Midges are tiny, flying insects that can quickly ruin any outdoor activity with their irritating bites. Their presence is especially common in damp and humid environments, making them a nuisance for hikers, campers, and anyone spending time outdoors. However, with the right clothing choices, you can effectively protect yourself from these pesky bugs.
When it comes to warding off midges, one of the most important factors to consider is the type of clothing you wear. Opt for light-colored clothing as midges are attracted to dark colors. Loose-fitting garments that cover your arms and legs are also recommended to minimize skin exposure. Additionally, choosing fabrics that are tightly woven, such as nylon or polyester, can help prevent midges from biting through your clothing.
Another key consideration when selecting clothing to avoid midges is the use of insect-repellent clothing. These specially treated garments are designed to repel insects, including midges, and provide an extra layer of protection against bites. Look for clothing with built-in insect repellent or treat your clothes with a permethrin-based spray for added defense.
Choose Light-Colored Clothing
When it comes to avoiding midges, one effective clothing choice is to opt for light-colored garments. Midges are attracted to dark colors, so wearing light-colored clothes can help reduce the chances of attracting these pesky insects.
Reasons to Choose Light-Colored Clothing:
1. Less Attractive to Midges: Light colors like white, beige, and pastels are less appealing to midges compared to dark colors like black or navy. By wearing light-colored clothing, you can make yourself less visible to these biting insects.
2. Better Visibility: In addition to being less attractive to midges, light-colored clothing also offers better visibility in outdoor settings. This can help you spot midges more easily and take necessary precautions to avoid them.
Avoid Loose-Fitting Clothes
When trying to avoid midges, it’s important to steer clear of loose-fitting clothing. Loose clothes create gaps where midges can easily penetrate and reach your skin. Opt for tight-fitting clothing to create a barrier against these pesky insects.
Choose Snug-Fit Clothing
Snug-fit clothing, such as long-sleeved shirts and pants that fit closely to the skin, can help prevent midges from getting to your skin. Make sure the clothing is not too tight to restrict movement, but snug enough to keep midges out.
Tip: Tuck pants into socks and wear long sleeves to further protect yourself from midges.
Opt for Long-Sleeved Tops
Choosing long-sleeved tops is an effective way to protect yourself from midges while outdoors. The extra coverage provided by long sleeves helps minimize skin exposure, reducing the chances of getting bitten. Opt for breathable, lightweight fabrics to ensure comfort in warmer weather.
Why Choose Long-Sleeved Tops?
Long-sleeved tops offer more protection compared to short sleeves, creating a barrier between your skin and midges. This simple clothing choice can make a significant difference in reducing the annoyance of midge bites.
| Pros | Cons |
| Increased coverage | Less airflow on hot days |
| Reduced skin exposure | Potential need for extra layers in cooler weather |
Wear Long Pants or Skirts
One effective way to avoid midges is to wear long pants or skirts. By covering up your legs with clothing that reaches below the knees, you can greatly reduce the amount of exposed skin that these pesky insects can bite. Opt for lightweight, breathable fabrics to stay comfortable in warmer weather while still protecting yourself from midges. Additionally, tucking your pants into your socks or wearing boots can provide an extra barrier against these tiny pests.
Use Clothing Treated with Insect Repellent
Clothing treated with insect repellent is a highly effective way to protect yourself from midges. These specially treated garments contain insect repellent that helps repel not only midges but also other biting insects.
- Look for clothing that has been treated with permethrin, a synthetic insecticide that repels and kills insects upon contact.
- Opt for clothing from reputable outdoor brands that offer insect-repellent treatments as part of their product lines.
- Choose clothing with a high level of insect repellency, as midges can be persistent and finding garments with strong protection is crucial.
Benefits of Using Insect-Repellent Clothing:
- Provides an additional layer of protection against midges, especially in areas where they are prevalent.
- Eliminates the need for applying messy insect repellent sprays or lotions directly to your skin.
Wear Socks and Closed-Toe Shoes
One of the most effective ways to avoid midge bites is by wearing socks and closed-toe shoes. Midge bites often target the ankles and feet, so providing a physical barrier with socks and closed-toe shoes can help prevent them from reaching your skin.
Opt for thick, long socks that cover your ankles and shoes that fully enclose your feet. This will make it harder for midges to access your skin and reduce the likelihood of getting bitten.
Cover Exposed Skin with a Hat or Scarf
One effective way to avoid midges is to cover exposed skin with a hat or scarf. Midges are attracted to exposed skin, so by covering up, you can minimize the risk of getting bitten.
Choose a Wide-Brimmed Hat
Opt for a wide-brimmed hat to provide added protection for your face, neck, and ears. This will create a barrier between your skin and the midges, reducing the chances of bites.
Wrap a Scarf around Your Neck
Wrapping a scarf around your neck not only adds an extra layer of protection but also adds a stylish touch to your outfit. Choose a scarf made from a breathable material to ensure comfort on warmer days.
Avoid Strong Perfumes or Scents
Midges are attracted to strong scents, including perfumes and scented lotions. When spending time outdoors in midge-infested areas, it is best to avoid using heavily scented products on your body. Opt for unscented or lightly scented products to reduce the risk of attracting midges.
It is also important to avoid using scented detergent or fabric softener on your clothing, as these scents can linger and attract midges. Consider using unscented laundry products or hanging your clothes to dry outdoors to avoid any added scents that could attract midges.
- Avoid using perfumes or heavily scented lotions
- Avoid using scented detergent or fabric softener on clothing
- Opt for unscented or lightly scented products when spending time outdoors
- Hang clothes to dry outdoors to avoid adding scents that could attract midges
Stay Away from Floral or Brightly Colored Clothing
One effective way to avoid attracting midges is to steer clear of wearing floral or brightly colored clothing. Midges are attracted to vibrant colors, especially shades of blue, purple, and pink. By opting for neutral or earth-toned clothing, you can significantly reduce the chances of being targeted by these pesky insects.
Check Your Clothing for Midges Before Entering Your Home
After spending time outdoors in an area known for midges, it’s important to thoroughly inspect your clothing before entering your home. Midges can easily hitch a ride on your clothing and end up in your living space, causing annoyance and potential bites.
Before coming inside, take a moment to shake out your clothing and brush off any visible midges. It’s also a good idea to use a lint roller or sticky tape to remove any tiny insects that may be hiding in the fabric.
For added protection, consider changing into clean clothes before going inside. This will help prevent any stray midges from making their way into your home and causing a nuisance.
By taking these simple precautions, you can help keep midges out of your living space and ensure a more comfortable environment for yourself and your family.
Consider Buying Clothing Specifically Designed to Repel Midges
One effective way to avoid midges is by investing in clothing that is specially designed to repel these pesky insects. These garments are typically treated with insect-repellent chemicals such as permethrin, which can help deter midges from landing on your clothes and biting you.
Benefits of Midge-Repellent Clothing
Midge-repellent clothing not only protects you from bites but also helps to keep midges at bay, reducing the overall nuisance caused by these tiny insects. This can be particularly beneficial when you are spending time outdoors in areas where midges are prevalent.
When choosing clothing for midge protection, look for items that are light and breathable to ensure comfort in warm weather. Opt for long sleeves, pants, and socks to cover as much skin as possible, making it harder for midges to reach areas where they can bite you.