Midges & Colour

Many flying insects are attracted by light coloured clothing - if you want an instant wasp fan-club, just wear a yellow shirt during an English summer!

Midges, of course, just have to be different. They prefer dark colours and black cloth has been used by researchers to collect midges.

The reason for this preference is uncertain. Some people have said that midges recognise dark clothing as similar to the tree trunks on which they rest. Others have suggested a connection with the midges' preference for dawn and dusk as opposed to the brightness of the midday sun.

Whatever the reason, it seems to work. Wearing light clothing isn't a guaranteed midge repellent - but wearing dark clothing can certainly make the problem worse!