil Body Spray Insect Mosquito Mosi Repellant Properties

Natural midge repellent options

If you prefer to avoid chemical repellents, here are a few natural options for keeping midges at bay:

The wind

Wind is your single best natural ally against midges. They usually hover around in clusters in the air (and will follow you around!), so the wind helps to stop these clusters from forming. It only takes a wind speed of greater than 5 mph (8 km/h) for them to be unable to fly, so if there is more than a slight breeze, you are good to go! Choose exposed, breezy campsites and walking routes whenever possible.

Campfires

For campers, the obvious choice is to have a campfire (where allowed and safe to do so). The smoke will deter the attacking hordes of midges and generally keep them at bay, but you may have to sit in the direction the smoke is blowing to have the optimum effect... which in itself will be unpleasant but may give some relief from particularly bad swarms as a last resort.

Note that midge traps using light can actually attract the worst swarms to your camp, so avoid using them near your tent.

Citronella

Users of Citronella oil have reported some success with midges in Scotland. Made from different types of lemongrass, it is normally used in the perfume industry for use in soaps and candles. It has a very citrusy smell and has been used in the USA since 1948 as a natural insect repellent. Citronella candles could also be used while camping (be very careful!) as a deterrent to midges.

Tea tree, eucalyptus, lemon & lavender oil

I'm not sure how effective these oils will be against Highland midges specifically, but damn, you will smell good! In all seriousness, though, it's likely these will have an effect on midges, but maybe not as targeted or effective as Smidge. They're worth trying as a supplement. Stick to the good stuff!

Bog myrtle

Bog myrtle (Myrica gale) is a native Highland plant that has been used as a natural midge repellent in Scotland for centuries. The crushed leaves release oils that midges find repulsive. Some hikers pick and rub bog myrtle leaves directly on their skin when walking through areas where it grows. Several Scottish repellent products, including The Wee Midgie Body Butter, use bog myrtle as an active ingredient.

Marmite and garlic

Love it or loathe it, eating Marmite (or garlic) before your trip and during it is reportedly meant to repel midges. The theory is that these foods alter your body chemistry enough to put midges off. It could be an old wives' tale, but if you like Marmite, why not give it a go? It's a win either way.

Alternative activities if the midges are unbearable

Sometimes the midges win and you need a backup plan. You need not stay outdoors if the midges are out in force; there are many indoor activities available:

• Castles and historic houses

• Visitor centres and museums

• Distilleries / Whisky tours

• Soft play centres / Trampoline parks

• Indoor climbing walls

• Aquariums and wildlife centres

• Pubs / cinema / restaurants

You could also opt for a more high-octane outdoor activity where the midges won't be able to keep up with you as you are moving at speed:

• Ziplining

• Go-karting

• Mountain biking

• Kayaking

• White water rafting

• Bungee jumping

• Snowboarding / Skiing (Cairngorms, Nevis Range)

• Quad bike treks

Are the midges in Scotland actually a good thing?

It's an uncomfortable question, but Scottish midges may serve an important ecological purpose. Man's attack on nature is never-ending, and we are constantly looking to develop land and destroy our natural surroundings in the name of human progress. Perhaps Scottish midges are a natural anti-human defence mechanism that so far has been successful in keeping the human population low in the western areas of Scotland.

Deforestation in many areas of the highlands has also given rise to the midges, finding the type of long grass ideal for breeding. Maybe humans have created this plague of biting flies and need to rectify it by replanting the trees lost in Scotland for hundreds of years. Reforestation projects across the Highlands may eventually help reduce midge numbers by restoring tree cover and reducing the wet grassland they breed in.

Midges as a food source

On the flip side, the midges in Scotland are an important food source for many other species, such as spiders, swallows and bats. A single pipistrelle bat has the potential to devour 3,000 midges in a single night! Midge larvae are also eaten by water beetles, dragonflies and fish.

Midges can be used by water authorities as an indicator of water purity; if there are no midges, it's likely the water is toxic in some way, maybe from sewage, oil or detergent contamination.

Do midges in Scotland spread disease?

In humans, midges do not spread disease in Scotland. This is one of the few consolations — while the bites are deeply annoying, they pose no health risk beyond localised itching and swelling.

Globally, midges in tropical regions can spread diseases including Bluetongue virus and African Horse Sickness in livestock. In some parts of the world, midges can spread yellow fever and malaria, but thankfully in Scotland we do not have the same issue. Rising temperatures due to climate change could theoretically change this picture in the future.

Farmers in Scotland show the most concern as diseases can be spread amongst their herds by midges, particularly Bluetongue virus, which has affected cattle and sheep elsewhere in Europe.

Does Scotland have mosquitoes?

There are around 30 species of mosquito present in Scotland, though they are far less prevalent than Highland midges. The most common are Anopheles plumbeus and Culex pipiens. Mosquito numbers have been slowly increasing in recent years due to milder weather conditions, but they remain relatively rare compared to the midge.

Other biting insects in Scotland

Midges aren't the only insects that bite in Scotland. Here are the other pests to be aware of:

Horseflies / Clegs

We do have horseflies (also named Clegs locally) which can give a much nastier bite than midges. They're larger, more aggressive, and their bites can be painful and slow to heal. Clegs are most common in rural areas near livestock during summer months but are far less numerous than midges.

Ticks

Ticks are arguably a more serious concern than midges because they can transmit Lyme disease, a bacterial infection with potentially severe long-term symptoms including joint pain, fatigue, and neurological problems.

