Meet the midges and ticks of the British uplands

Summer in the fells is glorious: long days, purple heather, the call of a curlew. It is also, unfortunately, peak season for two of our most persistent biting invertebrates. Midges and ticks are part of upland life, but they need not ruin a walk. With a bit of knowledge and a few simple habits, you can enjoy the hills from May to September without spending the evening scratching or worrying about what might be embedded in your calf.

Midges are tiny, grey-black flies that swarm in still, damp air, especially near water and bracken. They are most active at dawn and dusk, and on overcast, humid days with little breeze. Ticks are small arachnids that wait on vegetation — bracken, long grass, woodland edges — and latch onto passing walkers. They are active whenever the temperature rises above about 7°C, so summer is when most of us encounter them.

Midges: timing, repellents and a good head net

Midges are weak fliers. A steady breeze of even 5 mph keeps them grounded, so choose exposed ridges, sea cliffs and breezy corries when you can. Avoid walking through still, shaded woodland at dusk. If you must be out at peak midge time, cover up and use a repellent.

For skin, repellents with 20–50% DEET or 20% picaridin (icaridin) are effective. Apply to exposed skin — face, neck, hands, ankles — and reapply every few hours. DEET damages synthetic fabrics and plastic, so keep it off your map case. Picaridin is gentler on gear.

A midge head net is the single best piece of kit. Choose a fine mesh (at least 600 holes per square inch) and wear it over a cap so it stays off your face. Tuck it into your collar. Some walkers also carry a small bottle of oil of citronella or a midge repellent stick for wrists and ankles.

Clothing that keeps ticks and midges at bay

Your first line of defence is a physical barrier. Wear long trousers tucked into socks or gaiters, and a long-sleeved top. Light-coloured clothing helps you spot ticks before they reach skin, and midges are less attracted to pale fabrics than dark ones. Tightly woven fabrics — not loose knits — make it harder for midges to bite through.

For ticks, treat clothing with permethrin (spray or wash-in). Never apply it to skin. It kills ticks on contact and lasts several washes. Treat trousers, socks, gaiters and your rucksack. Combine with a repellent on exposed skin.

A lightweight windproof layer helps on breezy days, but on still, humid ones you may prefer a midge-proof jacket with a fine mesh hood. Avoid strong scents — perfumes and scented sunscreen attract insects.

Ticks: avoid the bracken, check early

Ticks do not jump or fly. They climb to the tip of a blade of grass or bracken frond and wait, front legs outstretched, for a passing host. This is why staying on paths and avoiding brushing through dense vegetation dramatically reduces your risk. Where you must leave the path, move deliberately and check yourself often.

During a walk, pause at lunch to check your arms, legs and waist. Ticks can take hours to find a feeding site, so early removal is easier. In a group, check each other's backs and hair. A small mirror helps solo walkers.

After the walk: full checks and safe removal

Within a few hours of finishing your walk, do a thorough tick check. Strip off and use a mirror. Pay close attention to warm, moist areas: armpits, groin, behind the knees, the navel, the hairline, ears and the back of the neck. Ticks can be as small as a poppy seed, so look carefully.

If you find an attached tick, remove it promptly with fine-tipped tweezers. Grasp the tick as close to your skin as possible and pull steadily upwards without twisting. Do not squeeze the body, burn it, or cover it with oil or Vaseline — these methods can make the tick regurgitate into your bloodstream. Clean the bite with antiseptic and note the date.

For the next 30 days, watch for a red rash that spreads outwards like a bullseye, or flu-like symptoms such as fever, headache and joint aches. If either appears, see your GP and mention the tick bite. Early treatment of Lyme disease is straightforward and effective.

Midge bites are less serious but maddening. Wash with cool water, apply an antihistamine cream, and resist scratching. A cool compress or witch hazel can calm the itch.

A simple summer fell routine

• Before you go: check the forecast for wind. A breezy day means fewer midges. Pack repellent, head net, tweezers and a small mirror.
• On the walk: wear long trousers tucked into socks, treat clothing with permethrin, and apply repellent to exposed skin. Stay on paths through bracken and long grass.
• After the walk: full body check within hours. Remove any ticks carefully. Note the date and monitor for symptoms.
• In camp: pitch away from water and in a breeze. Keep the tent zipped. A midge head net and a small coil can make evening meals bearable.

Midges and ticks are part of the upland experience, but they are manageable. A little preparation — the right repellent, sensible clothing, and a routine of checks — means you can focus on the views, the wildlife and the sheer joy of a long summer day on the fells.