Conservationist: Wet weather keeping gnats around later than expected

There are many reasons to look forward to warmer weather, but gnats probably aren't on anyone's list.

Buffalo gnats, also called black flies, have swarmed the area since the first hints of spring weather arrived in May. Missouri Department of Conservation officials last month predicted that approaching windy and sunny weather would bring an end to the gnats' life cycle in two weeks or less. But a month later, the problem remains.

According to AJ Hendershott, regional supervisor for outreach and education at the Missouri Department of Conservation, this unwelcome stay can be attributed to weather.

"When you're dealing with gnats, you have to realize part of its life cycle relies on water," he said. "All the heavy rains and recent flooding have caused a lot of standing water and backwater in certain areas, which gives them the appropriate environment and habitat for their larvae. As long as we see sitting water like that, we'll continue to see them into the summer."

The good news, Hendershott said, is the gnats have a short life span. The larvae that may have hatched in the standing water in May or early June will not last through the summer.

"They're not really long-lived creatures," he said. "Once we start seeing warmer, dryer days, you'll start to see the population go down."

For those who wish to take advantage of the warm weather without dealing with the swarms, Hendershott suggests getting out early.

"In the morning, they're not quite as active. So if you wanted to do you're mowing or walking or jogging, that's really the best time to do it, before they're out in full force," he said.

One repellent used by many to keep the pests at bay is diluted vanilla extract.

srinehart@semissourian.com

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