Trials will take place using a new midge repellent based on natural oils. This clever formulation was discovered collaboratively by the University of Aberdeen and Rothamsted Research, and formulated as a 'puffer repellent' by Atrium Innovation using their innovative dispersion system: aerstream technology.

This is the first trial of its kind in what researchers hope will be the most effective ever invention to combat the midge, and will take place on 13th September 2008. FirstGroup will host its 'First Monster Challenge', a duathlon around the shores of Loch Ness, Inverness in the Highlands of Scotland.  Competitors will run and cycle around the 120km course, and their increased output of carbon dioxide from heavy breathing is likely to attract the local midges. 

At the inaugural event in 2007, competitor feedback was almost exclusively positive, except for the nuisance and irritation of midges at one point on the course. One poor participant suffered hundreds of bites.

Moir Lockhead, FirstGroup's Chief Executive explains more: "The midges were a bit of a problem at one of our seven transition points in 2007.  The weather conditions were ripe for midges, and added to which the increased levels of carbon dioxide from our competitor’s heavy breathing, is unfortunately one of the key elements that attracts midges to humans."

"The First Monster Challenge provides a unique opportunity to use competitors as volunteers in our work aimed at protecting people from bites," said Professor Jenny Mordue, a Professor in the Department of Zoology and an expert in pest control and the behaviour of midges. She has spent many years collaborating with Rothamsted Research Institute on the research.

"The extra carbon dioxide produced by the competitors will certainly encourage midges to attack participants, but also gives us the chance to conduct a monster trial in the age old battle between man and midge."

Two tents will be used to test the puffer repellent. One tent will incorporate an electric 'killing grid' that burns midges as they try to enter and allows the researchers to count the number of midges trying to get in.

"I am confident the results from the experiment and survey will help shape and develop our strategies on how best to combat the midge. If all goes well, we will finally have a solution in the battle to protect people from the dreaded midge," said Professor Mordue, who will conduct an experiment at the September 13 First Monster Duathlon.