The male midge usually emerges in early May. Shortly after the females join the party. They then get it on and then the male midge dies... ah, nature. Midges and mosquitoes are different types of insects that often seek out the same resources, including egg incubation Although midges, clegs and the like might be a nuisance, they definitely shouldn't put you off exploring the rugged wilderness that is the Scottish Highlands. Trust us – the views of misty Loch Katrine from the rugged Ben A'an are more than worth a midge bite or two. Another argument used in favour of widespread midge control (if not outright eradication) is that, while they do play a role in the food chain – eaten by a range of bats and birds and other creatures – those creatures would, if midges were gone, just eat something else.

Sure, for some anti-midge hikers it is a deal-breaker. But Scotland and the highlands has so much to offer that it would seem a shame to let those beastly midges get the better of us. If you really want to explore Scotland, try go out of midge season (September to April) when the weather is cold and windy (yep, this is the trade-off sadly!) and the biting insects are hiding! The Highland biting midge is a small flying insect that appears in the spring and summer months. All areas of Scotland are affected, but the worst areas are in the west highlands due to perfect breeding grounds in the wet conditions. Scotland's Midges are only between 1-3 mm long and a light grey colour unless they have a belly full of blood; then, disgustingly, they might look red. To control the larvae found in the lakes, ponds, and rivers, you can attract guppies, goldfish, koi, or most other tropical fish. If you have your own pond or fountain, you can buy these fish at a pet store and raise them yourself. What are midges?Small two-winged flies which often from swarms or clouds. There are a number of different species of midge, some of which partly feed off nectar in addition to the blood of animals and sometimes humans.A chemical called ketone has been identified in individuals who seem less palatable to midges. The hope is to turn this into a future treatment or natural prevention method instead of using insect repellents. Phases of midge bites

works against biting midges as well. Repellents drive them away. Long-sleeved clothing stops them from biting. And, Culicoides impunctatus is just one of 37 different species of Culicoides midges that have been recorded in Scotland, and yet it is responsible for 70-95% of all the bites on human beings that occur throughout the country. Of course, as well as biting humans, they also play a crucial and pivotal role in Scotland’s ecosystems. There is also a wide range of non-biting midges throughout the country, which also play their roles without posing a problem for human beings.

What Council is doing

Characteristic dark markings on the membranous wings which are folded, like scissors, when the insects are at rest or feeding