UKC

There were quite a few midges out last night - first time I've seen them this year. So what is your most effective midge repellent?

and any tips for the conditions that they love/hate? I'd normally say that a light breeze keeps them away, but it was quite breezy belaying on the top last night and I was covered in the damn things and yet only 20 metres further along the crag and they were nowhere to be seen!

Cheers

In reply to Nick Smith - UKC:

Not too bad at The Causeway last night. Top tip: when they come out move faster (solo or boulder).

DEET is the best by far but its nasty stuff and I only use it in desperation; it trashes a lot of plastics and is not good for your skin. Avon Skin So Soft Forest Pine works well.

In reply to Nick Smith - UKC:


My car and the Northern Limestone guide.



Failing that, FH sold me some stuff, think it was mostly natural ingredients, it was pretty good anyway.

In reply to Fiend: Its almost like you never climb grit in summer

In reply to Nick Smith - UKC:


Chain-smoking and climbing with people who attract midges as a decoy 8-)

In reply to Nick Smith - UKC: I've heard that the best approach is to climb approx 20m from some guy called Nick?

In reply to Nick Smith - UKC:
Midges detect the carbon dioxide when we breathe out, so as long as you avoid breathing you're fine.

In reply to Nick Smith - UKC:

Wear a white shirt as well, they love dark clothing.