Avoid water & damp areas, avoid midge season, try to camp in windy areas, coat yourself in Smidge & strong DEET repelants, use a good head net (with a hat that ensures the net is away from your skin) and try to create a lot of smoke with your camp fire. (smuther the fire a little for extra smoke) and last but not least, make yourself a swear jar to fund your next trip XD
Ryan I think the swear jar is an amazing idea especially because we’ll be able to save up so much money we can go somewhere where there aren’t any midges! 😂
I’ve been stung in strong winds with driving rain. So being in a bit of a breeze does that really help. Next time, go to Scotland end of April, early May, before the midges come out.
Oh Lordy! It seems like nothing deters these creatures when they’re hungry for blood. I think that’s the safest bet. Camp in winter time only when we know for sure they’re not around! 😂
Thanks for sharing your experience. So my girlfriend and I are hiring a camper van and exploring the western highlands. We head out 1st June however after watching this i'm seriously tempted to cancel. What do we do???? Please help
Ari, sorry for the late reply, it looks like you've probably had your trip already, or at least we hope so because even with the midges it's still a great place to see. The good thing is that you guys would have had a campervan and can take shelter from them. Did you end up having the trip in the end?
It was one of the most relaxing things we’ve done? Who needs a spa when you can go out in nature and fully relax and enjoy yourself? 😂🤣😂 Thank you for your kind words! We’re trying to get better at editing and filming and put more thought into it but it’s still very early days. 😊
That was so funny I had an asthma attack lol. Hey that was only the first wave, the early risers, I was on the Cape Wrath trail a couple of weeks ago and the wind was zero all day, I was covered with so many it looked like I had gloves on.. Deer, smidge and all the other midge repellents only help a little, midge nets on your head allow the devils to get inside and net and torture you even more lol. Anyway that was the shortest ever Wild Camp I have ever seen on TH-cam so you have achieved something lol. Take care, atb Bill.
That was only the first wave? I thought it was the BOSS fight! Reading about the midges covering your hands that it looked liked you had gloves on made me shiver! I think I'm pretty stressed because there was a spider walking on the sofa last night and it went and hid between the cushions so at the moment I'm a bit on edge. 😂😂😂
I have to admit that I laughed watching the video a lot, even though the situation was serious! But even under these circumstances I would love to be with you guys!
It is pretty funny now that we're away from them but at the time we were both so stressed out! Next time we'll go together but we'll make sure we bring head nets and repellent! 😀
That seems like the sensible way to do it. I almost gave up on the idea of camping altogether after this experience! I'm ready to give it another go but I feel like there's a chance I'm going to regret it! 😂
I opened my campervan door for literally no longer than 3 seconds and then spent the next two hours killing all of the midges that got into the car. Theyre the worst pest in the world!
I feel your pain! Genuinely!!! 😱 Right after scientist have fixed the COVID situation, I think figuring out how to combat midges should be their next top priority. 😂
At the time I was sooo uncomfortable and annoyed that I didn’t want to film anything. I’m so glad we did though because this has made us laugh so much watching it back and if we hadn’t I don’t think people would have believed us! 😂😂 When Anna was editing parts of the video she kept saying she was starting to feel itchy! 😆 hahahaha Glad you enjoyed it, hope you’re all doing well! 😁
We were having the same reaction when we started editing the video. I still hate midges with a passion and I don’t think I’ll be changing my mind on this one. At least we all know that they bite now so make sure you don’t stick around like we did if you see them flying around! 😬😂
We were having the same reaction when we started editing the video. I still hate midges with a passion and I don’t think I’ll be changing my mind on this one. At least we all know that they bite now so make sure you don’t stick around like we did if you see them flying around! 😬😂
could always splash on Avon skin so soft, marines an squaddies have been using it for a lot of years around Coulport and Faslane, never needed it myself as I'm 1 of a small percentage that midges dont like and actively avoid, clegs on the other hand think im a bloody lunchtime bonanza
Ah the midgie, if yas are camping in Scotland again, some rules. 1. Avoid pitching beside water, midgies tend to swarm around water mainly, as it was damp conditions at your time as well is when they appear mainly. 2. Biggest mistake was killing them, as soon as you kill just 1 they release a signal/scent that attracts more to you, that's why you had constant attention from them. Well done though for your attempts. So in future, avoid pitching beside water, in long damp grass, around thick trees and in wet conditions, and 2 try not to kill them, once set up, build a little fire, set up 4 or 5 midgie burning rings around your perimeter. Generally though it's not a issue under dry conditions
Where were you with this advice when we needed you Scott? I feel like you should have flown in like a superhero and saved us from our misery! In all seriousness though, that advice is very sound and we will take it on board. Hopefully we won't have to deal with the midges ever again!
