In my line of work, I’ve learned that “gnats” is a catch-all term for various small, biting insects. We’re talking midges, sandflies, no-see-ums, and punkies — often, what’s biting you isn’t what you think it is. These pests go by different names worldwide, but they’re all cut from the same cloth. Let me share what I’ve learned about these tiny troublemakers over the years.
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Facts About Gnats
Take a look at the below video to get an up-close view of what a normal gnat (aka midge) looks like and how it goes about biting a human.
What people call ‘gnats’ are several different species of bug with one general label. The specific name will vary depending on where you are in the world. For example, gnats often get confused with other bugs such as…
- Midges: These are bugs that look like mosquitos but do not bite. They are sometimes called “Blind Mosquitoes” and are mostly food for other animals found near bodies of water (ponds, lakes, etc)
- Biting Midges: If you’re getting bit outside and you don’t think it’s a mosquito, then this might be the bug responsible. They are very small (1-3mm) with a greyish body. See picture below.
- No-see-ums: Sometimes called “sandflies” are another type of biting midge that you can barely see. Most people complain about these bugs off the coast of Florida and leave extremely itchy insect bites.
They live in many different locations and eat different foods, so it can be hard to identify which type is in your home.
What Do Gnats Look Like?
Gnats are tiny, usually only about 1/16 of an inch. They tend to be black or dark gray, and it have two small wings. Gnats are unsteady and weak fliers, so they don’t move great distances and have trouble flying in straight lines.
When people look closely at gnats, they can see some yellow tufts and finer gray hairs, but you would need a microscope.
What Do Gnats Eat?
Since there are many species of gnat, they all eat different things.
Sometimes gnats will eat plants and other insects, but others eat certain breeds of fungus. The ones you should worry about (like biting midges and no-see-ums) do drink blood and do bite.
If you find gnats in or around your home, it might be a good idea to spray a repellent around the property.
Those who should be most worried about biting gnats are farmers and others who tend to livestock. Biting gnats have been known to transmit a disease called the Bluerounge Virus to sheep, cattle, goats, and other farm animals. When infected, animals will develop a high fever, and swelling of the face and tongue until it seems blueish (hence the name).
If your type of gnat hangs out near potted plants, you might have fungus gnats. Check out this guide if you do.
Do Gnats Bite?
Yes, but only some types of gnats female gnats will bite you.
However, it’s not the same kind of bite you would receive from a mosquito or a bed bug.
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When a gnat bites, it slices open the skin with four different cutters. It then injects an anti-clotting or anticoagulant agent so that they can eat more blood before the wound closes.
Because of the way they go about biting, gnats can be more painful than a mosquito or bed bug bite.
The bites of biting gnats and midges cause a burning feeling. The best thing you can do to get relief from a gnat bite is to use over-the-counter anti-itch creams to help with the itchiness or put a cold compress on your affected area. or The actual reaction caused by a bite can range from a small reddish spot where you were bitten, to allergic reactions that cause significant itching.
Allergic Reaction Symptoms
While gnat bites are generally more of a nuisance than a serious health concern, some individuals may experience allergic reactions. The severity of these reactions can vary from person to person. Here are some symptoms to watch out for:
- Redness: The bite area may become more red than usual.
- Swelling: Some people might experience swelling around the bite site.
- Itching: Gnat bites can cause significant itching, which may be more intense in allergic individuals.
- Burning sensation: As mentioned earlier, gnat bites can cause a burning feeling, which might be more pronounced in those with allergies.
- Larger affected area: In allergic reactions, the area affected by the bite might be larger than usual.
- Persistent discomfort: While most gnat bites resolve quickly, allergic reactions may cause discomfort for a longer period.
It’s important to note that severe allergic reactions to gnat bites are rare. However, if you experience symptoms such as difficulty breathing, dizziness, or widespread swelling, seek medical attention immediately.
Remember, excessive scratching of gnat bites can lead to skin infections, so it’s very important to resist the urge to scratch and instead apply a soothing antiseptic lotion to ease discomfort and prevent complications.
Do Gnats Spread Disease?
Most gnats, even the ones that bite humans, don’t carry diseases as mosquitoes do. As mentioned earlier, the only disease to be aware of is the Blue tongue Virus, which typically affects livestock. Eye gnats and fungus gnats have been known to spread pinkeye, but you don’t have to worry about catching illnesses like Lyme disease or malaria, which are common in ticks and mosquitoes.
You do have to prevent yourself from scratching a gnat bite, though. Too much scratching can lead to a skin infection, which can cause other problems. Apply a soothing or antiseptic lotion to ease some of the pain and help yourself prevent an infection.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a gnat bite look like?
In my experience, gnat bites often look like small, red, slightly raised bumps on the skin. They’re usually smaller than mosquito bites, but can be just as irritating.
Sometimes, you might see a tiny dark spot in the center where the gnat bit you. Don’t be surprised if you see several bites clustered together — these little pests often attack in swarms.
What happens if gnats bite you?
When gnats bite, you’re in for some discomfort. Most people experience itching, redness, and a bit of swelling around the bite area. Some people tell me it feels like a burning sensation.
In rare cases, I’ve seen allergic reactions that cause more severe swelling or prolonged itching. The good news is, unlike some other biting insects, gnats don’t typically transmit diseases to humans.
Do gnats bite humans at night?
You bet they do. While some gnat species are more active during the day, others are night owls. These nocturnal types are often attracted to lights, so they might follow you right into your home if you’re not careful.
What do gnats eat?
Now, this is where it gets interesting. Most gnats feed on plant materials or other tiny insects. The females of some species, though, need blood meals to lay their eggs — that’s where we humans come in.
Some gnats are attracted to the carbon dioxide we exhale or the oils on our skin. In homes, I often find fungus gnats around overwatered plants, feeding on fungi in the soil.
Can I prevent black fly bites?
Absolutely! Wear light-colored, long-sleeved shirts and pants when you’re in areas where black flies are common. Use a good insect repellent containing DEET or picaridin. If you’re spending a lot of time outdoors, consider treating your clothes with permethrin.
At home, make sure your screens are in good repair and consider using fans on your porch or patio — these flies are weak flyers and don’t like moving air. Timing is important, too – black flies are usually most active at dawn and dusk, so plan your outdoor activities accordingly if you can.
Final Thoughts About Gnats
If you’re having gnat problems, you should consider using a repellent (click to see what I recommend) and keeping your home locked tight. Be careful about opening windows and be sure to use screens without tears in the mesh. Make sure all doors are closed fully when going in and out.
Many repellents can be sprayed around the yard, and electrical bug zappers are effective at keeping them away from doorways. These are only a couple of methods for getting rid of gnats. Don’t worry about being bit; bite back at the gnats instead.
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