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Buffalo Gnats

Summary: Female buffalo gnats are known for biting humans and animals in order to suck their blood. They can cause a lot of damage to livestock or people who are allergic to buffalo gnats.

Insecticide foggers will knock down adult buffalo gnats, but they will return because they have a very short breeding period. The foggers will provide tempory relief, but if that's what you seek you can find the foggers by clicking here.

The buffalo gnat, also known as the black fly or turkey gnat, is a tiny creature that measures no more than 5 mm. Even though it is called the black fly, it may also be gray, brown, or even some shades of orange. It has a humpback, which is how its name originated. The buffalo gnat has clear wings, big eyes, and antennae with eleven segments.

Areas with streams or rivers provide an excellent atmosphere for the buffalo gnat. Because its eggs live in water, the reproduction rate in moist areas is high, including climates with heavy precipitation. The buffalo gnat is commonly found in wooded areas, as well as arctic areas. Canada is a popular buffalo

gnat hangout.

The life cycle of the buffalo gnat is unique. Eggs are laid hundreds at a time and they develop in flowing water. Females often drop their eggs into the water from the air or lay the eggs directly onto aquatic plants. Fortunately, buffalo gnats cannot survive in still water like ponds. When they develop into larvae they find a stable surface on stones or vegetation. They have a small structure similar to a suction cup, attached to their abdomen that allows them to stick to surfaces. For up to two weeks they grow and eat to gain energy. Once strong enough, they fly. The adult buffalo gnat emerge from the water, sometimes through a bubble of air, and are immediately ready to fly. They typically live for another three weeks.

Instances of human and animal suffering from buffalo gnats has been recorded throughout history. Female buffalo gnats have teeth that can cut human skin. They need nectar and blood to survive, so they will bite at humans any chance they can get. (Males only need nectar to survive and cannot bite.) In tropical areas and places with warm, moist climates, buffalo gnats can cause diseases in humans, such as river blindness. They are also known to attack cattle. Consequences of buffalo gnat bites for animals include extreme weight loss, anaphylactic shock, and death. Turkeys and other types of poultry may have parasites or diseases after being bitten by buffalo gnats. Like mosquitoes, buffalo gnats can be carriers of encephalitis. Oddly, the cleaner the water in rivers and streams is, the higher the population of buffalo gnats tends to be.

Some states will spray insecticide over the ground to decrease the number of buffalo gnats. This treatment has proven to help eliminate the pests. If you experience a buffalo gnat infestation, do not try to treat with insecticide. Report the infestation to state health officials who are trained in eliminated

River Blindness

buffalo gnats.

Buffalo gnats are daytime bitters. Once the sun comes up, look out. Typically, they won't go indoors because of the lack of sunshine. So, either stay inside or consider the following tips to avoid buffalo gnats.

Wear bug spray when doing water activities, such as canoeing or fishing. Reapply every two hours.
Wear hats with mesh nets that can extend over your face when you are near water.
You may want to postpone outdoor activities near bodies of water until after the buffalo gnat season ends.
If you have a steadily moving stream in your yard, try to get rid of as much vegetation from it as possible.
Some people have found that there are less buffalo gnats at higher altitudes. So if you plan on camping, mountainous areas may be a safe place to do so.
Wear light-colored clothing with long sleeves to cover up as much skin as possible.
Wait until sunset to go near flowing water because the temperature will be cooler, making it less likely for buffalo gnats to be flying about.

How to Handle Bites from Buffalo Gnats:

Apply corticosteroids or soothing lotions to the bite location.
Take an antihistamine if itching or swelling develops.
If allergic reactions become severe, consult a doctor or other health professional immediately.

Comments

JL McAlister
26 Mar 2010, 11:05

I live in Oklahoma and May is the worst month for buffalo gnats. The past few years they have not been a problem because it has been so dry. But this year will be different, with all the moisture. We use Avon- Skin so soft, and or Absorbin Jr. Both work well to repel the pesky little critters.

Alicia
21 Apr 2010, 11:35

I have used vanilla scents and pure vanilla, and I have to say that pure vanilla works best. Dilute it in water and spritz from a water bottle and they will leave you alone. The only problem I have is I HATE the smell of vanilla, but I will take it over those little pesky buggers.

