Any tips on pests in Scotland at a Holiday Cottage

anyhelpplease

Hi everyone,

I wish to thank you all in advance for any help or tips you may be able to provide.

My wife and I booked a cottage for our family in Scotland for a week and are travelling a considerable distance by car to get there, 12 hours at least!

This cottage was booked through one of best known holiday rental companies in the UK, and sponsored/utilised by the National Trust for Scotland also.

The property appears fabulous from the pictures and is located in the North West Highlands, in a remote and stunning location. Because the property is quite remote, this required of us to do some preparation (shopping, petrol etc.) to avoid finding ourselves stuck with no essentials for the duration of our stay. I therefore decided to ring the housekeeper to get some hints and tips, and to understand what was needed prior to setting off for our trip. 

Long story short, the housekeeper seemed extremely kind (offering to answer queries at any time, and dropping off clothes or midge repellent at no extra cost and without any fuss).
She was, however, open and fair to mention that, upon my request regarding any pest problem/issues they may have experienced, (I enquired about this as there are few reviews online about the property due to the fact that it opened for business last year. The ones that are available, including recent ones, all seem to be extremely positive), she mentioned that she found a few mice droppings between an outdoor shed and a utility room which has a freezer in it. She expressly stated that there was no infestation as no one had complained about mice to her while staying at the property. She noticed the droppings because she is, of course, the housekeeper.

Based on the above information and on the fact that there is, in place, a flexible cancellation policy – would you, personally, travel to the property and stay there? As a family, we were really looking forward to this and feel gutted at the idea that we might have to request a full refund, leaving us with no holiday options. 

Also, she did mention that midges can be a serious issue in that area of Scotland, including in the house if windows are left open. How do you battle them to get a good night sleep and what has your experience been?

Thanks for all of your help and support here.

ButterCheese

It's not clear from your post if you have stayed there yet or not?  When is the booking for?  I think you need to decide if this location is for you or not, and cancel if not.  If you intend to go, there are a few things you can do to deter midges but ultimately they'll be a few that always get through:

Buy a big tube of Anthisan, others are available.  My mum is particulalrly allergic to insect bites and swears by Eurax.  It's great to stop itching if you apply to a bite.  And for her it prevents her arm blowing up to the size of a cow.

You can get certain candles and incense that deter them but they are a bit of a fire risk and can leave you with a headache when you wake up.

Physical barriers such as nets might be useful if there is adequate attachment points over the bed.  If it's not hot, you can shut the windows and then try to eradicate any insects in the house before you sleep.

You can also get nets that go over the windows but that'll be tricky unless you know what size the windows are.  It might be easier to get a bed net.

You can also get portable bug zappers but again, expensive, fire risk, be careful

anyhelpplease

Hi, @ButterCheese, thanks for your response. I have yet to travel to Scotland. Our trip is scheduled for next week. I was slightly more concerned about the mice situation than midges. What are your thoughts? 

Ayr_Rage

Midges are not a "can be" issue, the little b***ards are a real pain.

Don't leave windows and doors open if possible especially if you have any lights on indoors.

Apart from that, go and enjoy one of the most stunning parts of the UK, you won't regret it.

daveyjp

If the property is located away from the coast in remote, forested, lake areas expect there to be midges in north west Scotland at this time of year.

There is nothing you can do other than keep windows and doors closed and use repellant, high winds are also a bonus. Worst time for them is still periods around dawn and dusk and still damp days.

As for mice.  Again expected in the wilds of Scotland, but never had a problem in dozens of visits. Keep a look out for droppings and don't leave food around.

ButterCheese

anyhelpplease said:

Hi, @ButterCheese, thanks for your response. I have yet to travel to Scotland. Our trip is scheduled for next week. I was slightly more concerned about the mice situation than midges. What are your thoughts? 

Mice aren't so much of a problem for you short term.  As said above, don't leave food out.  You could try and look for any obvious holes into the property and take some traps, but that's really not your concern.  You can of course report any issues to the owner.  Usually a bit of wire wool or some traps will sort it out.   But mice arren't going to be buzzing around you whilst you sleep, worst case scenario they might get into your food cupboard and chew on some bread

Runner_Duck

For me midges are way more of a problem than the odd mouse.  Midges love me and I react badly to them and I've never found any real deterrent. If your family includes a dog it could also be bothered by the midges.  Also the weather plays a big part, a nice still day anywhere near water and the midges will be out in force, a howling gale and they will be awol. You can buy midge hoods to keep them out of your hair and away from your face.  Scotland is lovely at this time of year so prepare with anti repellent and don't leave doors or windows open, and that includes the car. 

Mammyboo

Smidge insect repellant or Avon skin so soft are good for keeping the midgies at bay. 

Skiddaw1

I wouldn't worry about the odd mouse. You'd be hard pushed to stay in a remote cottage that doesn't have a few mousies in the vicinity. As has been said, don't leave food lying about but other than that I'd forget about it.

You'll be visiting at the height of midgie season so yes- make sure you have a decent supply of insect repellent (Avon really does work but Jungle Formula spray-on is also pretty effective IME). They tend to be at their worst in the evening especially if it is mild and still, so you may find sitting out with a nice G&T is a bit of a challenge! Some cottages have midge screens, which can certainly make a difference. Keep windows closed at night if they're about. 

Most of all, enjoy! Whereabouts are you staying if you don't mind me asking?

35har1old

Runner_Duck said:

For me midges are way more of a problem than the odd mouse.  Midges love me and I react badly to them and I've never found any real deterrent. If your family includes a dog it could also be bothered by the midges.  Also the weather plays a big part, a nice still day anywhere near water and the midges will be out in force, a howling gale and they will be awol. You can buy midge hoods to keep them out of your hair and away from your face.  Scotland is lovely at this time of year so prepare with anti repellent and don't leave doors or windows open, and that includes the car. 

Avoid grass areas and forests for other pests

RAS

Are you on the west coast or east coast, or up north? This matters. I've been in midge heaven in late July, I was on the east coast and Orkney last year around the turn of the month. Midges don't like wind so the northern lands can be lovely when the west coast is a challenge.

You can buy midge hoods and midge mitts. The former go over a hat with a wide brim, ideally, topping full sleeved shirt, with the collar inside midge net. Tuck trouser into thick socks. When there's a wind the midges go down, which means they hid in grass and heather but leave your face alone.

Tolerance varies, my issue are red ants, horse flies, wasps, midges then bees. Other respond differently.