Do you know about the Irish midge, those pesky little bugs that swarm around in the outdoors, especially in the evening hours?
This is a bug warning for all tourists planning a trip to the Emerald Isle.
Don't worry, Ireland is not a paradise for bugs, like some tropical tourist destinations. No fear of cockroaches, or monster mosquitoes! No need to start anti-malarial medication before your trip.
Many tourists wonder if Ireland is home to mosquitoes. Trust me - it's the midge and not the mosquito that you need to worry about in this little corner of Europe.
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Midges In Ireland
But be warned! During the summer months, Ireland is home to the mosquito's most annoying cousin, albeit a thirty-first cousin of the state bird of Texas. The insect in question is the infamous Irish “midge.”
Last year on our annual pilgrimage to Donegal, we parked our car to let the kids pile out, and watch a small herd of deer bounding across the heather carpeted hillside. Not thinking, we left all the windows open in the car. Before we knew what was happening, a swarm of midges surrounded us.
“Get back in the car,” I screamed out. The kids looked at me as if I was being attached by a pack of zombies.
“Hurry, hurry,” I urged, as I flapped my hands in the air, whacking at the midges, shooing the kids in the general direction of the car. They piled in as fast as they could, never before having witnessed Mom in such a frenzy. But the windows at the back were the old fashioned wind-up kind. We were too late.
Lo and behold the car was swarming with little, flying nasties.
“Drive! Drive!” I urged my husband, as I stretched my hand back to reopen the rear windows. “Faster! Faster!”
We drove through Donegal with all four windows open. I flapped a magazine around trying to shoo them out, stun them, wallop them, decapitate them or whatever the case may be.
Word got out fast. Surviving midge friends feasted on my legs in revenge. They just loved my sweet tasting blood. My husband says I am the best bug repellant ever. He just needs to stand beside me and not one nibbling midge touches him.
It took over 30 minutes of open window driving, and violent magazine whacking, to tame the swarm.
I was so sorry I did not have a bottle of Skin-So-Soft in my purse, or the old fashioned cologne, 4711. They hate that stuff. Wearing it may keep a few humans at bay too, but a small price to pay for a midge-free outing.
Midges vs Mosquitos
Midges may look very similar to mosquitos, but there are some subtle and important differences between the two species.
Midges’ wings are shorter than their body span. In contrast mosquitoes have wings that are slightly longer than the length of their body.
Now the good news is that a midge does not have a needle-like projection in its mouth, so it does not have the ability to suck your blood like a mosquito.
Midges also form mating swarms at dawn or dusk, a behavior not common to mosquitoes.
August and September are the peak periods you need to be most wary of mosquitoes, but midges are an issue all summer long.
Are there mosquitoes in Ireland?
The simple answer is yes - there are mosquitoes in Ireland. There are around 18 types of mosquito in Ireland but the mosqutio populations are relatively small.
However, the good news is that Irish mosquitoes do not carry the typical range of diseases and infections that they carry in tropical regions of the world. No need to worry about malaria in Ireland, or the other communicable diseases these vector insects transfer to humans such as yellow fever, Zika virus, Dengue fever, West Nile virus or chikungunya fever.
Mosquitoes in Ireland can be seen hovering over bodies of still water, marshy areas, and boggy places, especially in the late summer and into early autumn if the temperatures stay warm.
Irish adult mosquitoes get killed off in the winter because of our colder climate. They survive as eggs usually in soil, and the number that emerge when temperatures get warmer depend on overwinter rainfall and temperatures. Our summers are also not warm enough to support large populations of these nasty little pests.
The potential risk of rising populations and increasing breeding sites with the effects of climate change is being monitored by government and university health protection surveillance centres. The HSE (the Irish Health Services Exequtive) dedicates resources to surveillance activities and collaboration with researchers to monitor Ireland's bug issues including spiders and tics which carry Lyme disease.