Taryn
21 Apr 2010, 17:34

I live in Illinois and vanilla does not work for me. Does anyone know of something I can put on my dogs too? We can't go outside without being swarmed in less than a minute. Has anyone used Buggins spray?

Michelle
22 Apr 2010, 12:30

What are the portions of vanilla & water to make the spray to keep these pests away?

Larry
22 Apr 2010, 21:40

Buffalo gnats have been awful here near St. Louis for the past few days. I put a couple of fabric softener sheets in my pockets and under my hat to keep the varmits off me when I golf. I also have rubbed my dog with a sheet before we go for walks, too. Seems to work for us!

angie
24 Apr 2010, 12:35

we live in illinois what has worked for us is bath and body works "warm vanilla sugar" body spray , call first they have a hard time keepin it in stock this time of year,my husband even uses it he works out doors they drive him crazy if he does'nt use it.Also type in bath and body coupon 10.00 off 30.00 print it out and you can save some money.

Bobby
27 Apr 2010, 19:07

I live in North Florida the bug capitol of the world. Have not heard of any real serious problems with the Buffalo knats here in Fl. Sounds like they are more a midwestern and northern problem.

Debbie
28 Apr 2010, 22:41

I have a pregnant dog is there something I can use on her to keep her from being bothered by the knats when she is outside? I'm afraid to use so many things due to her being pregnant. She is due in 12 days.

Ask the Exterminator
29 Apr 2010, 10:06

There is a new product called BugBand and contains the natural essence of geraniums. It's for humans, but might work on your dog.

Marilyn Ferguson
01 May 2010, 12:45

We live in west-central Illinois and have a bad infestation of Buffalo Knats every year. I have learned that the vanilla only lasts for about 5 minutes. If you apply a 50% mixture of vanilla and 50% alcohol on your skin, it will last for about 2 to 3 hrs.
You can also purchase a mosquito net that fits over your head at Walmart in the sporting goods dept. They are inexpensive... only cost about $4.00 or you can order them online at www.sportsmansguide.com for $4.95. You can reuse them every year.

Diana Megginson
02 May 2010, 23:47

Are these the gnats that get inside your home via bird seed, pellets, fresh fruit and plants? We get them inside the house about this time every year. I just wonder if these could be the Buffalo Gnats, and will they hurt my dogs, cats and parrots?

Ask the Exterminator
03 May 2010, 07:27

No. Buffalo gnats breed along bodies of water, not inside your home.

Marilyn Ferguson
03 May 2010, 09:21

Buffalo knats look like minature honey bees or big flies. The Exterminator is right. Buffalo Knats do not live in your home. They prefer the outside and cool very moist conditions meaning the springtime of the year with temperatures between 55 and 75 degrees. They like cool water. The female is the only one that bites and they can flog you (hundreds at a time... getting in your face,ears,nose and hair. They leave big welts and can bite numerous times. The bites itch intensely. The females actually suck your blood when they bite. Without fresh blood, they cannot reproduce in the cool running bodies of water where they lay hundreds of eggs per knat. They have been known to kill 1000's of chickens by getting into their windpipe and cutting oxygen off. They have also been known to kill cows, horses, dogs and other animals too. They are naturally drawn to humans and animals through their ability to sense warm bloodied species and can find you within one second of the time you go outside. They are prominent in the midwestern U.S. such as Illinois but can travel 80 to 150 miles on a strong wind and start reproducing there. The only good news is that when the weather warms above 78 and the water temperatures rise, the Buffalo Knats completely disappear until the following spring when they come back to make our lives miserable again. They have been in our area for the past 4 springs now (approximately 6 to 8 weeks)each year. Hope this information has proved helpful.

twig
04 May 2010, 14:47

i hate the buffolo gnats. i live in central illinois and they are bad. i have gotten bit every year on my eye lid. my eye swells shut for about 2 days. i have to go to the doctor for a shot everytime. nothing seems to work for me.

brad larsen
04 May 2010, 21:20

diana: there has been a lot of cases of parrots being killed because of the buffalo gnat. please be careful

chris
24 May 2010, 01:23

I work in Osceola, Ar. and just found out about the dam things and they are leaving huge knots on me, I hope I don't go blind or get some disease from these things!!!!!!

