Camping in Glenshee
What are midges? Small two-winged flies which often from swarms or clouds. There are a number of different species of midge, some of which partly feed off nectar in addition to the blood of animals and sometimes humans.
- Which type of midge lives in Scotland? The Highland midge. It's found throughout the British isles, northern Europe and even northern China.
- Are midges like mosquitos? No. While midges might look like mosquitos close up and suck blood, they are not mosquitos and do not spread malaria.
- What do midge bites look like? Small red dots which can develop into itchy, painful swellings and even blisters.
- Are midge bites serious? Midge bites are harmless but if the skin around the bite becomes broken it could become infected.
- How do midges detect their prey? The midge locates its prey by picking up carbon dioxide exhaled into the atmosphere.
- Did you know? Only the female midge bites!
- Where are the midge hotspots Scotland? The west of the Highlands, islands and parts of the Cairngorms. They are also found in Perthshire and Argyll.
- At what time of year are midges most common? From May to October.
- Where are midges found? Midges love humid and damp conditions as well as shady spots. Marshlands, grasslands, forests and woodlands, the banks of rivers, ponds and lochs; all are magnets for midges.
- At what time of day are midges most active? At dawn or dusk. They also like damp, clammy days with overcast skies and little wind.
