How to repel midges
Summer is a time for long days, short sleeves, picnics, camping and generally enjoying the Great British countryside.
However, not everything associated with a British summer is strawberries and cream.
For many, the common Midge (Chironomidae) is a constant irritation at best, a holiday destroyer at worst. Non-lethal to humans, the midge is, nonetheless, an ever-present threat to sanity at certain times of the year.
Leaving a trail of red, itchy blotches across a victim’s skin, the common midge can leave you reaching for a boiler suit rather than elegant summer attire for a well-earned evening out.
So, with this mind, it’s worth looking at what is on offer to help combat the misery-inducing midge and help you get on with your holiday, camping trip or job.
Spray Away
The first line of defence is attack. Midge sprays, such as Lifesystems Expedition Midge DEET-Free Repellent is great way to keep midges away. The active ingredients in this handy spray includes Saltidin, which is scientifically proven to repel Midges, Ticks and Mosquitoes. The active ingredients to look for in a good repellent are: DEET, IR3535, Saltidin or Citriodiol.
Lifesystems, along with its DEET-free range and DEET range of repellents, also makes a spray-on treatment for fabrics, tents, clothing, sleeping bags etc. Although designed for mosquito repellency, the Lifesystems EX4 Anti-Mosquito Spray-On Treatment also works on Midges and Ticks. For further information on which is the best repellent for you this summer, read up on our information here on which repellent to choose
Net Profit
If you’re planning on spending time in high-density midge regions (Midges in Scotland can be especially plentiful during summer), using netted products will help. The Hoggs of Fife Midgemaster Jacket and Midgemaster Headcover are handy super-lightweight additions to any backpack, as are the Lifesystems Mosquito & Midge Head Net and Head Net Hat all of which offer superb protection from Midges, Ticks and, if you’re going further afield, Mosquitoes.
Dress Lighter
Stay away from black or dark colours if you’re heading into midge country. Obviously long sleeves and trouser legs will help, but choosing lighter colours of clothing will reduce the chance of attracting midges. They prefer the contrast of dark objects on light backgrounds, and by wearing lighter clothes you will be less obvious a target.
Whether you are fighting the midge in Scotland, or preventing tick bites on your local dog walk, ArdMoor have a wide range of tick-repellent clothing and Lifesystems insect repellent for all-round protection from biting and stinging insects.