Where ticks are found: Ticks live in long grass, bracken, and woodland across Scotland. They're most active from March to October and are found throughout the country — the west Highlands, northwest coast, and anywhere with deer populations are particular hotspots.

How to protect yourself from ticks:

• Wear long trousers tucked into socks when walking through long grass

• Use Smidge or another repellent that's effective against ticks

• Check your body (and pets) thoroughly after walks — ticks favour warm areas like armpits, groin, and behind the ears

• Carry a tick removal tool or fine-pointed tweezers

How to remove a tick safely:

• Use a tick removal tool or fine-pointed tweezers

• Grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible

• Pull steadily upward without twisting or crushing the tick

• Do NOT burn the tick, smother it with Vaseline, or try to pull it off with your fingers

• Clean the bite area with antiseptic after removal

When to seek medical attention: If you develop a red bullseye-shaped rash around the bite site, flu-like symptoms, or joint pain in the weeks following a tick bite, see a doctor as soon as possible. Early treatment with antibiotics is very effective. Please read more on my guide to ticks and the NHS Inform tick bites page.

Midges in Scotland FAQ

Here are some frequently asked questions on midges in Scotland.

When is Scottish midge season?

The Scottish midge season typically runs from late April to September, though exact timing depends on temperatures and rainfall. Peak midge activity occurs in July and August. Midges emerge in two waves — the first generation in late spring and a second, usually larger generation in mid-summer. The first hard frost ends the season entirely.

What is the worst place for midges in Scotland?

The western Highlands are the worst area for midges. Glen Coe, Fort William, the Great Glen, Torridon, Kintail, and the Isle of Skye are all notorious midge hotspots. Anywhere with damp, boggy, sheltered terrain on the west coast will have significant midge problems during season.

Are there midges on the east coast of Scotland?

Midges exist on the east coast but in far lower numbers than the west. The east coast is generally drier and windier — both conditions that midges dislike. Cities like Edinburgh and Aberdeen, as well as rural areas in Fife, Angus, and Aberdeenshire, have considerably fewer midges than the western Highlands.

What is the best midge repellent for Scotland?

Smidge is widely considered the most effective midge repellent in Scotland. It's DEET-free, uses 20% Picaridin, lasts up to 8 hours per application, and was designed specifically for Scottish midges. Other effective options include Beastie BE Gone (natural, with SPF 15) and Cubby's Salve.

Can midges bite through clothing?

Midges can bite through thin, tight-fitting fabrics. Loose-fitting clothing in light colours provides better protection. For the best defence, wear long sleeves and trousers made from thicker fabrics, and apply repellent to any exposed skin.

What time of day are midges worst?

Midges are most active at dawn (roughly 5–9am) and dusk (roughly 6–9pm). They tend to rest during bright midday sunshine. Plan outdoor activities for the middle of the day and seek shelter during morning and evening hours when midge activity peaks.

Do midges carry diseases in Scotland?

No — Scottish midges do not transmit diseases to humans. While midge species in tropical regions can spread certain viruses, Scotland's midges pose no disease risk. The main concern is the discomfort from bites, which cause itching and localised swelling.

How do you stop midges from biting?

The most effective strategies are: use a repellent like Smidge on all exposed skin, wear light-coloured long-sleeved clothing, avoid sheltered areas at dawn and dusk, choose windy or elevated locations, and wear a midge head net in bad conditions. Checking the Scottish Midge Forecast before heading out also helps with planning.

What months should I avoid Scotland for midges?

July and August are the peak midge months, particularly in the western Highlands. If you want to avoid midges entirely, visit between October and April. Late September and early May are excellent compromise months with good weather and minimal midge activity.

Are midges dangerous?

Midges are not dangerous. Their bites cause itching and red bumps but pose no serious health risk. There are no documented cases of life-threatening reactions to midge bites in Scotland. They are a nuisance, not a health hazard.

Where is best to go in Scotland to avoid midges?

The east coast, Orkney, Shetland, and elevated or exposed coastal areas have the fewest midges. Edinburgh, Glasgow, and other cities are largely midge-free. The Cairngorms (east side) are manageable even in summer. Anywhere with consistent wind is a good bet.

Why are midges so bad in Scotland?

Scotland's wet climate, boggy terrain, and mild summers create perfect breeding conditions for midges. Centuries of Highland deforestation replaced forests with open, damp grassland — ideal midge habitat. The west coast's sheltered glens, high rainfall, and abundant standing water make it one of the most midge-dense environments in Europe.

What is "midge weather"?

Days with warm, humid weather with no wind to blow midges away. Overcast, still, and muggy days are the worst — particularly after recent rainfall in sheltered areas.

Key information on midges in Scotland:

• Midge season runs from late April to September, peaking in July and August.

• Smidge is the best midge repellent.

• West Scotland is worse for midges than east.

• Windy days and exposed locations help blow midges away.

• Midges are attracted to some people more than others due to body chemistry.

• Midges don't carry diseases in Scotland, but ticks can transmit Lyme disease.

• Check our Midge Forecast Tool before heading outdoors during season.

• The east coast, Orkney, Shetland, and higher elevations are largely midge-free.

Final thoughts

I hope this article has been of some help to you if you are considering a visit to West Scotland or the Scottish Isles. Please don't cancel your trip to Scotland — just adjust your timings and activities, take some repellent, and you will be just fine. Scotland is worth every midge bite!

May your trip be midge-free.

All information was correct at time of writing. Check entry costs and opening times before arrival.