Midges are tiny flying insects found throughout the UK, particularly in damp, sheltered and rural environments. Although many species are harmless, biting midges can be a persistent nuisance for walkers, campers, anglers and anyone spending time outdoors.
The Highland midge (Culicoides impunctatus) is especially well known in Scotland, where large numbers can make outdoor activities uncomfortable during the warmer months. However, biting midges are also found elsewhere in the UK, while other species form swarms without biting people.
This guide explains the different types of midges found in Britain, when and where they're most active, how to reduce the risk of bites and what to do if you're bitten.
Types of Midges in the UK
There are many species of midge in Britain, but they can broadly be divided into biting and non-biting varieties.
Highland Midges (Culicoides impunctatus)
The Highland midge is one of Britain's best-known biting insects, particularly in the Scottish Highlands and other damp areas of Scotland. It is also found in parts of England and Wales.
- Size: Adults are approximately 1–2 mm long, making them difficult to spot individually.
- Habitat: They favour damp ground, peat-rich soils, sheltered woodland and areas with abundant vegetation.
- Season: They are generally most troublesome between late spring and early autumn, although activity varies with weather conditions.
- Biting behaviour: Female Highland midges take blood meals to support egg development. Their bites can cause itching, redness and swelling.
Highland midges can gather in large numbers, particularly in sheltered locations during calm, humid weather.
Non-Biting Midges (Chironomidae)
Non-biting midges are common throughout the UK and are frequently seen around lakes, ponds, rivers and other freshwater habitats.
- They resemble small mosquitoes but do not bite people.
- Their larvae generally develop in aquatic environments.
- Adults can emerge in large numbers and form visible swarms, particularly around water and artificial lighting.
- Although harmless to humans, large swarms can be inconvenient during outdoor activities.
Important distinction: Not every small flying insect described as a midge is a biting midge. Correct identification can help determine whether bite-prevention measures are necessary.
When and Where Are Midges Most Active?
Biting midge activity depends on the species, temperature, humidity, wind and available breeding habitats. In the UK, Highland midges are particularly associated with damp, sheltered environments.
- Time of day: Biting midges are often especially active around dawn and dusk, but they can also bite during daylight hours in suitable conditions.
- Weather: Calm, humid and overcast conditions generally favour midge activity. Strong winds can significantly reduce the number of midges flying and biting.
- Location: Sheltered woodland, boggy ground, damp grassland and areas near suitable breeding habitats can support large populations.
- Season: In Scotland, biting midges are generally most noticeable from late spring through early autumn, with numbers varying between locations and years.
Highland midge larvae develop in moist terrestrial habitats, including damp soil and vegetation. They do not rely on containers of standing water in the same way as some mosquito species.
Practical tip: When planning outdoor activities in midge-prone areas, exposed or breezy locations may be more comfortable than sheltered, damp woodland or still areas beside vegetation.
How Midge Bites Affect People
Biting midges use specialised mouthparts to pierce the skin and take a blood meal. Their saliva can trigger a local reaction, which varies considerably between individuals.
Common symptoms include:
- Small red marks or raised bumps around the bite.
- Itching, sometimes becoming more noticeable several hours after being bitten.
- Localised redness and swelling.
- Clusters of bites on exposed areas such as the face, neck, arms and legs.
Some people experience more pronounced local reactions than others. Scratching can damage the skin and increase the risk of secondary infection.
For most people in the UK, biting midges are primarily a nuisance rather than a major infectious disease risk. However, reactions can still be uncomfortable, particularly after numerous bites.
How to Prevent Midge Bites
The most effective approach is to combine suitable insect repellents, protective clothing and sensible choices about where and when you spend time outdoors.
1. Choose an Appropriate Insect Repellent
Insect repellents can help reduce bites, although effectiveness against midges varies between active ingredients, formulations and individual products.
Products containing DEET or icaridin (also called picaridin) may provide protection against biting midges when the product is suitable for that purpose. Some other formulations may also be effective, but do not assume that a repellent tested against mosquitoes will provide the same level or duration of protection against midges.
