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Beware the bloodsuckers! Why midges only target certain people

30 May 2019

The Highland biting midge has ruined countless camping trips. For some, their arrival brings nothing but misery, predominantly caused by incredibly itchy reactions to their bites. But not everyone is affected; some people seem to be totally unaffected by the midges’ presence.

“Recent studies have shown that women react more than men but the reasons for this are unclear,” explained Dr James Logan of the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine.

Dr James Logan on the scourge of midges

Dr James Logan on the scourge of midges.

“In a study that I led, we found that 14% of people claim that they never get bitten by midges. In the same study, we found that people who are tall or have a large BMI – or Body Mass Index – actually attract more midges.

“This could be because midges descend from above so they simply encounter taller people first, or people with a large BMI are simply a larger target, but there’s also a genetic factor at play because children who are susceptible tend to come from families with the same problem.”

  • How do they cause such havoc and what can we do to prevent them from attacking us?

How to avoid midge bites

  • Wear a net to shield the head and neck
  • Cover arms and legs
  • Wear light colours – midges are attracted to dark colours
  • Light citronella, bog myrtle or lavender scented candles as a repellent
  • Light a fire – midges are thought to dislike smoke
  • Invest in a midge trap
  • Mask your natural scents with body creams and lotions

A swarm in action

Midges swarm in Argyll

MIdges swarm in Argyll

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