We see a lot of people asking how to deal with the Highland Midges, so here is a video that turned up on how the Highlanders in the past survived the wee demons in living history
Posted by
Arctophilia, Northamptonshire, England
35887 posts
loving it
'orrid creatures
Posted by
Freedonia
18013 posts
Heading there next week. Armed with my bottle of Smidges.
Posted by
United States
855 posts
We’re only going to be in the Highlands for a day trip with Rabbies. Would it be wise to pick up a bottle of Smidge as well? Our first stop is in Edinburgh. Is there a local shop that sells it there?
Posted by
668 posts
Can any one tell me what are the worst months for midges? Are they in the towns or only in remote areas?
We are planning a trip for summer of 2026 and have not decided when we are going.
Thanks!
Posted by
Isle of Skye, Scotland
1540 posts
Mid June to end of August is peak midge season. You will find them pretty much anywhere in the Highlands. They like still, damp conditions. If it's windy there will be no midges. If it's bright sunlight also no midges. But windless, damp, overcast = lots of midges. Get a proper midge net (smaller mesh than a mosquito net) and some Smidge (midge spray).
Posted by
Freedonia
18013 posts
I'm on the Isle of Lerwis now and have spent the last couple fo days traversing Lewis and Harris. It's been windy. Not a midge in sight.
However, my bottle of Smidge is on me at all times. Just in case.
Posted by
Minnesota🌲
10460 posts
The only place and time I found then was on Arran in a somewhat boggy area. This was the month of May so they weren't as active as they are in summer. And once I was out of the shade, they disappeared (as Skyegirl said).
Frank, enjoy Lewis and Harris! I really enjoyed my time on that island!
MC-Glasgow, great video! Thanks for posting!
Mustlovedogs, yes, you can find Smidge in Edinburgh. Here is one method of finding it: https://www.smidgeup.com/stockists
With regards to whether you will need it, it depends on where you're going and when.