You need Smidge, head nets and mosquito coils (which you burn). Better still is to check out the weather forecasts - anything above 6-7mph wind speeds means midges can't fly. Also smoke deters them. Never camp near water during midge season, as you experienced you'll get eaten alive lol. Great vid, enjoyed your suffering lol ATB DVS
Thanks for taking the time to comment Donna! You'll be pleased to know that we're fully stocked up on Smide spray and head nets but it sounds like we need to buy some coils too! I'll definitely be checking the forecast for wind but I'm also thinking about buying a wind machine and a small generator. I'm determined to not have to deal with midges ever again! 😂 I feel like we've learned more from this one experience than all the others combined! Definitely a more miserable experience than all the others combined! 🦟😰
Ohhh dear hahaha Believe it or not, I think you guys might have got off lightly as well. You might have made one or two bad decisions but you can give yourselves a solid pat on the back for deciding not to go to the west coast! 🤣 We were nearly driven to insanity in Assynt a couple of weeks back when wild camping. Only stayed because our friend had a large enough tent to fit four of us and it was midge proof! Honestly, if you stepped outside you were breathing them in! I near enough skipped breakfast as my coffee contained 50% midges anyway. If I could post photos here I'd put up the one from inside the tent when you couldn't see through the midge net. Horrible little b******s! You're spot on in your caption - next time take plenty repellent, 50%DEET and head nets! And, still, leave the west coast as nothing works up there short of enriched uranium haha
OMG! That sounds unbearable! It really ruins the experience of being out in nature. Hopefully as the weather gets colder and a bit windier they'll stop being a problem. 🤞🏼
midges don't like winds above 7mph they can't fly . and the cold .? i hate camping in the summer because of the midges . ps get yourself a midge head net £5 from most outdoor shops this helps . ps i was itching for you lol
We are ready to start measure the wind before we go out in the wild from now on! We did buy ourselves some head nets and a spray so hopefully next time we'll be ready for them if we see them! We are itching everytime we watch it back. We've developed some sort of PTSD! 😂
We have heard of *Life Systems* but we thought they only did first aid kits - _we've got the waterproof kit._ ⛑🩹 I just checked their website to check out the product you said and I think we'll be read to stock up for next season! Fingers crossed that it works on midges! 🤞🏼
Oh my god you guys !!!... I had both laughed and felt bad about it THAT I laughed... what an adventure 😆😆 personally, looking at Evan, I think I would have torched the forest down 😆😆 super and big thumbs and paws up 👍🐾 that you have shared this with us 👍👍
Hahahahahahha!!! "personally, looking at Evan, I think I would have torched the forest down 😆😆" I was a few minutes away from using napalm to level the whole area! I was getting so angry with them! I have never experienced anything close to that level of discomfort and annoyance before...but we've learnt our lesson now (I hope) and next time we won't hang around if we see them. Maybe long enough to see if the midge net and spray work (and do a video on them) and then we're out of there!!!! 😂
I hear it’s particularly bad over there! We’ve got some smidge now but thankfully haven’t had to use it yet. I’m going on a camping trip with some friends at the end of august and I’m going to load up on all the repellent and nets!
Do they bite? Spoiler alert "they bite" That's not a spoiler for anybody 😂😂😂 I don't think I've ever encountered anybody who didn't know they'd feast upon your flesh. You couldn't have picked a worse spot next to the trees and water too 🙈
So you’re telling me everyone else knew about this? Yeah the spot next to the water wasn’t a good choice and I think a little voice was telling me that, but it was so pretty! 😍
Lol you dont cook canned spam,,,pmsl,,,,midges,,,1st thing you do is build a smokey fire.,,,Avon oh so soft skin lotion is a favourite used by hikers to ward of the midges also,,,therexare certain times of the year you should avoid some months a midge free
You don’t cook canned spam? I’m sure I’ve seen people do it! Also it tasted delicious and crispy so maybe you’ve got to try out. As for the midges, we’ve learned our lesson now (I hope) and we’ve got the Avon lotion that you mentioned, bug nets but most importantly we’re never camping during midge season ever again so that should hopefully do the trick. 😂🤣😂
Midges were there before you hahahahahahahahahahha certain times of the year and times of day and near certain areas worse than others !!!!! Scottish midges love blood. lucky you aint getting Barn fly's or glegs. softies lol.
