Why Midges and Ticks Love the Moor

There are few better feelings than a long day on the heather, with curlew calls carrying across the valley and the smell of peat under your boots. But the same damp, mild, rough country that makes British moorland so special also suits midges and ticks. Midges are tiny biting flies, most active from May to September, especially in still, humid conditions at dawn and dusk. They gather near bog pools, bracken and sheltered hollows. Ticks are small arachnids that wait on grass and heather, sensing the carbon dioxide we breathe. They are active from early spring to late autumn, with peaks in spring and again in autumn. Neither should keep you indoors. A little preparation turns a good walk into a comfortable one.

Dress for the Bite: Long Clothing That Works

The simplest defence is a barrier. On warm days it is tempting to walk in shorts and a vest, but on the moor you will be glad of long sleeves and full-length trousers. Choose light-coloured fabrics: ticks show up easily against pale trousers, and midges are slightly less drawn to light tones. Tuck your trousers into your socks or gaiters, not just for ticks but for the rough ground and boggy patches. A wide-brimmed hat keeps midges away from your ears and neck, and a midge head net weighs almost nothing in your pack. Breathable fabrics such as merino wool or technical synthetics will keep you cool without leaving skin exposed.

• Long-sleeved top and full-length trousers, even in summer.
• Tuck trousers into socks or gaiters to close the gap at the ankle.
• Light-coloured clothing makes ticks easier to spot.
• Pack a midge head net for still evenings and a light scarf or buff for your neck.
• Choose tightly woven, breathable fabrics rather than loose knits.

Repellents and Timing: Simple Defences

Repellents are not a magic shield, but they buy you comfort. For exposed skin, look for products containing 20–50% DEET or around 20% picaridin (also called icaridin). Oil of lemon eucalyptus and IR3535 are gentler alternatives, though they need more frequent reapplication. Apply to skin, not under clothing, and avoid your eyes, mouth and any broken skin. For clothing, boots and rucksacks, permethrin-based treatments can kill ticks on contact, but never apply permethrin directly to your skin. Reapply repellent every few hours, and sooner if you are sweating.

Timing matters as much as chemistry. Midges are worst in the hour around dawn and dusk, and in still, damp air. Walk on breezy ridges and open ground when you can, and save your sheltered picnic spot for a windy day. Ticks are less fussy, but they are most numerous in long grass, bracken and heather, so keep to paths where possible. If you stop for lunch, sit on a rock or a dry patch rather than in deep vegetation, and shake out your clothing before you move on.

Walking Routes and Rural Life

Moorland is a working landscape as well as a wild one. You may meet sheep, cattle, grouse, curlew, golden plover and the occasional adder. Give wildlife space, keep dogs on leads from March to July when ground-nesting birds are vulnerable, and close gates behind you. Farmers and crofters are often the reason these places remain open to walkers, so a friendly hello and a willingness to step aside go a long way. If you see a tick on your sleeve, remove it before it finds skin. If you find one attached, deal with it promptly rather than waiting until you get home.

The Daily Check: Find Ticks Before They Feed

Once you are back at the car or your accommodation, check your whole body within a few hours. Ticks prefer warm, moist places: armpits, groin, behind the knees, the waistband, the hairline, ears, the belly button and between the toes. Use a mirror or ask someone to help. Check children and dogs carefully too, as ticks can hide in fur and folds of skin. Remove any tick with fine-tipped tweezers or a dedicated tick tool. Grasp the tick as close to the skin as you can and pull steadily upwards. Do not twist, squeeze, burn or cover it with petroleum jelly or alcohol. Clean the bite with antiseptic and note the date.

Keep an eye on the bite for up to 30 days. An expanding circular rash, sometimes described as a bullseye, or flu-like symptoms such as fever, headache and aching joints, can be signs of Lyme disease. If either appears, contact your GP and mention that you have been walking in moorland. Early treatment with antibiotics is usually straightforward and effective. Midge bites are less serious but can be maddening: an antihistamine cream or oral antihistamine can help, and try not to scratch, as broken skin can become infected.

After the Walk: Kit, Laundry and Peace of Mind

Before you drive home, shake out your rucksack, boots and clothing. When you get back, wash walking clothes at as high a temperature as the fabric allows, and tumble dry if possible, as heat helps kill any ticks. A shower gives you another chance to check your skin. Keep a simple tick diary on your phone or in a notebook: date, location on the body, and how you removed it. That record is useful if you later feel unwell. There is no need to be fearful of the moors. With long clothing, a reliable repellent, a bit of timing and a daily check, you can enjoy the heather, the curlew and the wide skies with confidence. The hills will still be there next weekend, and you will be ready for them.