Dave Hren
29 May 2010, 18:49

The gnats are BAD here in West Michigan this Spring - at least where I live. Go outside and within seconds, you will be bombarded by the little bast*rds. Deet doesn't work very well and the vanilla trick is useless. I sprayed with Cutter pest control with ZERO results. My only relief has come from staying inside. There is a small creek about 200 yards from my house and I think that is where there are coming from. There are literally thousands of them in my backyard. If there is a God, then WHY did he create these worthless and miserable creatures.

Dave Hren
29 May 2010, 18:55

I have been hearing that the "gnat season" around here will be over in about three weeks. Well, I've lived in this area for my entire life and I've never seen the gnats this bad.

As much as I HATE these insects, I have to hand it to them... they are relentless... stopping at nothing to suck my blood.

Kathleen
06 Jun 2010, 20:21

Re: I have used vanilla scents and pure vanilla, and I have to say that pure vanilla works best. Dilute it in water and spritz from a water bottle and they will leave you alone. The only problem I have is I HATE the smell of vanilla, but I will take it over those little pesky buggers.
Is this safe to use on birds that are indoors? Can you put it in their bath water? Drinking water? Spray on them?

I have been bombarded with gnats and I am not sure if they are buffalo gnats but I want to protect my birds. I have been killing at least 1 a day...today I killed 3. I have been using a spray it it only knocks them down for a few minutes. If I dont find them and kill them they recover and fly away.

Stacey
06 Jun 2010, 21:58

I bought Buggins yesterday at Ace hardware and used it last night. It kept the gnats away. I mowed the grass today without it and now I have a big swollen ear!!! I don't ever remember these gnats being this bad. I live in Central Illinois.

Ask the Exterminator
07 Jun 2010, 11:22

Kathleen:

Speak to a vet about what is safe to use on and around your birds.

Nonnie
10 Jun 2010, 11:00

Since moving to Oklahoma I've had to deal with the annual resurgence of buffalo gnats. I'm highly allergic and mainly stay inside as much as possible. I do plan to try the vanilla remedy because I don't like using DEET and the Skin-So-Soft is too greasy. Good luck to all you anti-buffalo gnatters out there.

Mary
28 Jun 2010, 11:17

Here in southeast Iowa, the gnats are horrible right now as we have had so much rain! We have lost chickens from the buffalo gnats for the last two years. Around here, we use Absorbine Jr. to keep the gnats away from us.

Jon
06 Jul 2010, 20:29

DAVE WROTE:"If there is a God, then WHY did he create these worthless and miserable creatures?"
I'm not to sure about God, but these creatures are proof of the devil. Pure evil!
Jon

Craig
22 Oct 2010, 15:35

I have heard that fabric softener sheets have held the gnats at bay. This will work wiping your head and shoulders down. I have a gas backpack sprayer that I use for mosquito control. Taking this to the next step, I have purchaced liquid fabric softener. I have mixed 1 cup to 3 gallons of water and sprayed my yard. This works great for about a week or so. You could also use a garden hose sprayer attactchment and just spray you lawn.

kati
11 May 2011, 16:37

these gnats are awefull in central Il this year. the best thing i have found is pure vanilla in a spray bottle of water.

ken
12 May 2011, 10:41

Banana Boat Sport sunscreen is 100% effective at repelling the gnats. This is not anecdotal as is Skinsosoft and vanilla extract. The Banana Boat will absolutely keep the gnats from biting you. You might be skeptical, but please try this. The sunscrren has worked for every person in Natchez,Ms. that has tried it. Get the word out.

alicia
12 May 2011, 10:52

Does it matter what spf banana boat you use? I have banana boat sport spf 30. Please help there driving me crazy!

SatsyNana
12 May 2011, 22:41

How can I kill the larvae in our 1.5 acre pond? It has been so wet and windy this spring and the buffalo gnats have whelped up my face, beside my eye and around my neck!!! I have NEVER experienced ANYthing like this in my life! HELP PLEASE!! We are concerned about contacting an illness from them. How likely is this?

Vicki
13 May 2011, 00:21

I live in IL like several of the other commenters. Repellant with DEET is useless. The vanilla (pure REAl vanilla not imitation) does seem to help some, it won't eliminate them but seems to prevent them from biting as much. I find the best solution of all is covering as much of your exposed skin as possible especially your head and ears (I wear a bandanna or a BUFF). I am going to try some of the other suggested repellents, I appreciate all this information.