Always check the manufacturer's instructions, including any age restrictions, application guidance and information about the insects covered.
Explore our range of DEET insect repellents, or read our comprehensive guide to insect repellents for more advice.
2. Wear Protective Clothing
Reducing the amount of exposed skin can make a substantial difference when midges are abundant.
- Wear long-sleeved tops and long trousers where practical.
- Choose clothing with close-fitting cuffs and collars to reduce gaps.
- Consider a fine-mesh head net or midge jacket when visiting heavily affected areas.
- Use a suitable brimmed hat beneath a separate head net to help keep the mesh away from your face.
Mesh size matters: Some standard mosquito nets have openings large enough for smaller biting midges to pass through. Choose head nets and protective mesh specifically designed for midges or other very small biting insects.
Browse our mosquito head nets and hats for additional protection.
3. Consider the Weather and Time of Day
Midges are often more active around dawn and dusk, particularly in calm, humid conditions. However, they can also be troublesome during the day in sheltered areas.
If possible, plan rest stops and outdoor meals in breezier, more exposed locations. Avoid assuming that early morning or late afternoon will always be midge-free.
4. Use Fine-Mesh Screens and Nets
Fine-mesh screens can help prevent midges entering tents, campervans and accommodation. Check that the mesh is suitable for very small insects and that doors, windows and entrances close securely.
For sleeping protection, choose an appropriately sized net with a fine enough mesh, secure openings and no tears or gaps.
Our guide to choosing the right mosquito net explains the main options.
5. Choose Campsites and Rest Areas Carefully
When camping in midge-prone regions, site selection can influence how many insects you encounter.
- Where practical, favour more open locations with some natural airflow.
- Avoid particularly sheltered, damp areas with dense vegetation.
- Keep tent doors and insect screens closed when not in use.
- Check mesh panels and zips for gaps before settling down for the evening.
Removing small amounts of standing water around a campsite is unlikely to control Highland midge populations, because their breeding requirements differ from those of many mosquitoes.
How to Treat Midge Bites
Most midge bites improve without medical treatment, although itching and local irritation can persist for several days.
If you've been bitten:
- Clean the skin: Gently wash the affected area with soap and water.
- Reduce swelling: Apply a cool compress or a cold pack wrapped in cloth for short periods.
- Avoid scratching: Scratching can worsen irritation and increase the risk of infection.
- Consider suitable treatments: A pharmacist can advise on antihistamines or topical treatments that may help relieve itching and inflammation.
- Watch for infection: Seek medical advice if the area becomes increasingly painful, hot, swollen or produces pus, or if symptoms worsen rather than improve.
Seek urgent medical assistance if a bite is followed by symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, such as difficulty breathing or swelling of the tongue or throat.
Explore our insect bite treatment products for suitable after-bite care options.
Are Midges Dangerous in the UK?
For most people, biting midges in Britain are an unpleasant nuisance rather than a significant human infectious disease threat. The main concerns are itching, local swelling, allergic reactions and secondary skin infections caused by scratching.
Some species of biting midge can transmit diseases affecting livestock and other animals. However, this should not be confused with the risks associated with mosquitoes in tropical regions, where several serious human diseases are transmitted.
When travelling overseas, the species present and their associated health risks may differ. Follow destination-specific travel-health advice and use appropriate bite-prevention measures.
Enjoying the Outdoors Without Midge Bites
Midges are part of Britain's natural environment, but they don't have to spoil a walking holiday, camping trip or evening outdoors.
Understanding where biting midges thrive, choosing suitable clothing and using effective repellents can greatly improve comfort in affected areas. In particularly midge-prone locations, fine-mesh head nets and protective clothing can be especially useful.
Remember that weather conditions can make a considerable difference. A breezy hillside may be relatively comfortable while sheltered woodland nearby is full of biting midges.
For further protection, explore our insect repellents and protection products before your next outdoor adventure.