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Old 06-20-2011, 09:53 AM
 
1,759 posts, read 2,028,891 times
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OMG the gnats!!

I don't remember so many when we moved here in early fall. Does it stay like this all summer?
I can hardly do garden work without the damn things trying to get into my eyes and ears!

Is it just early summer? Or is this going to go on??
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Old 06-20-2011, 10:05 AM
 
Location: Northern Virginia
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Bugs last all summer. Sorry We try to eat outside on the patio each summer, but generally give up after 1-2 tries because the bugs are so gross.
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Old 06-20-2011, 10:34 AM
 
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Yeah, the gnats will be around for a while. Wear a hat. The woven straw ones that have loose ends around the brim are particulary good. Gnats don't like cigarette smoke either. Really bad reason to take up smoking, though. And there's always DEET-containing sprays which are quite effective. There are also homemade repellents that some swear by. One of the most common would be one tablespoon of pure vanilla extract in a cup of water. Rub down exposed skin with that solution and you should be gnat-free for a while. For those who might rather just slaughter the little pests by the hundreds, put a 50-50 solution of vinegar and either shampoo or dishwashing liquid in a bowl and set it outside for them. Let the carnage begin!
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Old 06-20-2011, 10:37 AM
 
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The spawn of Satan (the gnats) are normally around from early May through September. This is why you want to do as much of your gardening work as possible in March and April. The gnats seem to be the worst on hot, humid days with no breeze; if it's dryer and somewhat windy, they seem less in evidence.
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Old 06-20-2011, 10:45 AM
 
Location: Virginia
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I hear this year the gnats will be more powerful than the Nats.

I find wearing sunglasses helps keep them away from your face. The bigger the glasses are the better, especially if they have really wide side pieces. Gnats also seem to be worse right after a rain or at sunrise/sunset.

If birds are really singing, that's a clue that gnats are out. I think the birds are actually telling each other that the bugs are out, so it's dinner time.
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Old 06-20-2011, 10:52 AM
 
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A big "dislike" for the news that they are here to stay for a while

BUT

a big "LIKE" for all the suggestions. Thanks, everyone and enjoy your summer!
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Old 06-20-2011, 11:21 AM
 
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They have been gathering in swarms around our driveway recently. I've never seen so many gnats.

I'm going to try the vinegar/soap idea, thanks!
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Old 06-20-2011, 11:30 AM
 
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I've also heard that basil repels them.
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Old 06-20-2011, 02:26 PM
 
Location: Metro Washington DC
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Caladium View Post
I hear this year the gnats will be more powerful than the Nats.
They should rename the team to the Washington Gnats.
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Old 06-20-2011, 02:54 PM
 
19,198 posts, read 31,467,877 times
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Quote:
Originally Posted by dkf747 View Post
They should rename the team to the Washington Gnats.
I guess the recent 8-game winning streak didn't impress some people. We're one sweep of the Mariners away from being above .500, you know...
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