Dave
13 May 2011, 07:04

The gnats have taken over again. I've resorted to covering my head and neck with netting as other options have failed. No matter how warm it is, I wear gloves and long sleeved shirts. Just waiting them out now.... should be about two-three more weeks of the little sh*ts.

V Wood
13 May 2011, 07:05

The only real relief we have found from these gnats here in southern Illinois is a lit cigarette. Just holding a lit one will keep them away but as soon as it's out they come right back.

ken tilghman
13 May 2011, 12:38

I use spf 50 Banana Boat Sport in the orange container. Some folks say the spray also works. Please let me know if this doesn't work for you and your location.

Danny
13 May 2011, 20:51

Pure vanilla extract with peppermint and lavender oil. I bought some pure vanilla from ebay a few years ago and didn't like the taste, but it works well for bug repellent. If you use vanilla it has to be the real stuff, not imitation. We mixed the vanilla, peppermint oil, and lavender oil with water in a spray bottle. I have to really dowse myself with it to work and reapply about every 1 1/2 to 2 hours. They leave big welts, so the spray is much easier to deal with. The mixture seems to work for most all critters, but need much heavier dose for the buffalo gnats in Southern Il.

Jeff B
16 May 2011, 21:14

Thank you all for your comments. My wife is in the ER right now from swelling up like crazy all over her head and face. All I can figure is they are from these nasty critters that have swarmed suddenly. We're in Wisconsin and have never seen them before. But it sounds like it's just the right temp, and it's been very wet, and they fit the descriptions. I sprayed the yard with Spectracide today, and it seems like it's cut them down somewhat. I'm glad to hear they'll go away when it gets warm...just in time for the killer mosquitoes!

Stacy L
19 May 2011, 17:26

How long will they stick around? they are attacking South east Indiana like crazy!

Tiffany
19 May 2011, 22:25

They are crazy in Souther Indiana! Its awful I have tried the pure vanilla and that seemed to backfire cause they were swarming me :( we also have an outside dog any suggestions on how to keep them away or ease them up in the yard would be greatly appreciated! Thanks

bruce
19 May 2011, 23:41

We mix one part Absorbine Jr to two parts citrus Listorine. Spray your hat and rub some of the mixture on your ears and nose but do not let sweat run fm your forhead into the eyes; as the absorbine jr will sting some. Also around the neck and hands They may buzz but dont bite/sting w other products as much

Judy
20 May 2011, 02:40

Bronco Fly Spray for horses works great on dogs. It not only repels flies, fleas and ticks, but also those pesky buffalo gnats. I've used it for years on my dogs with no side effects. In fact, they can't wait to get misted! It is approved for horses and dogs only though. You can buy it at your local farm stores and through the internet.

Scott Cunningham
20 May 2011, 14:09

I have tried all sorts of "remedies",
But what I have found to work is Banana Boat Sport sunscreen w/upf of at least 50. Works for about 2 hours. Have You heard this?

P. S. Klein
20 May 2011, 17:58

I have been using "Repel" sportsman max formula repellent with good results. It containa 40% DEET. Generally, the higher the DEET content, the better the results. Spray in hand and spread on exposed skin. Avoid area close to eyes. Works for 3 to 4 hours. I also spray it on my hat for extra effect.

The flies will bounce around on you, but won't bite the treated areas.

kevin
21 May 2011, 23:30

I live about 13 miles from cairo in southern illinois, none of the bug repellants even Repel sportsman with the 40% deet doesnt do a thing slows them down only for a few minutes but never stops them and only works a few short minutes.

P.S. Klein
24 May 2011, 21:24

Don't be shy about using enough to thoroughly wet the areas with DEET repellent that you want to protect. If you are worried about using too much repellent you had better stay indoors and forget about going outdoors. I live 300 feet from the Wabash River so we have plenty of the little biters too. I worked outside today and one application at 8AM and another at 1PM worked fine with no bites. I heard some good reports about the Absorbine Jr. but have not had to try it.

Jeff
25 May 2011, 08:04

I have found that UltraShield GREEN, made by Absorbine, is incredibly effective. I found it at my local Farm supply store, and it's marketed for horses, cattle, and dogs. It has no harmful chemicals, no DEET, but does have about 8 different natural oils that act as repellants. Smells OK too...mostly like citronella. I loved this so much that I wrote the company CEO yesterday, as it literally is saving our skin. No more welts after going to work in my yard! Try it! There's even a discount coupon on their website.

