Scots midge traps in Seychelles mission after island issues SOS
However, a leading scientist has revealed islanders in Fregate, in the Seychelles, are trying out traps designed to target the Scottish tiny terrors in an effort to tackle their own flying pests.
Midge expert Dr Alison Blackwell said authorities on the island contacted her with a request for help in tackling biting flies.
Dr Blackwell, who works for Dundee-based firm APS Biocontrol, then arranged for a few specially designed midge traps to be sent 5,000 miles to Fregate.
If the trial proves successful, it's expected a total of 20 traps could be supplied.
Dr Blackwell said: 'We were first contacted by their conservation manager in February after they read about our work with midges. It was a bit of a surprise to get an enquiry from the Seychelles.
'They were looking for solutions for their biting midge problem – and I suspect mosquitoes – within the area where their accommodation and beaches are.
'We have sent them a small number of traps to try out.'
Despite Fregate's small size and its population of just 214, Dr Blackwell said the island's order could be worth around £25,000 with ongoing consumables supplied and any consultancy costs.
She added: 'The reputation of the Scottish midge certainly travels far – but we didn't realise this far.'
Scotland has more than 35 species of biting midges with the tourism industry estimated to lose about £286 million a year because of the swarming insects.
The Seychelles has its own issues with biting insects.
The island nation's tourism board warns holidaymakers to be aware of 'biting midges' which are 'commonly known as sand flies'. It adds: 'The bites of the midges can sometimes lead to infected sores.'
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Scots midge traps in Seychelles mission after island issues SOS
With its sun-drenched beaches and swaying palm trees, a tropical paradise in the Indian Ocean isn't somewhere you'd expect the Scottish midge to be a hot topic. However, a leading scientist has revealed islanders in Fregate, in the Seychelles, are trying out traps designed to target the Scottish tiny terrors in an effort to tackle their own flying pests. Midge expert Dr Alison Blackwell said authorities on the island contacted her with a request for help in tackling biting flies. Dr Blackwell, who works for Dundee-based firm APS Biocontrol, then arranged for a few specially designed midge traps to be sent 5,000 miles to Fregate. If the trial proves successful, it's expected a total of 20 traps could be supplied. Dr Blackwell said: 'We were first contacted by their conservation manager in February after they read about our work with midges. It was a bit of a surprise to get an enquiry from the Seychelles. 'They were looking for solutions for their biting midge problem – and I suspect mosquitoes – within the area where their accommodation and beaches are. 'We have sent them a small number of traps to try out.' Despite Fregate's small size and its population of just 214, Dr Blackwell said the island's order could be worth around £25,000 with ongoing consumables supplied and any consultancy costs. She added: 'The reputation of the Scottish midge certainly travels far – but we didn't realise this far.' Scotland has more than 35 species of biting midges with the tourism industry estimated to lose about £286 million a year because of the swarming insects. The Seychelles has its own issues with biting insects. The island nation's tourism board warns holidaymakers to be aware of 'biting midges' which are 'commonly known as sand flies'. It adds: 'The bites of the midges can sometimes lead to infected sores.'
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