As you will know, Mr Zak, I have done several rides through the night(s) in the
Northern Wastes Bonny Midgeland. The July rides were better than the solstice one, but I suspect location/weather makes more difference than anything.
basically, you're in trouble except when you're moving. (or if you're very lucky). I've certainly been bitten at all hours. The
Book of the Bivvy (which you're welcome to borrow) suggests using nets IIRC, but better still sleep above 2000' !!! (which he seems to think is the whole point of bivvy-ing in Scotchland.
I found I avoided bites when I *religiously* applied Jungle Lotion ( the stuff from Boots with DDT in it). It depends a lot on your body chemistry, and other potions/balms are available. I really hate flies, and react pretty badly when I do get bitten
Anti-histamine tablets are very much on my list of essentials.
We were wild-camping at Loch Buie and Jan had to answer a 5am call of nature and was eaten alive. Her histamine reaction was so bad it set her asthma off and she has been on inhalers ever since.
Crikey