IanB Posted July 31, 2008 Posted July 31, 2008 Having been brought up in the Highlands I thought I new a lot about midgies, but now I know that they can tunnel through window seals. A couple of nights ago we wild camped by Loch Glascarnoch, South of Ullapool, and settled down for a peaceful evening, but our peace was shattered by the arrival of an army of midgies. We eventually traced their entry points to the rubber seals around the side cab windows and the rear door windows. (We have an East Neuk Camper based on an 06 reg Ducato). Is it possible that they can get through a window seal, or could it be that midgie eggs had been laid in the seals on a previous trip and hatched on the night in question? It was quite scary watching them rising from the seals - almost like a horror movie. A few squirts of repellent purchased next morning in Ullapool soon sorted them out, but is repellent safe to use on rubber seals. Any info gratefully received.
ROON Posted July 31, 2008 Posted July 31, 2008 I don't know Ian, but you have proved I am a lazy reader .... I thought your topic was 'The Dreaded Highland Maggie!' My mind was boggling. 8-)
Usinmyknaus Posted August 1, 2008 Posted August 1, 2008 Ian B. What was the repellent that "soon sorted them out" please? At Rhandirmwyn in June my son and I met their Cymru cousins with predictable results. The little beggars shot straight through my Knaus's insect screens and took no notice of two citronella candles and a high street chemist's own brand repellant. Bob
IanB Posted August 1, 2008 Author Posted August 1, 2008 The repellent is called Lifesystems Expedition Insect Repellent, comes in a 50ml spray bottle and costs £5 in the outdoor gear shop in Ullapool. Probably cheaper further south.
Hymer C 9. Posted August 1, 2008 Posted August 1, 2008 Don't know if the stuff you put on your windows to stop them could harm the seal, but I have heard many people say they can get though seals no trouble at all. Carol.
Ranger Posted August 2, 2008 Posted August 2, 2008 Yes Bob, We call them Rhanirmwyn Miffs, like you say they come in through the Net of the insect screens. We in the West Wales centre of the Caravan Club have rallied there, but I avoid the place now, used to leave the outside light on so that they gathered around that instead of coming into the van. Did not work very well so we don't go there now. Miffs are very small but their bite is worse than the Highland Midgies. I have had Highland Midgies come in around the edges of window flyscreens but thankfully not cab window rubbers as far as I know, they are getting too smart, watching too much SciFi: on telly. I once had a suspicion that they were getting in through the cab blown air ducts, but perhaps they were getting in around the window rubber seals, like IanBs ???
Usinmyknaus Posted August 3, 2008 Posted August 3, 2008 Thanks Ian I'll get some and keep it in the van. Bob
Usinmyknaus Posted August 3, 2008 Posted August 3, 2008 Ranger, you're right about the bites. I was amazed that something so small had such a powerful bite! They very easily became infected too. Lovely site and great location though, with very helpful wardens. Next time I'll be armed with IanB's remedy. Bob
bigal55 Posted August 9, 2008 Posted August 9, 2008 this is what you need, this was on a site at st maries de la mer, next to the camargue, scale, the base is 3mtrs high.sadly the mossies were winning, only stayed one night then retreated to the aire.
bigal55 Posted August 9, 2008 Posted August 9, 2008 this is what you need, this was on a site at st maries de la mer, next to the camargue, scale, the base is 3mtrs high.sadly the mossies were winning, only stayed one night then retreated to the aire.
bigal55 Posted August 9, 2008 Posted August 9, 2008 this is what you need, this was on a site at st maries de la mer, next to the camargue, scale, the base is 3mtrs high.sadly the mossies were winning, only stayed one night then retreated to the aire.
howie Posted August 9, 2008 Posted August 9, 2008 It might be the seals or ducts etc. Ian, but the most likely explanation is, as you mentioned, previously laid eggs hatching when conditions are right. Happened to us a few times, with the extractor fan vent being a favourite most probably due to fatty deposits collecting there and providing a ideal nest for the parent. Not a very pleasant experience, and the only way of dealing with it is a spray of previously mentioned repellants as soon as you spot the problem, with a generous application to other suspect areas when the van is not in use to hopefully prevent further 'swarms'.
bigal55 Posted August 10, 2008 Posted August 10, 2008 bigal55 - 2008-08-09 9:12 PM this is what you need, this was on a site at st maries de la mer, next to the camargue, scale, the base is 3mtrs high.sadly the mossies were winning, only stayed one night then retreated to the aire. DOH FORGOT TO RESIZE THE PICCY
duffers Posted August 10, 2008 Posted August 10, 2008 Hello, we find that Scotland is an excellent place to buy insect repellent and anti-histamine, ;-) I think it must be the large scale purchasing that they can do ;-) - found this as regards prices http://preview.tinyurl.com/5dvawb ray
argyler Posted August 11, 2008 Posted August 11, 2008 Sense has an 's' in it - not a 'c'. Unless you meant scents. >:-(
Mikey Posted August 27, 2008 Posted August 27, 2008 Web site that may help http://www.midgeforecast.co.uk/2008/ however if visiting Scotland suggest you head up the East side
Champstar Posted August 27, 2008 Posted August 27, 2008 Just take some of the avon skin so soft (green bottle) and enjoy the wonderful scenery of the west coast..if you like the rain that is :-D :-D
maggyd Posted August 30, 2008 Posted August 30, 2008 Champstar - 2008-08-27 6:44 PM Just take some of the avon skin so soft (green bottle) and enjoy the wonderful scenery of the west coast..if you like the rain that is :-D :-D A friend I recomended that to said it didnt work for them 8-) I thought it was good though.
Rayjsj Posted September 6, 2008 Posted September 6, 2008 Avon 'Skin so soft' worked for me on the isle of Mull this year,(although i did get some funny sideways looks in 'the gents) I thought it smelled very 'nice'. However it didn't stop a Tick from Biting into my belly 'roll' After 'De-Ticking' the dog I then had to 'do myself' (the missus refused !). Lovely scenery but a bit 'Damp'. Main consolation seeing a 'White tailed Sea Eagle' see off a band of Ravens who got too close to her nest. unforgettable ! Midges.........No problem. :D :D
MandyAndy Posted September 7, 2008 Posted September 7, 2008 I have a real dislike for mosquito's and wasps which seem to be in abundance this year in France, particularly the wasps. Saw this recommended on another forum and gave it a try, worked great and was as simple as they say to errect, a single piece of material that packs away easily and squashes to whatever shape you wish. http://www.niczoom.com/fly/index.html They can be custom made but you do need an awning on the van. Hope it helps Mandy
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