Learn more about midges, including when midge season takes place in the UK, how to identify \u2013 and most importantly how to avoid being bitten in our expert guide.<\/p>\n
Why not read up on other insect species that sting or bite<\/a> and learn how to protect yourself against ticks<\/a> and treat bites ahead of your next outing? We\u2019ve also reviewed a variety of eco insect sprays <\/a>to reduce your chances of being bitten.<\/p>\n The midge is a tiny, flying insect with a wing span of just 1-2mm.<\/p>\n Midge season tends to take place between mid-May to early September. Midges like warm, damp conditions, such as bogs and grasslands and populations of midges can reach very high numbers between late spring and late summer, and are particularly common in the Scottish Highlands<\/a>.<\/p>\n You may also like:<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p><\/div> <\/section> \u00a0<\/p>\n Midges are attracted to the carbon dioxide we breathe out, along with other odours. Once they\u2019ve found a victim they inject an anticoagulant into the blood, so they can then feed off of it. This is what causes the irritation and itching, but generally the bite isn\u2019t dangerous for humans.<\/p>\n Unfortunately individuals aren\u2019t often bitten just once, as once they\u2019ve found a food source, midges release pheromones to alert others to join them. Midges can cause severe irritation to human skin and can result in itchy red lumps. However for other animals, such as livestock<\/a>, midges are responsible for spreading diseases such as blue tongue and African horse sickness, and so the midges can be considered deadly.<\/p>\n The most bloodthirsty species, which is responsible for the most bites in people, is the Highland midge,\u00a0Culicoides impunctatus.<\/em><\/p>\n It\u2019s not impossible to eradicate midges all together, and we wouldn\u2019t want to as many species play important roles as prey for animals such as frogs<\/a> and swallows.\u00a0<\/strong>Instead we have to just try to avoid them and protect ourselves against them as much as possible \u2013 and there are some top tips for doing this.<\/p>\n In the warmer months of spring and summer, Britain\u2019s insect population surges with humans often becoming unfortunate prey. Here is our guide to UK insects that bite or sting with tips on how to protect against bug bites.<\/p>\n <\/p><\/div> Try to avoid being outside during early mornings and late evenings, as this is when midges are at their worst. If you\u2019re sitting outside try to sit somewhere in the sun and with a breeze, as midges don\u2019t like these conditions. Midges prefer dark clothes, so try dressing as brightly as possible.<\/p>\n Midges will only seriously attack you when you\u2019re standing still, so don\u2019t worry too much if you\u2019re out walking \u2013 they can\u2019t keep up with you as well. Avoid leaving windows and doors open and the lights on, as this will attract the midges into your house.<\/p>\n It\u2019s important to always have midge repellent with you.\u00a0Jungle formula<\/a> and Smidge<\/a>\u00a0are popular, along with an Avon product called Skin So Soft Dry Body Oil<\/a>, which is accidentally extremely effective against midges.<\/p>\n During serious midge infestations, repellent probably won\u2019t be enough and it\u2019s a good idea to invest in a midge net to wear over your face.<\/p>\nWhat are midges?<\/h2>\n
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<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>What time of year do midges come out in the UK?<\/h2>\n
What are midges attracted to?<\/h2>\n
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<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>Guide to UK insects that bite or sting: how to identify and avoid being bitten<\/a><\/h4>\n
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<\/div><\/div> <\/div> <\/section>How to protect yourself against midges<\/h2>\n
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<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>How to get rid of midges<\/h2>\n