Smidge was developed in the University of Edinburgh’s ETTC Biospace facility. The development was led by Dr Alison Blackwell, a world-renowned authority on midge behaviour and leader of the scientific team behind the Scottish Midge Forecast, which has been providing forecasts for print and television media for the past five years.

“Smidge’s unique formula works by throwing midges off our scent,” explained Dr Blackwell. 

Smidge is intended to offer immediate waterproof (and sweat-proof) protection for up to eight hours. It is DEET-free, yet proven to be just as effective as DEET-based repellents, making it a powerful but family-friendly alternative. It’s safe for use on adults and children over 30 months, as well as pregnant women, and is recommended for use by the World Health Organisation. In addition to repelling biting midges, it also protects against other biting insects such as mosquitoes, horse flies, fleas, sand flies and ticks.