Midgie's in mull??

mjb123

mjb123

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Hi peeps, we're thinking of booking a trip to mull in late aug early Sep, anyone no what the midgie population might be doing at this time of year?
 
If you're just pottering about during the day then it may not be an issue especially if it's sunny and breezy.

On a still day, sat about under trees or by water at dusk it could be a nightmare - a mesh like Derek suggested will help even if it does make you feel silly.

The female midge is quite particular who she feeds on. One person can be fine whilst the next is driven to madness. Don't buy into the urban myth of 'Avon Skin So Soft'. People read about Avon, smear it on and think it's doing a job when in fact the midge probably just doesn't fancy them and that's why holidaymaker recommendations should be taken with a pinch of salt. Pink custard whilst wearing a top hat works just as well if you don't happen to be on the menu.

I have pals come to stay with us at Loch Sunart which is midge central. 'Smidge' has a great marketing thing going on so it's one you will come across. Feedback / observation is Avon makes no difference and Smidge helps a little.

DEET isn't everybody's cup of tea but it's about the only ingredient (in certain products) that I've seen where midge prone people experience some degree of improvement / repellent.

I've said it a million times - Mrs midge costs us millions of pounds lost each year. Nothing really works and if there was an effective repellent, we'd all know about it.
 
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dinners said:
If you're just pottering about during the day then it may not be an issue especially if it's sunny and breezy.

On a still day, sat about under trees or by water at dusk it could be a nightmare - a mesh like Derek suggested will help even if it does make you feel silly.

I've said it a million times - Mrs midge costs us millions of pounds each year. Nothing really works and if there was an effective repellent, we'd all know about it.
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If it's not too warm the midgie jackets with a jumper over the top stops the mesh being torn and allows those of us who have to be outside to still work unhindered by the midgie. Feel silly? Nope, knowing I'm midgie free inside my mesh is the important thing. There's no fun looking out the house window seeing the bonnie views but not being able to go out because of the cloud of midgies outside, waiting.

You can't operate a camera when they're about and you don't want to get any of the repellents on your camera or lens either. Some leaked on to the dashboard of my car and it softened the plastic. It was still like that when I sold it a couple of years later.

As Phil says, Avon Skin So Soft doesn't really work, even though they have apparently added something to it to help it work because it was so popular but it's quite oily and makes them stick to you. Smidge seems to work but not long enough for my liking. The midgie machines work and kill millions of the critters. But there's always plenty more to fill the space they clear.
 
dinners said:
I've said it a million times - Mrs midge costs us millions of pounds each year. Nothing really works and if there was an effective repellent, we'd all know about it.
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Is that your nickname for Nicola Sturgeon or have I got two threads confused? :whistle:

Any truth in the old idea of pipe smoke as a midge repellent? Which is why I bought a pipe to take on an autumn holiday to Norway and then didn't encounter a single midge!
 
Yves Geza said:
Is that your nickname for Nicola Sturgeon or have I got two threads confused? :whistle:

Any truth in the old idea of pipe smoke as a midge repellent? Which is why I bought a pipe to take on an autumn holiday to Norway and then didn't encounter a single midge!
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LOL

Re the pipe - It's the carbon dioxide we exhale that attracts them so the smoking theory makes some sense..

I smoke but I've no way of knowing if it helps with the midges.
 
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dinners said:
Pink custard whilst wearing a top hat works just as well if you don't happen to be on the menu.
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Haha, brilliant. :ROFLMAO:

dinners said:
LOL

Re the pipe - It's the carbon dioxide we exhale that attracts them so the smoking theory makes some sense..

I smoke but I've no way of knowing if it helps with the midges.
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I also smoke (cigs though, not a pipe) & it doesn't make any difference. I guess you'd have to sit in clouds of smoke for it to have an effect. Maybe carrying a BBQ around with you might help. :D

On holidays I get the mozzie bites & my Mrs doesn't :mad:
The only thing that works for me (mostly) is Jungle Formula + I also put plenty of Citronella Oil in it too! (I'm a pessimist btw :LOL: )
 
I find DEET based products are effective and fairly long lasting. Unfortunately they are, IMO, pretty nasty. It stings if it get in your eyes, it numbs my lips and melts some plastics (which isn't great news if you are going to be taking photos, changing lens, filters etc)

I've found Smidge that Midge to be effective too. Not as long lasting as DEET based products but more pleasant to use.

I have also used Skin So Soft and, for me, it works, though it is a while since I have used any. It is not as effective or long lasting as DEET products or Smidge and I don't know if it repels them or they just get stuck, but it has some effect.

However, back the question. Unless the summer is VERY dry there will be plenty of midges. Hope for breezy sunny days as they can't cope with wind and don't light bright light. Unfortunately, even on a windy and sunny day the smallest amount of shade or still air will be full of them. Sometimes a midge hood/jacket is the only way.

Even though they are a pest it is a small price to pay for such stunning scenery.

Dave
 
mjb123 said:
Hi peeps, we're thinking of booking a trip to mull in late aug early Sep, anyone no what the midgie population might be doing at this time of year?
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Mull - midges - August/September ........... :eek:. They will be breeding at an unbelievable rate. To breed they need blood. You will be on the menu.
 
Never heard that before. Brilliant.
I'm thinking that's Kilchurn Castle in the background.
 
Just remembered there are about six totally effective deterrents against the midge.

October, November, December, ..... March.:)

Dave
 
One needs to go to Specsavers. I read that as "Milf's in Hull" and then thought, no impossible!
 
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