FAQ

Midge FAQ

Answers to Frequently Asked Questions about Scotland's least popular inhabitant.

What is a Midge?
Midges are tiny two-winged flying insect of the family ceratopogonidae (biting midges) or chironomidae (non-biting midges). They are visible to the naked eye but look like little more than dots. They are usually found in swarms.

Are There Different Types of Midge?
Yes. There are many thousands of different varieties of midge around the world. However midges - and in particular biting midges - are especially associated with Scotland.

Are Midges Found All Over Scotland?
Midges are, unfortunately, found in most rural areas of Scotland and some urban ones. However their frequency depends on the type of conditions. They prefer warm, damp places without too much direct sunlight or wind - a riverbank or Highland bog is ideal for them.

Do All Midges Bite?
No. Very few species of midge bite and of those that do only a small number feed on humans. The worst biter is Culicoides impunctatus - the Highland Biting Midge. Other biting midges exist in Scotland such as Culicoides obseletus, the Garden Midge, however it is the Highland Midge that causes most problems.
Even amongst those species of midge that do bite, it is only the females that do so.

Why Do Midges Bite?
To feed. The female biting midge is a bloodsucker - she needs to feed before laying her eggs. A nice, warm human body provides a welcome meal.

When is the Midge Season?
In Scotland, the main midge season coincides almost exactly with the main tourist season. The problems begin in April and tend to reach their worst in June or July, then begin to reduce. By the end of August there are usually few midges left active.

How Can I Prevent Midge Bites?
There is no guaranteed protection against midge bites. Many repellents are available to buy, including the popular neem oil. For protecting a fixed area such as a garden a relatively new innovation is the Calor/Texol Midge Eater.