We learnt the lesson the hard way John! 😂 Midges and Pitch & Paws are now sworn enemies. I don't even want to imagine barn flies attacking us with the numbers and ferocity of these midges. The chance of me experience a full on breakdown if that ever happened are pretty high! 🦟😭😱
Avoid water & damp areas, avoid midge season, try to camp in windy areas, coat yourself in Smidge & strong DEET repelants, use a good head net (with a hat that ensures the net is away from your skin) and try to create a lot of smoke with your camp fire. (smuther the fire a little for extra smoke) and last but not least, make yourself a swear jar to fund your next trip XD
Ryan I think the swear jar is an amazing idea especially because we’ll be able to save up so much money we can go somewhere where there aren’t any midges! 😂
@@PitchAndPaws EXACTLY !
Ohhhh the memories are coming flooding back 😂
I’ve been stung in strong winds with driving rain. So being in a bit of a breeze does that really help. Next time, go to Scotland end of April, early May, before the midges come out.
Oh Lordy! It seems like nothing deters these creatures when they’re hungry for blood.
I think that’s the safest bet. Camp in winter time only when we know for sure they’re not around! 😂
Ahhhh yes the great Scottish midge 🦟 We are literally itching and scratching just watching this! 🤣
I am getting flashbacks every time I watch it! 😂
Thanks for making me chuckle 🤣🤣🤣. Had to subscribe to follow your future adventures 👍👍
Haha! Hopefully you’ll never have to experience anything like this yourself but if you do make sure you record it because it makes for a funny video!
Thanks for sharing your experience.
So my girlfriend and I are hiring a camper van and exploring the western highlands. We head out 1st June however after watching this i'm seriously tempted to cancel. What do we do???? Please help
Ari, sorry for the late reply, it looks like you've probably had your trip already, or at least we hope so because even with the midges it's still a great place to see. The good thing is that you guys would have had a campervan and can take shelter from them. Did you end up having the trip in the end?
Wow what an awesome experience!! It looks amazing and so tranquil! Except from the midges 😂
I can’t get over you editing skills, they’re so good ! ❤️
It was one of the most relaxing things we’ve done? Who needs a spa when you can go out in nature and fully relax and enjoy yourself? 😂🤣😂
Thank you for your kind words! We’re trying to get better at editing and filming and put more thought into it but it’s still very early days. 😊
Pitch & Paws ❤️❤️❤️
That was so funny I had an asthma attack lol. Hey that was only the first wave, the early risers, I was on the Cape Wrath trail a couple of weeks ago and the wind was zero all day, I was covered with so many it looked like I had gloves on.. Deer, smidge and all the other midge repellents only help a little, midge nets on your head allow the devils to get inside and net and torture you even more lol. Anyway that was the shortest ever Wild Camp I have ever seen on TH-cam so you have achieved something lol. Take care, atb Bill.
That was only the first wave? I thought it was the BOSS fight!
Reading about the midges covering your hands that it looked liked you had gloves on made me shiver! I think I'm pretty stressed because there was a spider walking on the sofa last night and it went and hid between the cushions so at the moment I'm a bit on edge. 😂😂😂
mind going a walk start of the summer looked like alien's just black clouds chasing you through the woods
Glen doll doesn’t get midges like in the west coast
This is like those one sentence horror stories.
It gave me the shivers. 😰
Exactly it's East coast midge level 1
I have to admit that I laughed watching the video a lot, even though the situation was serious!
But even under these circumstances I would love to be with you guys!
It is pretty funny now that we're away from them but at the time we were both so stressed out! Next time we'll go together but we'll make sure we bring head nets and repellent! 😀
@@PitchAndPaws you'd laff your head off with me looking like the elephant man, little twats
Your video pretty much sums up why despite being an avid Munro bagger I pretty much never camp. No midges in b&bs and bunkhouses.
That seems like the sensible way to do it. I almost gave up on the idea of camping altogether after this experience! I'm ready to give it another go but I feel like there's a chance I'm going to regret it! 😂
I opened my campervan door for literally no longer than 3 seconds and then spent the next two hours killing all of the midges that got into the car. Theyre the worst pest in the world!
