Midge warning for Scotland as up to 68 billion insects expected this summer
VISITORS to Scotland will soon find out how bad the midge problem will be this summer.
Man surrounded by swarm of MIDGES in Cairngorms Park
Up to 68 billion of the irritating insects will be in the air.
Expert Dr Alison Blackwell, who provides the Scottish Midge Forecast, bases the figure on how many midges are found within a square metre area.
Dr Blackwell, who owns APS Biocontrol in Dundee, said: “The estimate is based on what we know about Scotland’s habitat and population.” She said there can be as many as three waves of midges during the year.
Up to 68 billion of the irritating insects will be in the air this summer
Midges generally emerge in mid to late May, when the male non-biting insects arrive, and the blood-sucking females follow in June.
This can lead to agony for walkers and tourists until September, especially in the western Highlands and islands.
The midge forecasts will start later this month
She said: “It has been quite mild on the west coast and you’ve got a bit of humidity.”
The midge forecasts will start later this month.