Wilson
25 May 2011, 22:20

Like Ken above, I too am in Natchez, MS. I have tried DEET and it seems to call them like a dinner bell.

I was making my own Buffalo Gnat (Black Fly) repellent from McCormick Pure Vanilla Extract and some water in a spray bottle. It works, but you have to keep re-applying it about once an hour. Hungry people chase you down the street, but the gnats will leave you alone.

A friend and I decided to test the Banana Boat Sunscreen mentioned by Ken above. These products do not claim to be bug repellents and contain no DEET, but I can say that they work much better than DEET or the vanilla. With the flooding this year, the black fly is hitting us in swarms.

I put on the Banana Boat and my buddy had nothing. I was expecting to be smelling like coconut or something, but this stuff has almost no odor at all. Anyway, I stood there watching the bugs swarming all around him and none were bothering me. He put it on and immediately, they left him alone as well. We let everyone at work know and have had nothing but positive remarks about it.

It doesn't seem to matter what SPF. I used the Ultra Defense and others used different products, but we all agreed that it worked. This is not a mineral oil base, but a lotion or spray. It doesn't seem greasy. I even run my hands over my hair with it and it keeps them out of my hair.

It seems to work pretty well for about 3 to 4 hours and a light re-application will take care of you for the rest of the work day. Besides, we need the sunscreen anyway.

I have also been told by my pharmacist this afternoon that she heard the Bullfrog products work just as well as Banana Boat. I cannot verify that, but will pass it along. She was also glad to hear more comments about the Banana Boat, because she said folks are coming in and asking all day, everyday.

* Disclaimer.
I found this site recently and got good info here and just wanted to return and let people know.

samantha
26 May 2011, 15:14

i have tried the vanilla spray it works for maybe 5 mints and they are back, smoke from a fire works or if you smoke that will work,but as soon as it is out they come back,tried the scented sheets it didnt work either. I hope this banana boat sports sunscreen works. Does anyone know of anything that u can put into ponds to kill them,Please let me.thanks

FLB
28 May 2011, 06:45

I live in Mississippi, by the Mississippi River. We had the water to rise. Those creatures is tearing us apart. My husband works on a farm near water and wooded areas 12 or more hours a day. Please let me know what he can use for these creatures. Thanks

Mrs. FLB

Jeff
28 May 2011, 17:56

Look up above a few messages for more details from me, but I've tried this UltraShield stuff (by Absorbine) for this past week, and it's amazing. Not only are the gnats leaving me alone, but I haven't seen a tick since, either, and they are really heavy this year too.

FHS
29 May 2011, 09:52

Dave and Jon commented on why God would put such a creature on this earth. My phylosophy is that He wants to remind us that there IS a hell and this is just a little part of it.

Theresa
29 May 2011, 23:17

We live in southern Indiana, we have been using a natural spray called Buggins, works pretty good for about 2 hrs then just reapply. Good stuff

USCG 1970
31 May 2011, 12:29

Some suggestions were to apply Banana Boat Sport 50. I bought some, put it on and the gnats disappeared from around me. They moved, instead, to my son who had none on. It must be something about the smell...which I like.

Ryan
01 Jun 2011, 09:12

I live in Northeast Louisiana approximately 1 mile from the "high" Mississippi River. I had 32 chickens one morning before going to work. When I come home about 8 hours later i had 22 dead chickens due to buffalo gnats. The gnats swarmed in and killed them in 5 or six hours time. I have ten left and have been treating them with permethrin dust and spray which has continued to help keep the ten i got left alive.

rjcraig1@hughes.net
05 Jun 2011, 19:50

I live in La.on Lake St John Near Natchez Miss. these Gnats are about to pack us away, they are ever where, i have tried all kinds of thing, last year I Heard of the Banana Boat-50 Sun Screen,buy it a Wal- Mart in a Orange Tube, IT WORKS!!put it on all expose skin. I also put it on my Cap as well, it will keep the away for about 2 hours, be sure to nut rub it in, when you first put it on you should have white look to your skin, it will soak in,

Marchie
05 Jun 2011, 23:20

Look for buggins only thing that works well that I have found here in central il

melissa
06 Jun 2011, 21:59

I live in central illinois and the knats are bad here i am severely allergic to there bites last year my eyes swelled shut and lost all hearing in my ears had to be treated in the emergency room. All of my friends said to try vanilla but it did not work very well, This year i ordered skin so soft by avon, they havnt BUGGED me at all. I will definately be buying this yearly, and it beats going to the e-room.