Tips for Dealing with Midges When Visiting Ireland
Midges are so tiny, it amazes me how much of a nuisance they can be. Here are some interesting facts about these pesky, little bugs.
- Apparently only the female midges bite, and they only bite when they are pregnant, for a second or third time.
- Blood is what they are after, to feed their young 'uns.
- Luckily for us, they do not carry any diseases, like sleeping sickness, or malaria.
- Biting midges fly in swarms, and when I say swarms, I mean big, old, menacing swarms.
- They like warm, humid climates, so they emerge en masse during the damp, relatively warm, Irish summer months.
- If the wind is high, they get blown away, so you will encounter them inland more so than on the coast.
- They are not fast movers, so sometimes if you run, you can out pace them.
- They do not like bright sunshine, so they love Ireland. The lack of bright sun shine during most Irish summers, suits the midges just fine.
- Evening is their favorite time of day. Swarms can often be seen hovering over bushes and trees during the twilight hours.
- The bite does not hurt, but if you scratch, the site can get irritated.
Advice About Midges for Tourists to Ireland
So here is my advice for tourists:
- Pack some insect repellant.
- Pack some anti-histamine cream in case you do get a few bites, and need to help ease itchiness and reduce any swelling.
- Wear light colored clothes with long sleeves and long pants. Midges are attracted to dark colors.
- And please, learn from our mistake. Close your car windows if you pop out to do some sight seeing, even if you only step a few yards from your car, for the briefest of moments.
- Do not scratch! Resist the itch! Hold out! The tickle will disappear, only if you wait and DO NOT SCRATCH.
- O.K let's face it! No normal human can hold out against a niggling itch. If you do scratch, remember the anti-histamine in step 2.
- My final piece of advice - pack some alcohol swabs. A lady in New York years ago gave me this advice to reducing the itch of bites. If there is no open skin, rub the bite with an alcohol swab. It takes the itch away. Maybe a dab of Irish whiskey will do the trick in the Emerald Isle.
And another word of warning, for anyone planning a trip to Scotland. The midges are even more dense there than in Ireland. Midges in Scotland swarm together like crazy, especially at dusk.
Wishing you all happy, midge free travels, in the beautiful land of my birth and across the sea in Scotland. But heed my advice - be prepared.
Ireland is a beautiful destination, but be prepared for a few unexpected bugs.
Thanks for following my recipes and ramblings.
Slán agus beannacht,
(Goodbye and blessings)
Mairéad -Irish American Mom
Pronunciation - slawn ah-gus ban-ock-th
Mairéad - rhymes with parade
Here are some more recipes and ramblings you might enjoy...
denis
Interested to read your account of the Irish midges. They are not nice but if you think they are bad keep well clear of Scotland. Irish midges have a lot to learn from them.
Irish American Mom
Dear Denis - I have often heard the Scottish midge is a force to be reckoned with. I have not yet visited Scotland, but I will watch out for midges when I finally make it there.
All the best,
Mairéad
Loreto Weir
After suffering many bites and the resulting huge bumps all over me, I once again turned to the Internet to see if they was any solution. No solutions but got a laugh from your page....thank you. Happen to me only recently, all windows opened, car switched off so couldn't close the electric windows. I ended up with huge bumps all down my face, my neck, even down my back. To make matters worse I was on my way to a concert. I think I spend most of it scratching...Yes I am one of those unfortunate ones that midges are really attracted to. Even my boys copped that early in life and it was only years later I realised why they always stayed at my side during school sports days... On a lighter note I did received a sample jar of Chickweed ointment from a herbalist and boy does it work to stop the itching...will be buying more. Now that and 4711 perfume and I'm sorted.
Irish American Mom
Loreto - I can empathize with you completely. I am our family's midge bait when we are in Ireland, and in America the mosquitoes go to town on me. We must be extra sweet. That's my story, and I'm sticking to it.
