Kilts and flying & biting insects

**gu3** · 24th July 08, 12:21 PM

This is something I have actually thought about while awaiting the arrival of my first kilt. The most annoying insect around here is arguably the chigger. They are nearly microscopic and crawl up the legs until they reach a warm, humid area of the flesh, especially near tight clothing: socks, waistbands, underarms, groin. Once there, they start digesting skin cells, each one leaving behind a small red welt that itches intensely for about two weeks. In my experience, however, they are uninterested in drier, cooler parts of the body.

So I am looking forward to going regimental. I can tolerate chigger bites around my waist and at my calves and ankles. But just one welt at or about the twig and berries, and, well, let's just say it is an experience not soon forgotten.

**kilted_ninja** · 24th July 08, 01:02 PM

Sounds like a research project needs to be done. We need about 100 kilted, masculine men to go kilted to all the humid, warm, and bug infested areas of the world and see what works the best. I'll volunteer for the project. Any investors wanting to fund the project?

**sharpdressedscot** · 24th July 08, 02:43 PM

Tie some kerosene rags on your ankles for ants!

The mosquitoes are a real pain to deal with even with pants.

**Mipi** · 24th July 08, 11:56 PM

I was surprised on number of replays. It seems to be an issue regardles of what are you wearing; pants or kilt.

But for sure it's easier to get ride of the pests, wearing the kilt!

Thanks for helping me to clear this out. Hope it helped to someone else, too.

Regards!

**Ranald** · 25th July 08, 11:36 AM

Originally Posted by Jock Scot

The infamous Scottish midge cures even the hardiest of Highlander from kilt wearing between June and mid-September,unless there is a gale blowing.I kid you not.

Aye, your not wrong there.

**MarkReaves** · 26th July 08, 10:01 PM

Eat lots of Garlic....

I love garlic (not as much as I used to). As a teen I would eat Garlic daily (including the wild garlic) and I noticed for years I was rarely messed with by biting bugs and I was in an area infested with them during most of the summer.

Now that I don't eat as much garlic, I'm bothered more by them.

Kind of reminds me of the "Vampires hate garlic" thing... the vampiric mosquitoes seems to hate garlic.

Otherwise a bug repellent would work on the legs, although I hate all the chemicals and the nasty feeling of bug spray on the legs. The sensitive regions... not sure what to say.

**Jock Scot** · 27th July 08, 02:48 AM

Originally Posted by MarkReaves

Eat lots of Garlic....

I love garlic (not as much as I used to). As a teen I would eat Garlic daily (including the wild garlic) and I noticed for years I was rarely messed with by biting bugs and I was in an area infested with them during most of the summer.

Now that I don't eat as much garlic, I'm bothered more by them.

Kind of reminds me of the "Vampires hate garlic" thing... the vampiric mosquitoes seems to hate garlic.

Otherwise a bug repellent would work on the legs, although I hate all the chemicals and the nasty feeling of bug spray on the legs. The sensitive regions... not sure what to say.

No sorry!Whilst sometimes assorted potions,natural and chemical,do work(ish),when the Scottish midgies really get going a smart retreat inside is the only option.Like now!