PAM
08 Jun 2011, 21:54

I live in Vicksburg, MS and someone had told us about Beneficial Nematodes. They are suppose to be effective in killing fleas, ticks, gnats, some ants, etc. I have done a little research and it appears to be an organic and safe way to kill many pests and is not harmful to humans or to pets. I am curious if anyone has used this method and what their results were. As far as a repellent, we used one tablespoon of vanilla extract with 1 cup water, this past week-end in Greenville, MS at a golf tournament and it did work for the most part.

Lindy Lou
10 Jun 2011, 10:44

I live in central Arkansas & went fishing 2 weeks ago used deet on exposed skin-- gnats ate me up - got behind glasses - swelled one eye shut.Am using product called SWAN anti-itch lotion and benedril @ night- still have hugh red whelps around neck. AM going to buy the BANANA BOAT for next fishing trip--thanks so much you all for sharing

Jerry from Ilinois
14 Jun 2011, 13:49

Go to Walgreens womens cosmetic dept buy a product called BODY FANTASIES Vanilla Fantasy comes in plastic spray bottles. Everyone in my area uses this and IT WORKS GREAT!!!! I also spray my dogs ears with this. I recommend to buy a couple of bottles and keep 1 in your vehicle and at home. GOOD LUCK

Jerry from Illinois
14 Jun 2011, 15:25

Also I forgot to mention from experience.When bitten by these gnats, wipe or hold a rag soaked with 70% isopropyl rubbing alcohol to reduce the swelling and itching from the bite. I found without doing this the swelling and itching could last over a week and doing this would reduce both amazeingly within 1 hour.

Grady from Arkansas
15 Jun 2011, 09:52

We use Banana Boat Tanning Oil (waterproof)with good results. Yes, it is greasy; but who cares if it works. I also use Hawaiian Tropic Dark Tanning Oil; smells good and works (also greasy, and no SPF).

lpinkelman
24 Aug 2011, 13:57

I go to the farm supply store and get water-based horse fly spray. I use it on my black lab. Works for biting flies, mosquitoes, gnats, ticks, deer flys. This was recommended by our Vet. I use it as directed on the label. Our lab is an outdoor dog, so I use it about once a week, or whn I notice he bugs bothering him. Hope this helps.

Kathy Finn
10 Oct 2011, 18:51

I live in Minnesota and its is the middle of October 2011, I have gotten bit by "noseeem" bugs that leave big welts on your skin. I have never seen this before. I seen the usual gnats that bug you in the summer but these are different, they bite you anywhere on your skin and you can feel them biting you. I was outside in my backyard and they were bad, then yesterday I was on a boat on the Mississippi and it was during the day with a good breeze and the bit my ankles the back of my arms

sue60565
11 Feb 2012, 21:34

Here is a warning, folks. A friend gave me a large spider plant she kept outdoors in Woodstock, IL. I repotted it and assumed it was safe to bring indoors. Wrong. I am infested with obnoxious biting gnats. I trapped a few and researched on line and sure enough, they're gnats. Upon further investigating, I discovered that my houseplants were their nursery. I was forced to destroy my beloved houseplants and there are still a few gnats flying around driving me nuts. I am allergic to insect bites and have been to the ER on one occasion a few years back and can't go outdoors w/out spray and covered up. Be very careful of any plants that have been kept outdoors. Also, I use eucalyptus oil in a trigger spray/with water. Safe and effective. Cheap @ Walmart. Not only keeps them away but helps heal the skin when bitten. That and bag balm, Capcicium topically applied for bites; oh, I have en entire drawer all ready for onslaught 2012!! we're locked and loaded. Avon SSS is good for protection but it's greasy. Aromatherpeutic oils like eucalyptus, citron and lavender mixed w/H2O in a trigger is safe and effective. Gnats breeding indoors ? YES. ask me,I know.

