Latest news with #LightingLegends
Daily Record
18-06-2025
- Climate
- Daily Record
Midges will stay away if you use these type of lights in the garden this summer
The dreaded midge is a blight on warmer nights in Scotland. But a simple tip can keep them away from your outdoor space We've all been there. Trying to relax or entertain in the garden on a warm summer's evening only to be eaten alive by the notorious midge who seem set on destroying any outdoor fun at this time of year. These pesky critters are most active between May and September but can ramp up their assault on the population in July and August. It means enjoying an evening in the garden can be problematic for householders as they swarm and bite. Our damper climate and long summer evenings are the perfect playground for midges which are prevalent across the west coast and in the Highlands. The Scottish Midge Forecast shows there are currently high levels of midge around the Glencoe are of the country with Fort William also seeing large numbers. But there is plenty of time and good weather on the horizon to allow them to do their worst. Experts are now recommending that installing a certain type of light in gardens could be the answer to keeping them at bay. Unlike mosquitoes, midge bites are not dangerous but most Scots have tried various ways to keep the pesky pests, the most infamous being the Highland Midge, at bay. They are most active at dawn and again at dusk and particularly when the weather is still and humid. Attracted to carbon dioxide, body heat and sweat, they gather in large swarms around people and animals. Jon Saeed, managing director of Lighting Legends, said the choice of lighting in your garden is key. Cooler white or blue lights will attract midges more than warmer yellow or orange tones. Switching to garden lighting with a colour temperature between 2,200K and 2,700K can help reduce their presence. Jon said: 'Swarming midges are a summer reality for many families across Scotland, particularly in rural and lochside areas where damp conditions are common. 'These tiny insects are most active during the cooler hours of early morning and evening, often arriving in thick swarms that can quickly spoil outdoor gatherings and make enjoying the garden a challenge. 'Simple changes can make a big difference. Choosing warm-toned lighting with a lower colour temperature - around 2,200K to 2,700K - helps reduce the attraction of midges to outdoor spaces. 'Practical steps such as keeping the garden tidy and creating gentle airflow with fans can also significantly improve comfort during those peak midge times.' And he has highlighted seven other ways to reduce a midge invasion in your garden this summer. Seven ways to deter the dreaded midge from your garden 1. Reduce damp soil and vegetation Unlike mosquitoes, midges lay eggs in damp soil and decaying plant matter rather than standing water. Keeping garden beds tidy, improving drainage, and removing leaf litter, mossy patches, or rotting vegetation can help disrupt breeding grounds and make the area less appealing to swarms. 2. Set up fans or choose breezy areas Midges are weak fliers and avoid even light wind. Setting up garden fans or seating areas in naturally breezy spots can provide an effective barrier, especially during peak midge times in the early morning and evening. 3. Wear insect-repellent treated clothing and use topical repellents For areas with high midge activity, wearing long sleeves and trousers treated with insect repellent can help prevent bites. DEET-based sprays are commonly recommended, but natural alternatives like citronella or lemon eucalyptus can also offer protection when reapplied regularly. 4. Avoid outdoor activities at dawn and dusk Midges are most active at sunrise and sunset, when conditions are cool and still. Where possible, avoid sitting out during these peak hours and plan garden activities for midday, when midge numbers tend to drop. 5. Maintain garden hygiene Overgrown areas and piles of damp leaves, grass cuttings or mulch create perfect conditions for midges. Regularly mowing lawns, trimming back bushes, and keeping the garden clear of organic debris helps reduce suitable habitats and limits breeding spots. 6. Encourage natural predators Birds, bats, and dragonflies feed on midges and can provide natural population control. Installing bird feeders, bat boxes, and small water features encourages these helpful species to visit and stay in the garden. 7. Consider mosquito and midge traps Some electric traps emit carbon dioxide and warmth to mimic human scent and body heat, attracting and killing midges. While results can vary depending on placement and model, they can be a useful addition for gardens in high-risk areas.
The Sun
24-04-2025
- Lifestyle
- The Sun
B&M shoppers rush to stores for ‘brilliant' garden buy for just £2 – it's cheaper than the Amazon version
BARGAIN hunters have rushed to buy a cutesy garden accessory at B&M for just a couple of quid. The solar panelled paw print lights 'completely transform' your outside decor, and are a steal compared to Amazon's offering, which costs over ten times the price. 2 2 Shoppers can pop the fluorescent paws throughout their garden, creating funky trails with the lights that charge during the day and flick on automatically when it gets dark. Compared to Amazon's price of £21, horticulturalists can nab the eco-friendly lights for £1.60 if they use the three for a fiver deal. Perfect for designing paw-lympic trails for your kids or gifting to pet enthusiasts, the LED lights don't even need fiddly wiring due to their rechargeable battery. Gill Watson swears by their reliability: 'I've got them, had them two years now and they still work as good as they did when I bought them.' Sarah Gilbert joked: "They are paw-sitively smashing!" Others complemented on the other solar-powered steals from B&M, such as the weather-ready garden fairy lights for £8. Lisa Shelley said: 'The pack of lamps for £8 are brilliant… I've got them.' Kevan Stewart argued that the problem with the solar panels is that they can be a bit lacklustre during winter months when sunlight is sparse. He said, 'In the winter months, it is dull and cloudy, so they do not charge up very much.' That said, shoppers are also running to buy the retailer's Apple dupe of a smart watch and earbud sets at 91% off. Soaring off the shelves, they are now £2.50 rather than £29. If interior decor is your thing, decorators are raving for their Wave Paper Natural Rope shade, which costs just a tenner. The dupe of the Laura Ashley lamp, which sells at £70, was branded as "gorgeous" by social media followers. 5 ways to save money in your garden Garden design experts at Lighting Legends have revealed the ways you can lower gardening costs. 1. Install a water butt Water butts are a large container that sits in your garden and collects rainwater. This water can then be used to water plants, top up ponds or water features and wash the patio and other garden furniture. The natural outdoor water could help you save money on your water bills as you are less likely to use a hose during the summer months. 2. Use solar powered or LED lighting Solar powered lights get their energy from the sunlight in the day so they can illuminate your garden at night. They're easy to install and are a great choice for keeping electricity bills low. LED lights are another option that are long lasting and energy efficient. 3. Grow your own salad and vegetables Growing your own salad and vegetables will not only save you money but it can also feel really rewarding. Things like lettuce, radishes, and spinach are all fairly easy to grow. 4. Upcycle waste and rubbish Get creative and start upcycling items instead of throwing them away. Use sticks from ice lollies as plant tags or turn old watering cans and wheelbarrows into planters instead of buying new pots. Once you get creative the ways to upcycle are endless. 5. Start composting Start composting your kitchen scraps like vegetable peelings and coffee grounds and combine them with garden waste such as leaves and grass clippings to create a nutrient rich compost. This could reduce your need to spend money on expensive fertilisers.
