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Spray in running to beat midges | Spray in running to beat midges |
(about 3 hours later) | |
Hundreds of competitors taking part in a gruelling Scottish race are to test a new midge repellent. | Hundreds of competitors taking part in a gruelling Scottish race are to test a new midge repellent. |
Up to 1,000 athletes will take part in the First Monster Challenge, a 120km running and cycling race around the shores of Loch Ness in September. | Up to 1,000 athletes will take part in the First Monster Challenge, a 120km running and cycling race around the shores of Loch Ness in September. |
Researchers from the University of Aberdeen will use the event as a major survey to test a new spray which they hope will combat midges. | Researchers from the University of Aberdeen will use the event as a major survey to test a new spray which they hope will combat midges. |
Competitors will be asked to use the spray, made from natural chemicals. | Competitors will be asked to use the spray, made from natural chemicals. |
The decision to use the event, organised by transport company FirstGroup, was prompted by last year's race. | The decision to use the event, organised by transport company FirstGroup, was prompted by last year's race. |
Organisers said feedback was mostly positive - except for complaints about a spate of midge attacks at one point on the course. | Organisers said feedback was mostly positive - except for complaints about a spate of midge attacks at one point on the course. |
One participant was said to have suffered hundreds of bites, so this year's race will be used as a test-bed for the spray. | One participant was said to have suffered hundreds of bites, so this year's race will be used as a test-bed for the spray. |
The tiny swarming flies are a persistent nuisance for tourists, and there have long been fears the insects are a turn-off for visitors. | The tiny swarming flies are a persistent nuisance for tourists, and there have long been fears the insects are a turn-off for visitors. |
The sub-species in Scotland is known as the Highland Midge, and is infamous in the north and west of the country. | The sub-species in Scotland is known as the Highland Midge, and is infamous in the north and west of the country. |
Female midges bite, and are attracted to carbon dioxide and other chemicals released from human breath. | Female midges bite, and are attracted to carbon dioxide and other chemicals released from human breath. |
Cost millions | Cost millions |
Scientists estimate that in one hour a swarm of the insects can inflict about 3,000 bites and 40,000 midges can land on an unprotected arm over the same period. | Scientists estimate that in one hour a swarm of the insects can inflict about 3,000 bites and 40,000 midges can land on an unprotected arm over the same period. |
Tourism experts put the cost of the pests at £286m a year, as some visitors opt for locations which are not plagued by the insects. | Tourism experts put the cost of the pests at £286m a year, as some visitors opt for locations which are not plagued by the insects. |
The new midge repellent is based on chemicals discovered by the University of Aberdeen and Rothamsted Research. It was formulated as a puffer repellent by Atrium Innovation. | The new midge repellent is based on chemicals discovered by the University of Aberdeen and Rothamsted Research. It was formulated as a puffer repellent by Atrium Innovation. |
Researchers claim the repellent could be "the most effective ever invention to combat the midge". | Researchers claim the repellent could be "the most effective ever invention to combat the midge". |
Prof Jenny Mordue, from the university's department of zoology and an expert in midge behaviour, was involved in developing the spray. | Prof Jenny Mordue, from the university's department of zoology and an expert in midge behaviour, was involved in developing the spray. |
She said the event was an opportunity for "a monster trial in the age-old battle between man and midge". | She said the event was an opportunity for "a monster trial in the age-old battle between man and midge". |
"I am confident the results from the experiment and survey will help shape and develop our strategies on how best to combat the midge," she added. | "I am confident the results from the experiment and survey will help shape and develop our strategies on how best to combat the midge," she added. |
"If all goes well, we will finally have a solution in the battle to protect people from the dreaded midge." | "If all goes well, we will finally have a solution in the battle to protect people from the dreaded midge." |
'Totally new' | 'Totally new' |
Two tents will be used to test the new formula. In one, the repellent will be released into the atmosphere and in the second it will not. | Two tents will be used to test the new formula. In one, the repellent will be released into the atmosphere and in the second it will not. |
Researchers will then see which attracts the most midges. | Researchers will then see which attracts the most midges. |
Athletes and spectators will also be asked to fill out a questionnaire about how susceptible they are to midge bites. | Athletes and spectators will also be asked to fill out a questionnaire about how susceptible they are to midge bites. |
Prof Mordue said if the experiment went well, the new substance could be developed into creams, lotions and even specially-designed clothing or badges impregnated with the chemicals. | Prof Mordue said if the experiment went well, the new substance could be developed into creams, lotions and even specially-designed clothing or badges impregnated with the chemicals. |
But it would be one or two years before it would be available, she added. | But it would be one or two years before it would be available, she added. |
She said: "It is a totally different mode of action, totally new. It stops the insects from flying towards you. | She said: "It is a totally different mode of action, totally new. It stops the insects from flying towards you. |
"It is developed from natural chemicals that we give off." | "It is developed from natural chemicals that we give off." |
This is in contrast to synthetic alternatives currently available, she said, which only repel the insects once they make contact with skin. | This is in contrast to synthetic alternatives currently available, she said, which only repel the insects once they make contact with skin. |
The First Monster Challenge takes place on 13 September. | The First Monster Challenge takes place on 13 September. |
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