E4TA
04 Apr 2012, 20:45

I've been using Walmart brand liquid fabric softener diluted about 1:1 with water in a spray bottle. Works pretty darn good at repelling these gnats. I spray the horses with it too. We all smell great :D

E4TA
04 Apr 2012, 20:48

I found the mosquito head nets at Walmart for $2. They sell out of them fast this time of year.

jr
08 Apr 2012, 11:31

I have been using the buggins spray for the last 2 yrs. works pretty good for bout 2-3 hrs, less time if you sweat more. permetherin does pretty good for chickens. have found alot of more helpful things on here. thx alot.

River Walker
23 Apr 2012, 02:25

I walk many miles along a trail next to the Arkansas River in central Arkansas. The buffalo gnats (black flies) are tenacious and relentless. DEET (Cutter Sportsmen 40) will keep them from actually biting, BUT they will still light and annoy the heck out of you. The Banana Boat sunscreen (I use Sport 15) keeps them from even lighting! It only lasts a few hours, so be sure to carry it with you for reapplication. The Coleman head-net (Wal-Mart) is best but you look stupid and people laugh. I recommend the Banana Boat AND a headnet if you are really serious about avoiding the huge welts and terrible itching.

E4TA
23 Apr 2012, 03:00

LOL, yep we look pretty darn silly with our headnets but it's the only way to go. My horse has one too and she looks like a martian. Will have to try the Banana Boat. Wonder what's in it that repels them? I'll have to make it into a liquid so I can spray it.

Angie for Central Illinois
25 Apr 2012, 21:06

Thanks for everyone's input. We live in Central Illinois and these darn bugs are horrible, we have chickens and haven't lost any yet but I feel we are going to. We are going to try the powder that was mentioned and hope that works for us. We have been spraying their house with vanilla and water mixture for now but going to try more ideas! Thanks again!

Trudy Mercer
30 Apr 2012, 10:43

I don't know if this is a myth or not but when I was younger I was told to take either vitamin B-1 or B-12 to repel the gnats and mosquitoes. Either it worked or I got lucky. I'm highly allergic and swell up horribly. I've started back on the vitamin B complex since I can't remember the specific number I used to take. We'll see!

DLK
03 May 2012, 15:50

My husband and live in Texas and both recently bitten by Buffalo Gnats. He was bitten on the eyelid and the eye was swollen closed for two days. I was bitten on the face near the ear. Severe itching and swelling and then a large blister on my face. Yes, we both went to the doctor - steroid shot and antibotics. My husband has now developed a large swelling and sore below the eye which will probably turn to a blister. We were at at outdoor wedding near the Brazos River. No more outdoor weddings! We have lived on a ranch for over 30 years and have never experienced this gnat.

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30 Jul 2012, 09:29

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Nancy Whitsett
23 Apr 2013, 11:30

I live in Nothern Nevada and was bitten by a black gant yesterday don't know if it was a buffalo gant, but as I speak my right eye is swollen shut and the rightside of my face has no feeling and has spread to the other side of my face this morning, I callesd the emergency room and was advised to take benadryl and cold compress. So far nothing has taken the swelling down it has only gotten worst. I will seek help from a Doctor today. I will invest in a net and the banana boat sport 50. Never heard of then in Nevada.

Kris Noe
28 Apr 2013, 09:36

I live in Northern Nevada also, and this season is one of the worst yet for the gants. You can't even go outside without being covered in them. We've tried the sprays, going to try some of the other idea's mention. Can't live your life locked up in your house just because of the flying pests.

Khristina
01 May 2013, 11:59

Are buffalo gnats and sandflies similar in appearance? I have lesions that look like they might be from Leishmaniasis. I started getting them when I lived in Georgia near the ocean. I have had these sores for a year and a half and no doctor can figure out what is causing them. If it wasn't for google image search which i did today I wouldn't have even known myself it could be this. I have small children and this can potentially be fatal if it is inside too. I need to know what to tell docs to look for cause they can't seem to figure it out on their own. Any answers would be a great help.

steve
09 May 2013, 15:55

This sounds crazy but Banana Boat sun screen works extremely well.

Brad
17 May 2013, 19:13

I am highly allergic to their bites. I have had great success with the Thermacell insect repellent devices. I spring hunt and fish a lot and most times it is around water. Once the water hits 70 degrees the devils hatch and the war is on. Give the Thermacells a try. No spray is involved and the smell is very tolerable.

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Buffalo Gnats

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