Midges are tiny flies that are prevalent in many outdoor environments, particularly in the summer months. While they may seem harmless, their bites can be irritating and ruin an otherwise enjoyable outdoor experience. To avoid these pesky insects, it is important to dress appropriately to deter them from landing on your skin.
One of the most effective ways to prevent midge bites is to cover up exposed skin with clothing. Wear long sleeves, long pants, and socks to minimize the amount of skin that is accessible to midges. Additionally, opt for light-colored clothing, as midges are attracted to dark colors. Tucking pants into socks and wearing a hat with a mosquito net can provide additional protection.
Choosing the right fabric can also help prevent midge bites. Midges can bite through thin fabrics, so opt for thicker materials like denim or tight-weave synthetic fabrics. Avoid wearing loose-fitting clothing, as midges can easily crawl underneath and reach your skin. Clothing treated with insect repellent or permethrin can also be effective in deterring midges.
Wear light-colored clothing
Midges are attracted to dark colors, so wearing light-colored clothing can help deter them from landing on you. Light colors like white, beige, light blue, or light pink are less attractive to midges than dark colors like black or navy.
Avoid wearing floral or fruity scents
Midges are attracted to sweet and strong scents, so it’s best to avoid wearing perfumes or lotions that have floral or fruity fragrances. Opt for unscented products to help reduce your chances of attracting midges.
Choose long-sleeved shirts and long pants
One of the best ways to avoid midges is to cover up as much skin as possible. Opt for long-sleeved shirts and long pants to reduce the amount of exposed skin that midges can bite. This will not only help protect you from midge bites but also from other potential irritants in the environment.
Opt for loose-fitting clothing
One way to avoid midges when dressing is to opt for loose-fitting clothing. Tight clothing can make it easier for midges to bite through your clothes, while loose-fitting clothing creates a barrier between your skin and the bugs. Additionally, loose clothing allows for better airflow, which can help keep midges away from your body.
| Do | Don’t |
|---|---|
| Wear loose-fitting tops and pants | Wear tight-fitting clothing |
| Choose long sleeves and pants | Opt for shorts and short sleeves |
| Use lightweight, breathable fabrics | Wear heavy fabrics that trap heat |
Use insect repellent on exposed skin
One of the most effective ways to avoid midges is to use insect repellent on any exposed skin. Look for insect repellents that contain DEET, picaridin, or lemon eucalyptus oil, as these ingredients are known to be effective against midges. Be sure to apply the repellent to all exposed areas of skin, including your arms, legs, neck, and face. Reapply the insect repellent as directed on the product label, especially if you are sweating or spending a lot of time outdoors. This simple step can help protect you from irritating midge bites while you enjoy the great outdoors.
Wear a hat with a mosquito net
One effective way to protect yourself from midges is to wear a hat with a built-in mosquito net. This will create a physical barrier between your face and the pesky insects, preventing them from landing on you and biting. Make sure the netting is fine enough to keep even the smallest midges out.
| Pros | Cons |
| Provides effective protection | May feel hot and uncomfortable |
| Easy to carry and use | Can impair visibility |
Wear socks and closed-toe shoes
One effective way to avoid midges is to wear socks and closed-toe shoes. Midges are known to be attracted to exposed skin, so covering your feet with socks and closed-toe shoes can help prevent them from biting you.
Opt for socks that cover your ankles completely and choose shoes that fully enclose your feet. This will create a physical barrier between your skin and the midges, reducing the chances of getting bitten.
Additionally, wearing light-colored socks and shoes can help deter midges, as they are attracted to dark colors. Consider wearing socks and shoes made of breathable materials to stay comfortable while protecting yourself from these pesky insects.
Cover your hands with gloves
One of the most susceptible areas to midge bites are your hands. To protect yourself, it’s essential to cover your hands with gloves. Opt for lightweight, breathable gloves that still provide adequate coverage. Look for gloves made of a tightly woven fabric that can effectively block midges from getting through.
Avoid wearing bright colors
Midges are attracted to bright colors, so it is best to avoid wearing clothing in hues such as yellow, pink, and orange when you are in areas where midges are prevalent.
Opt for clothing in neutral tones like beige, khaki, or olive green to blend in with your surroundings and make yourself less of a target for these pesky insects.
Consider wearing permethrin-treated clothing
Permethrin is a synthetic chemical that repels and kills insects, including midges. Treating your clothing with permethrin can provide an extra layer of protection against these pesky bugs.
How does it work?
Permethrin works by disrupting the nervous system of insects, causing paralysis and eventually death. When applied to clothing, it creates a barrier that repels midges and other insects, making it harder for them to bite you.
Consider investing in permethrin-treated clothing or treating your existing clothing with a permethrin spray to help reduce the number of midge bites you experience.
Stay away from areas with standing water
One of the best ways to avoid midges is to stay away from areas with standing water. Midges breed and lay their eggs in damp areas, such as marshes, ponds, and lakes. By avoiding these areas, you can significantly reduce your chances of coming into contact with midges.
If you’re planning a hike or outdoor activity, make sure to choose routes that steer clear of standing water. Stick to well-maintained trails and open fields, and avoid dense vegetation where midges are more likely to hide. By being mindful of your surroundings and avoiding areas where midges thrive, you can minimize your risk of being bitten.
Wash your clothes with insect-repellent detergent
One effective way to avoid midges is to wash your clothes with insect-repellent detergent. These detergents contain ingredients that can help keep insects, including midges, at bay. By washing your clothes with such detergent, you can create a barrier that may deter midges from landing on your clothing.
- Choose a detergent specifically formulated to repel insects, preferably one that contains permethrin or another insect-repelling ingredient.
- Follow the instructions on the detergent packaging for optimal results.
- Make sure to thoroughly wash all your outdoor clothing, including socks, hats, and jackets, with the insect-repellent detergent.