When you go hiking or camping in the UK you need to make sure you plan ahead for insect bites. You need to take especial care when you have children or babies with you, as they are particularly vulnerable and not all insect repellents can be used on them. Finding out what insect to watch out for, in a particular area, will insure that your camping or hiking trip isn’t spoiled by insect bites.

If you have a severe allergic reaction to an insect bite, such as fever, joint pain, vomiting and headaches go to a hospital and let a doctor check you out.

Here are some insects that you need to watch out for in the UK:

Midges
The biggest insect problem in the UK are the midges. Midges are a mosquito like insect, but they are smaller. They are the worst in the North and West of Scotland, in the months from June to August. They can really spoil a hiking or camping trip quickly and you need to be prepared. Basically any insect repellent that works on mosquitoes will also work on midges. But, normal mosquito nets don’t work, you need the finer midge nets.

Ticks
Ticks are mostly a problem in the summer months, but with the climate change this might be extending into spring and autumn. Humans can get very sick from tick bites, it pays to plan ahead.

Bed bugs
Bed bugs have become a problem all over Europe since they stopped using DDT. I recommend that you spray your bags inside and out before and after traveling, with insecticide. Also wash all your clothes after you return home. Otherwise you could bring one of the little monsters home with you. Getting rid of them can be a real problem. One of my friends had to have the exterminator come out twice, before they died.