Mosquitoes- August travel

Midge season varies according to area but can run from May to September. It tends to be linked to pine forests, boggy ground, standing water and other factors.

My personal experience has only really seen them a particular issue on the west coast of Scotland and some central areas, and principally in June and July. The year's weather can obviously shift that.

I have never heard of an issue on the south coast, you're probably more likely to get something more exotic these days. It's too long since my last trip in the relevant months to the Cotswolds to comment. For the Peak District I have never experienced them in numerous visits since the first in 1982

There is insect repellant that comes in wipes. Much handier to use, pack and carry than spray cans or creams. Look in sports stores or Walmart/Target places.

I always travel with a few of the deet wipes mentioned above, just in case, and easy to pack.

Mosquitos and other biting insects tend not to be the problem in England that they are in Scotland. Having said that midges can be a nuisance in woodland or anywhere with still humid conditions. Out in the open with breeze, they shouldn't be so bad. Bug spray doen't take up much spacce and its better to be safe than regret not bringing any...

Thank you for the input. I just checked amazon and can get my usual brand in the wipes. Sounds like we may not need them but better safe if we do any hiking

Mosquitoes aren't a problem in the areas you're visiting. The only times I've been bitten have been at home when a rogue one has entered the house and feasted on me whilst I was asleep.

If you're going to be sitting around outside in the evening then I'd consider some repellent if you're at risk of a bad reaction to bites.

The wipes are definitely the way to go! They have saved me, and often my fellow travelers multiple times. They weigh next to nothing and take up little space.

I’ve been bitten by mosquitoes in Norfolk, London and Wiltshire, so there are plenty around if you’re near water in summer. If you react badly to the bites, it’s definitely worth bringing the wipes with you, as I’m not sure you can get the wipes here. Lotions and sprays, yes, not so sure about wipes.

now that we've discussed the skeeters, lets also discuss ticks. We have ticks which can carry Lyme Disease, as does much of the rest of Europe.

so it is valuable to know the bulls eye symptoms and precautions - and after you have been tramping through the undergrowth and shrubbery you should do a check. I always carry a tick tool - they weigh practically nothing.

Thank you all. Ticks I know how to deal with as i hail from northern Minnesota. Lol. I just wasn’t sure if I should bring bug spray as I’m going through a lot of it here. Sounds like a pack of wipes should hold me for the garden tours etc

Since you react badly (as do I), I recommend bringing whatever anti-itch product you use. I've been using a herbal one which surprisingly works really well but there are a bunch. I'd bring the bug wipes AND the anti-itch.

We have ticks which can carry Lyme Disease, as does much of the rest of Europe.

so it is valuable to know the bulls eye symptoms and precautions - and after you have been tramping through the undergrowth and shrubbery you should do a check. I always carry a tick tool - they weigh practically nothing.

Nigel, is this something to be concerned about if we are doing a walk from Stow-in-the-Wold to Upper Slaughter? Or only in forested areas?

they can be anywhere, especially around livestock or deer, and if you are wearing shorts, and if you brush up against undergrowth or high weeds and grass.

Just check each other afterwards.