Gnat Season Coping Tips From LSU Ag Center Entomologist

Cooler weather this year has extended the usually brief gnat season, making trips out to the river a bit unpleasant for some. If you’re looking to make an outdoors trip, LSU Ag Center entomologist Sebe Brown says understand these pests don’t work like mosquitos.

“So, anywhere there’s flowing water. Typically, they don’t like stagnant water as much, but it’s got to be flowing water. We see issues with gnats about this time every year,” Brown said.

For those looking to brave gnat infested rivers, Brown has a non-scientific, but country tested protection plan.

“This is anecdotal but among farmers and guys outdoors is called ’Amber Romance’ by Victoria’s Secret, as well as some Avon ’Skin So Soft’ products also work well,” Brown advised.

Brown says some folks might even find gnat bites are more of a problem than being swarmed by mosquitos.

“People that are sensitive or may have allergic reactions typically can have a welt and sometimes those can last a few days or much longer than mosquitos’ (bites) because they secrete an anti-coagulant,” Brown said.

Brown says as the temperature starts averaging 80 degrees, the gnats will go away, only to be replaced by mosquitos.