The Science of Midges
The majority of midges don't bite!
Only females have blood sucking tendencies and of the 34 or more species found in Scotland only five like to nibble on human flesh. In fact 90% of midge bites are from just one species, Culicoides impunctatus - the dreaded Highland Midge.
The midge detects the carbon dioxide of exhaled breath and homes into its source for their meal.
It is believed that a hungry midge can sense a suitable blood host from up to 100 metres away. As they follow the plume of carbon dioxide the tiny insects detect scents from their target that help direct them to the animal on which they can feed.
Despite their apparent penchant for human blood, the biting midge's favourite tipple is actually a larger mammal, such as a cow.
The Midgeater® works by mimicking a large animal, emitting carbon dioxide mixed with a special scented bait which makes the midge think that it has found a bovine meal. However, midges which follow the plume of carbon dioxide to its source find only the Midgeater®.