I feel your pain! Genuinely!!! 😱
Right after scientist have fixed the COVID situation, I think figuring out how to combat midges should be their next top priority. 😂
Oh my laaaawd!!! I mean...it was very entertaining 😂 but those midges and those bites!!!! 🤦♀️ It made me itchy watching this! 🕷
At the time I was sooo uncomfortable and annoyed that I didn’t want to film anything. I’m so glad we did though because this has made us laugh so much watching it back and if we hadn’t I don’t think people would have believed us! 😂😂
When Anna was editing parts of the video she kept saying she was starting to feel itchy! 😆 hahahaha
Glad you enjoyed it, hope you’re all doing well! 😁
me too! still scratching!
Oh I feel your pain! It even made me scratch just looking at the midgies flying around the camera.
We were having the same reaction when we started editing the video. I still hate midges with a passion and I don’t think I’ll be changing my mind on this one. At least we all know that they bite now so make sure you don’t stick around like we did if you see them flying around! 😬😂
We were having the same reaction when we started editing the video. I still hate midges with a passion and I don’t think I’ll be changing my mind on this one. At least we all know that they bite now so make sure you don’t stick around like we did if you see them flying around! 😬😂
You two are so funny.......
Haha 😂😂😂
We just get ourselves in silly situations like that all the time!
Growing up in the Scottish countryside, the midges never bothered me that much, a mild annoyance and I never ever got those red welts.
Open both ends of the spam tin then push the slimy mush out through the tin from one side.
Jimmy I'm going to be trying that trick next time. It seems so obvious now! 😅
there alwes at the home made bong you just need to let it be also however has the high blood presser thy go to
Wow I feel soo sad for u but it was sokoto funny
😂😂
West coast is midge land. Just back from wild camping in ullapool and applecross. Campfire keeps them away but i thing my friends hated camping😅
could always splash on Avon skin so soft, marines an squaddies have been using it for a lot of years around Coulport and Faslane, never needed it myself as I'm 1 of a small percentage that midges dont like and actively avoid, clegs on the other hand think im a bloody lunchtime bonanza
We’ve heard about Avon Skin So Soft and we since bought some but never had to use it yet.
Sounds like you won the midge lottery!
Ah the midgie, if yas are camping in Scotland again, some rules. 1. Avoid pitching beside water, midgies tend to swarm around water mainly, as it was damp conditions at your time as well is when they appear mainly. 2. Biggest mistake was killing them, as soon as you kill just 1 they release a signal/scent that attracts more to you, that's why you had constant attention from them. Well done though for your attempts. So in future, avoid pitching beside water, in long damp grass, around thick trees and in wet conditions, and 2 try not to kill them, once set up, build a little fire, set up 4 or 5 midgie burning rings around your perimeter. Generally though it's not a issue under dry conditions
Where were you with this advice when we needed you Scott? I feel like you should have flown in like a superhero and saved us from our misery!
In all seriousness though, that advice is very sound and we will take it on board. Hopefully we won't have to deal with the midges ever again!
You need Smidge, head nets and mosquito coils (which you burn). Better still is to check out the weather forecasts - anything above 6-7mph wind speeds means midges can't fly. Also smoke deters them. Never camp near water during midge season, as you experienced you'll get eaten alive lol. Great vid, enjoyed your suffering lol ATB DVS
Thanks for taking the time to comment Donna! You'll be pleased to know that we're fully stocked up on Smide spray and head nets but it sounds like we need to buy some coils too!
I'll definitely be checking the forecast for wind but I'm also thinking about buying a wind machine and a small generator. I'm determined to not have to deal with midges ever again! 😂
I feel like we've learned more from this one experience than all the others combined! Definitely a more miserable experience than all the others combined! 🦟😰
Ohhh dear hahaha
Believe it or not, I think you guys might have got off lightly as well. You might have made one or two bad decisions but you can give yourselves a solid pat on the back for deciding not to go to the west coast! 🤣
We were nearly driven to insanity in Assynt a couple of weeks back when wild camping. Only stayed because our friend had a large enough tent to fit four of us and it was midge proof! Honestly, if you stepped outside you were breathing them in! I near enough skipped breakfast as my coffee contained 50% midges anyway. If I could post photos here I'd put up the one from inside the tent when you couldn't see through the midge net. Horrible little b******s!
