Yesterdays run was all about Midge munching. Scientific name: Culicoides impunctatus. There were myriad swarms of these insects in the local woodland, especially around the boggy parts and the stream. It was impossible not to inhale them as I plunged open mouthed and gasping along the trails. Ironic really as they are well known for gathering in clouds and biting humans. Biting them is a bit like man bites dog. Or midge. I was a human cloud of one taking my protein on the fly so to speak. Midges are notorious UK summer pests, this species is responsible for 90% of the midge bites to humans. Bastards.
The following solutions no runner in midge country should leave home without:
- Natural body smells – don’t wash, or use shampoo, scent or aftershave. This may cause concern for your fellow runners!
- Citrus, lemon, citronella oil or candles – flying and biting insects hate the smell of citrus
- Yeast tablets, or yeast in the blood from drinking beer
- Bog myrtle
- White tea tree
- Witch hazel
- Lavender
- Garlic – odourless garlic tablets taken for about a week before any possible midge encounters.
- Mosquito coils, the smoke will deter most flying bugs.
- Zam-Buk – herbal balm and ointment
- Face nets.
- Mozzie zappers – these are battery-powered lights that lure the unsuspecting bugs to their doom, frying them on the hot metal mesh.
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