Midges in W Scotland... any way of dealing with them?

[Backdrifter]

We'll be staying on the coast of Loch Fyne for the 1st week of August. Just read up about midges. It said all the things I didn’t want it to – they thrive on the West Coast, especially July/August, they like the damp conditions brought about by the rainy conditions in that area, and no so-called repellent has ever been to shown to definitely work (although some people swear by certain ones). Apparently, we can only hope for good breezes as that tends to disperse them, and unusually dry weather. As I read it, I started feeling itchy!

Given I am prone to being bitten to kingdom come by pesky little critters like this - just back from a few days in Rome and still bearing the many scars of mozzy bites - can anyone recommend a product? I'm considering soaps with citronella in, which apparently they don't like at all. Don't really want to go down the face-net route if possible.

[heathfield]

Avon's skin-so-soft works. My wife and I have used it for years in many corners of the world. The only place it didn't work too well was in Australia - otherwise, no problems... Have a look here...

http://heritage.scots...calling-as.2654251.jp

[wolf63]

I agree with Heathfield - the Avon skin-so-soft has got a really good reputation.

Enjoy your stay in Scotland - you will know it is summer when the rain is warm.

[karenmac60]

Hey, it's been absolutely scorching here today! Backdrifter, hang about with smokers - they really don't like cigarette smoke. To be honest though, it's only really a problem at about dusk - during the day the wee buggers are nowhere to be seen, and a few wee nips'll be worth it for the scenery. Where is it you'll be staying?

[Answerprancer]

The only thing that works AFAIC is DEET (Di-Ethyl metaToluamide) based insect repellent and the best I've found this side of the USA is Jungle Formula.
Wash hands after applying though because it makes plastic objects (torches etc.) go all sticky.
Link: http://www.boots.com/...dy%20Spray%20%20100ml

[Answerprancer]

...another link:
http://www.jungleform...ge/extra-strength.htm

[Answerprancer]

Citronella oil is an alternative if you don't like nasty chemicals and you like smelling lemony!

[Backdrifter]

Hmmm, interesting stuff, thanks guys. Yes I'd heard that if the midges like your pheromones they'll feast on you anyway, yet I frequently hear about the benefits of citronella and have also heard about the Avon product too. I gather there's also an Avon soap that while not intended as midge-repelling seems to work. Is there a good source of citronella oil anyone can recommend?

had also heard that dawn and dusk are the worst times.

We will be in St Catherines, just down from Cairndow, on the southern shore of Loch Fyne. We've toured Scotland extensively but this is an area we don't know.

karenmac60 who is that in your avatar?!

[karenmac60]

It's me. Cairndow is lovely and has a nice hotel. Try and get round to the Loch Fyne Oyster Bar for a meal and if you keep going down that side of the loch you'll get to Crinan, which has a beautiful canal and is a really nice little village. It's a gorgeous area, I used to spend lots of time there and loved it. Ignore the midges and have a blast :)

[Backdrifter]

Oh, well - ahem - I really like your hair.

Thanks for the tips re the area. What other good eating places are there apart from the oyster bar?

[karenmac60]

Oh well, ahem - thanks :)
It's been a few years since I was there but I'm sure there'll be places in Crinan, there's the hotel in Cairndow and there are a few places in Tarbert -
http://www.tarbertloc....uk/restaurants.html. Enjoy your stay!