I'm so glad you found my website, and thanks for adding to our discussion of the infamous Irish midge.
All the best,
Mairéad
Paddy Banks
Ah they have been around me for years, lol, they only bother me if I am painting outside, they stick to the wet paint, and well away we go again. enjoyed your story. Stay Safe.
Irish American Mom
Paddy - Glad you enjoyed my little midge tale. They love to bite me when I'm in Ireland, but after living in Florida and Texas for over 10 years, I have realized the poor little Irish midge is in the hal'penny place compared to the American mosquito. In Texas, mosquitoes are so big people say they could be the state birds. Boy do they love to bite.
Anyway thanks for stopping by, and you too stay safe, especially when you're painting.
All the best,
Mairéad
macker
Total hyperbole... amusing but total exageration.. midges are harmless and pose no more than a passing irritation mostly when one plays field sport and the odd one gets inhaled.. my advice when midges are about... have a smoke.. that ll piss them off
Irish American Mom
Some good advice, Macker. Thanks so much for adding a great tip. I'll have to take up smoking the next time in Ireland for the summer, because they love to chew my legs. Don't know if I'm sweet or sour, but what ever it is they go for me.
All the best,
Mairéad
Brindle itch
itt wouldn't be Ireland without the midges. I'm scratching and I've only been here 3 days. But I still don't think they're a patch on the Scottish beggars they eat you alive from dawn till dusk. But the beauty of both countries far out ways the discomfort from been an insects dinner tea and supper. Lol.
Irish American Mom
I've heard the midges in Scotland are at least twice the size of our Irish ones. Probably like the mosquitoes in Texas - there they say the mosquitoes are like the state bird they're so big.
All the best, and thanks for stopping by.
Maréad
Tourist Steve
We just returned from a 8-day tour of your beautiful country. No one warned us of this pest, so we just casually swatted away at the little critters. My wife did not get bitten. I have bites on neck, face, arms. I scratched so probably made it worse. It's been 3 days, how long before the itching stops?
Loreto
I,m afraid the only cure is to stop scratching and to stop the itch you will need to take a non drowsy Anti-Histamine. Can be purchased over the counter at any chemist. Some people are more sensitive to midges bites than others and can affect them more, me included in that list.
Irish American Mom
Hi Loreto - Thanks so much for these tips for Steve. Itchy bites are so annoying.
All the best,
Mairéad
Irish American Mom
Hi Steve - Not scratching is the hardest thing to do, but the best way to stop the itching. Anti-histamine cream works well. If your still in Ireland Antisan is very good, but if you're back in America an over the counter anti-histamine cram will work.
Midges are a nuisance, especially if they like you.
All the best,
Mairéad
Tourist Steve
Thanks for the sage advice. I am attempting to not scratch and will get antihistamine cream as well. Yes, the midges like me but not as much as I like Ireland! Steve
Irish American Mom
Glad to hear that Steve. Enjoy the rest of your stay in Ireland, and I hope the sun shines for your trip.
All the best,
Mairéad
Michael
Talk of drama. That discription is total exaggeration
Irish American Mom
Thanks for your two cents worth, Michael. Perhaps the midges are not as fond of you as of others.
All the best,
Mairéad
Loreto
Michael, midges can be pretty nasty, my nephew, a stappping lad of 23 often went training outside in the evenings got so badly bitten couple of weeks ago he had to go on a course of antibiotics. His whole body broke out and he never had much problems with them before that. So prevention is definitly best course of action, everyone could have a totally different reaction to the bites, just because one person has no reaction to the bites does not mean the next person wont.
Irish American Mom
Hi Loreto - So sorry to hear your nephew had such a bad reaction to midge bites. If midges like you, they like you, and I hate to have to say they love to bite me too. I hope the antibiotics worked quickly to clear up your nephew's reaction.
All the best,
Mairéad
David
Spent a month vacation (road trip) from the 'States in beautiful Ireland, we encountered on many occasions this notorious and vicious little biter.
