1x 150ml SKIN so SOFT ® AVON Dry Oil Body Spray ORIGINAL® +jojoba insect repellent

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Midges don't like hot and dry weather. They also love dawn and dusk. They prefer mild temperatures and wet conditions, which is what makes bonny (code for rainy) Scotland during the summer such a perfect habitat for them. Equally, midges aren't a big fan of the cold, and can't survive frost. Nature’s way There are said to be some natural midge such as essential oils like Eucalyptus, lavender and lemon. The results vary between people although these oils can make you smell rather nice! A brand called Incognito make hair and body wash infused with citronella and tee tree for "natural anti-insect camouflage". Eating Marmite before and during your time near midges is also meant to repel them. We’re not sure about this one. Make friends with bats! A single bat can eat 3,000 midges and other insects in one night.

Avon Skin So Soft is a beauty product that has been recommended as a midge repellent for years, which I always thought was an old wives tale until I tried it myself. October, November, December, January, February, and March (early autumn and early spring) are usually midge free months in Scotland because the weather is too cold for them...but it may be chilly for you too! HOW TO DEAL WITH THESCOTTISHMIDGE?They can itch though. It's best to avoid itching if possible. Get some anti-histamine cream on it and you should be good to go. WHY DO MIDGE BITES AFFECT PEOPLE DIFFERENTLY?

You can also choose to go for a 'stronger' alternative to Smidge with DEET. DEET comes in different strengths - 25% (the standard), 50%, and 100%. Whilst we're not scientists (far from it) and aren't offering an opinion, just note that there have been worries about DEET being carcinogenic so probably best not to bathe in it. There is also some evidence to suggest that 100% doesn't provide significant benefits over 50% so that should be more than enough. 25% strength should offer about 5 hours midge repellent of protection. There are nearly 40 species of biting midge in Scotland but only five of these are thought to regularly feed on people. Of these, the Highland midge, Culicoides impunctatus, is the most bloodthirsty, and the species responsible for most of the bites of people.

How to beat the midges

The Royal Marines are said to swear by its midge-repelling powers when training or based in and around the west coast. The Bug Guard works the best, which is unsurprising, considering it’s manufactured for the sole purpose of repelling insects. Wandering around shops and supermarkets across the Highlands during the summer months, you will see tourists clutching this elixir. Due to their tiny jaw-span, midges aren't very adept at biting through clothing. It's a good idea to opt for full-length trousers and long-sleeved tops. Your very own midge trap. Keep materials lightweight and breathable if you're hiking in the summer. Get up high Wear bright coloured clothing, visit when it's very hot or colder, wear long sleeved tops, get up high, take to the water, avoid stopping in long vegetation, try midge repellent spray. WHAT TIME OF DAY ARE MIDGES MOST ACTIVE?