A Guide to midges & ticks in Scotland

How do midges detect their prey? 

The midge locates its prey by picking up carbon dioxide exhaled into the atmosphere.

Where are the midge hotspots in 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.

As with midges, there are certain behaviours and pieces of kit that can help you combat tick bites:

• Stick to footpaths and avoid walking through tall grass or overgrown areas
• Wear light coloured clothing so ticks are easier to spot
• Choose trousers made of tough fabric and tuck them into socks
• Using an insect repellent containing DEET or Picaridin. Trusted brands include Smidge and Trek
• Check exposed skin at regular intervals while outdoors

What is the tick's habitat? 

Anywhere with overgrown grass including meadows, moorland, forests and woodlands, and gardens.

What does a tick bite look like? 

A small red bump which may be painless. It can also be itchy, inflamed, blistered or bruised.

Are tick bites dangerous? 

The majority of tick bites are harmless with minor short-lived symptoms. Some tick bites can contain bacteria which can cause serious illnesses, including Lyme Disease.

Where are ticks found in Scotland? 

Ticks are most commonly found in the west Highlands,  the north-west coast and its neighbouring islands.

Learn more about avoiding bugs and germs outdoors.

Read up on how to identify and deal with tick bites.

What to do after a tick bite

If you find a tick attached to your skin, it’s important to remove it safely and monitor the area in the days that follow.

Do:

• Use fine-tipped tweezers or a tick removal tool to grip the tick as close to the skin as possible
• Pull upwards slowly and steadily, without twisting
• Clean the bite area and your hands thoroughly with soap and water or an antiseptic

Don’t:

• Don't try to burn the tick off
• Don’t apply petroleum jelly, nail polish, or other substances
• Avoid squeezing the tick’s body, as this can increase the risk of infection

Watch for symptoms of Lyme disease

After a bite, keep an eye on the area for a few weeks. Most tick bites are harmless, but some can lead to Lyme disease, a bacterial infection that requires medical treatment.

Early symptoms of Lyme disease include:

• A circular red rash that may look like a bull’s-eye
• Flu-like symptoms
• Fever or chills
• Muscle and joint pain
• Headaches
• Neck stiffness
• Tiredness or fatigue

If you experience any of these symptoms, even several weeks after a bite, seek advice from a healthcare professional as early treatment is important.

Learn more about tick bites at NHS Inform