You're spot on in your caption - next time take plenty repellent, 50%DEET and head nets! And, still, leave the west coast as nothing works up there short of enriched uranium haha
OMG! That sounds unbearable! It really ruins the experience of being out in nature. Hopefully as the weather gets colder and a bit windier they'll stop being a problem. 🤞🏼
All the Gear but no Idea.
So many solutions that they failed to use.
The best solution would have been to not go out where there are midges but we’ve learned that in hindsight! 😂
midges don't like winds above 7mph they can't fly . and the cold .? i hate camping in the summer because of the midges . ps get yourself a midge head net £5 from most outdoor shops this helps . ps i was itching for you lol
We are ready to start measure the wind before we go out in the wild from now on! We did buy ourselves some head nets and a spray so hopefully next time we'll be ready for them if we see them!
We are itching everytime we watch it back. We've developed some sort of PTSD! 😂
You guys looked very uncomfortable 😭next time use life systems use the red one with highest dett contents.. Believe me it work's 👌
We have heard of *Life Systems* but we thought they only did first aid kits - _we've got the waterproof kit._ ⛑🩹
I just checked their website to check out the product you said and I think we'll be read to stock up for next season! Fingers crossed that it works on midges! 🤞🏼
Oh my god you guys !!!... I had both laughed and felt bad about it THAT I laughed... what an adventure 😆😆 personally, looking at Evan, I think I would have torched the forest down 😆😆 super and big thumbs and paws up 👍🐾 that you have shared this with us 👍👍
Hahahahahahha!!!
"personally, looking at Evan, I think I would have torched the forest down 😆😆"
I was a few minutes away from using napalm to level the whole area! I was getting so angry with them! I have never experienced anything close to that level of discomfort and annoyance before...but we've learnt our lesson now (I hope) and next time we won't hang around if we see them. Maybe long enough to see if the midge net and spray work (and do a video on them) and then we're out of there!!!! 😂
I am sorry guys, I must confess though, I laughed a little bit.
Hahaha, we have been laughing about this ever since it happened...followed usually by tears. 😂😂😂😂
😂 feel for you, but stay away from the North west Highlands if you don't like the midge.
Smidge is the best repellent and nets, midge go away at night.
I hear it’s particularly bad over there! We’ve got some smidge now but thankfully haven’t had to use it yet. I’m going on a camping trip with some friends at the end of august and I’m going to load up on all the repellent and nets!
I come out in lumps with fkn midges
lol bet thats just the woods to you
She reminds me of Drew Barrymore ❤❤❤
Do they bite?
Spoiler alert "they bite"
That's not a spoiler for anybody 😂😂😂 I don't think I've ever encountered anybody who didn't know they'd feast upon your flesh. You couldn't have picked a worse spot next to the trees and water too 🙈
So you’re telling me everyone else knew about this?
Yeah the spot next to the water wasn’t a good choice and I think a little voice was telling me that, but it was so pretty! 😍
Lol you dont cook canned spam,,,pmsl,,,,midges,,,1st thing you do is build a smokey fire.,,,Avon oh so soft skin lotion is a favourite used by hikers to ward of the midges also,,,therexare certain times of the year you should avoid some months a midge free
You don’t cook canned spam? I’m sure I’ve seen people do it! Also it tasted delicious and crispy so maybe you’ve got to try out.
As for the midges, we’ve learned our lesson now (I hope) and we’ve got the Avon lotion that you mentioned, bug nets but most importantly we’re never camping during midge season ever again so that should hopefully do the trick. 😂🤣😂
@@PitchAndPaws maybe some do but it's pre cooked in the tin
Well, we did not know that! I’ll lookout for the pre cooked stuff next time but this was pretty delicious too so…
Skin so soft doesn't work anymore as it different ingredients .Dunno why makers changed it 😕
Midges were there before you hahahahahahahahahahha certain times of the year and times of day and near certain areas worse than others !!!!! Scottish midges love blood. lucky you aint getting Barn fly's or glegs. softies lol.
We learnt the lesson the hard way John! 😂
Midges and Pitch & Paws are now sworn enemies. I don't even want to imagine barn flies attacking us with the numbers and ferocity of these midges. The chance of me experience a full on breakdown if that ever happened are pretty high! 🦟😭😱
Lol, sorry, but too funny...
pmsl lol lol
Midges ruin everything!
I look like this woman right now.