Volunteers wanted for eight-hour midge repellent test in Scotland
APS Biocontrol is carrying out the commercial trial on behalf of another company. One arm will be covered in the test product, while the other will be left bare. The number of midges that land on each arm will then be counted.
Friday 18 August 2023 14:23, UK
A firm that makes midge repellent is seeking volunteers to stand outside for up to eight hours to test a product.
The paid trial will see candidates expose both of their arms. One arm will be covered in the test repellent, while the other will be left bare.
The number of midges that land on each arm will then be counted.
The tiny biting insects - which are prevalent from late spring to late summer - are not deterred by rain or darkness.
APS Biocontrol, which makes repellent brand Smidge, is carrying out the commercial trial on behalf of another company. It is set to take place next week in the Inveraray area of Argyll and Bute.
Dr Alison Blackwell, founder and CEO of APS Biocontrol, told Sky News a lot of volunteers from across the country have already put their names forward which could lead to a further trial elsewhere.
With this test taking place in the Inveraray area, the firm only wants locals aged over 18 to take part just in case it is called off due to the weather.
Dr Blackwell said: "We want local people because you never really know until you get to the site whether the weather is going to be suitable for enough midges there.
"So, you don't want people coming from Edinburgh to Argyll and then we turn around and say there's not enough midges-type thing."
Read more from across the UK:
BBC presenter sorry after report he shared sexually explicit image with staff
British Museum staff member sacked after treasures vanished named
Be the first to get Breaking News
Install the Sky News app for free
Midges that land within a three-minute period will be counted.
Dr Blackwell said: "But we don't allow them to start biting.
"You will get some bites, but landing insects will be shaken off or taken off by one of the people running the trial."
Volunteers will also be given a protective head net to wear.
Dr Blackwell added: "It's as humane as possible."