I'm wondering if the effect varies greatly from person-to-person. I can say with certainty that in my case (and the case of my Romanian friend also on vacation), the bite did indeed HURT. But the inflammatory reaction, the "bump" did not last long and did not itch fiercely (it did itch some, but not as bad as a mosquito bite at least not in our cases). However it did HURT significantly more than a mosquito bite during the nibbling process, so much that we were amazed that a speck with wings could hurt so out-of-proportion.
We were bitten dozens of times on three occasions at least.
Great post BTW, thanks for sharing the information!
Irish American Mom
Hi David - Like you, I believe midges are more attracted to some people than others, just like mosquitoes. My husband calls me his bug repellent, since if he stands anywhere near me, they leave him alone and nibble on me. Midges definitely don't bite everyone, but as a recipient of their bites I agree with you, that their bite hurts more than a mosquito bite at the time of the nibble. However, the inflammation does not last as long. I wish I knew the scientific explanation for this. Thanks so much for checking out my post. I really appreciate you stopping by. Glad to hear you were fortunate to be able to spend a whole month touring Ireland, even if it meant a few encounters with these infamous little nibblers.
Best wishes,
Mairéad
Paddy
Many years ago I was a member of a Mountaineering Club in Ireland We were very active with trips to Wales Scotland Wicklow and Kerry to climb And walk all the ridges mostly in winter as we all loved the snow and ice and had an opportunity to test our Mountain skills with crampons and ice axes We had many scary moments over the years in some dreadful weather conditions and survived them all and our fitness stood us in good stead. The only time that utter pandemonium happened was in Glenmalure Valley at our annual summer BBQ. We camped overnight after we were well fed and watered after a great night and sing song. Around 5am I was awoken buy screams from the tent beside where six of the lads were camping screams that you would only have for finding a dead body or been pushed out of a plane with no parachute. A black cloud of Midges had descended on their tent and they had no mosquito net like me To see grown men afraid of nothing who had climbed up vertical cliffs with no fear desend into utter chaos as the midges attacked was a sight to behold as they jumped into their cars and pulled the tent from the ground with the guy ropes as they drove off screaming dragging the tent behind them What a laugh we all had at next meeting and the camp in Glenmalure went down in history as the most terrifying time the club ever had.So glad I had midges proof tent. Have scratched many times typing this.
Irish American Mom
Thanks so much for sharing your story, Paddy. That was some swarm of midges to make hardened mountaineers scream for their lives. I know what it's like when they attack. There's no stopping them once they surround you or your poor defenseless tent. I've been accused of exaggerating my experience with the Donegal midges, but it's great to have your story now to back up the ferocity of my tale of the midges.
Thanks so much for stopping by,
Mairéad
Padraig Ó Braonain
Your midge story was not exaggerated at all. This morning I stepped out of my house (I live up on a bog in Connemara Co Galway) to take a mobile phone call and was immediately set upon by thousands, hundreds of thousands of midges. I rushed back into the house but they followed me in, biting hard all the time...I hate these awful creatures. There was no wind at the time, there usually is wind in Galway, and it was overcast...I wouldn't dare go out again...at least until the wind picks up or the sun re-appears....Itching itching itching.
Irish American Mom
Hi Padraig - The Galway and Donegal midges are not to be underestimated. They are ferocious in swarms. Thanks so much for supporting the veracity of my midge attack description. Only those who have experienced a midge swarm truly understand. I hope you get a few puffs of wind soon to blow the midges away so you can venture out again soon.
Thanks so much for stopping by,
Mairéad ☘
Ken Roberts
There is a brand new patented Midge repellent device that works and has never been done before. It's called 'The Smokin' Midge'. Check it out 🙂
Irish American Mom
Hi Ken - Thanks so much for this information. It might help some travelers to Ireland keep the midges at bay.
All the best,
Mairéad