@#&*$#%@&*$# Buffalo Gnats are back!!!

[GN YAKN]

Looks like we're going to need some head nets next weekend. Da Bugs iz Bad!

[panicman]

yes the little #$%^s are back in full force. Break out your imitiation vanilla extract and you should be good to go.

Does anyone know where these little buggers came from because I know when I was little we never had to deal with these things.

[GN YAKN]

I think they are some of them Balsamic Geehod Turrerrust sumbiches!
Probably came over our southern borders on the backs of those armadiyas.

[Wildwood]

:shock: I haven't run into them yet. Are they like no-see-ums or whitefiles like are in Alaska? Does the imitation vanilla really work? Seems like the sweet scent would attract them.

[JohnB]

I've been told that they followed industrial pig farming, though I did an article on them for my blog last year and found that the little bxxstrds have been around. My first experience was on the Little Red about 15 years ago and my worst experience was at Canoe School a few years back. Some folks swear by vanilla, but it didn't work for me.

[GN YAKN]

They look like little bitty black flies. Right now they are swarming but not yet biting. The swarming is very annoying by itself. But, when they start biting they are vicious little buggers. The bites swell up worse than a mosquito bite and last longer. They also like to target the soft tissue around your eyes and the swelling from their bites looks horrible.

I hate the little buggers! Even if you use 100% deet they will still swarm around you and drive you nuts! Best thing is to stay in direct sunlight and hope for a strong wind to keep them away.

I'm seriously considering a full head net for next week's school!!!

[iYak]

They are awful Especially if you are paddling with a helmet that has ear covers, they will bite your ears and you can't swat them off.

Imitation vanilla is the best. I've found that mixing a solution of water, imitation vanilla, and Listerine into a spray bottle works well. Mist it onto your face as needed.

It seems that Off and some other repellents act as attractants and actually make it worse.

[DonShreve]

I use a spray made of vanilla extract & a little bit of water. It works for about 10 minutes, then they're back. Better than nothing.
I was in Louisiana last week, they were THICK down there.
Just saw the above post...artificial vanilla. Cool. Never heard of the Listerine before.

[Owl]

...Right now they are swarming but not yet biting...

They were biting last Sat. on the Mulberry. Maybe I encountered a rogue bunch.

[Lupe]

I think Dave and our other musician paddlers should learn this song for around the campfire next weekend:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AyRshnwExPU

Maybe come up with an Arkansas replacement for North Ontario...

[Owl]

I did some quick research on gnat repellents and a device called the ThermaCELL seemed highly recommended for campsites and more stationary outdoor activities (link below).

http://www.mosquitorepellent.com/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Additionally, individuals in northern states were adamant about how well Absorbine, Jr. works as a gnat repellent.