Gnat Question

[stricks760]

Gnats, everywhere, swarming in little clusters. They don't bite or
anything, and generally mind their own business.

Does this indicate any problem? If I want them to become deceased, is there
a safe way to do it around the pond?

[joe]

I know, the damn things drive me nuts. They are attracted to the salty water
in your eyes and other liquids on your body (try staying outside if you've
got a slight cut!)

I don't know of any type of control. Last year I put out fly traps to no
avail. I even tried blood meal in a fly trap - nada.

Joe

On 3/10/04 10:46 AM, "stricks760" > wrote:

> Gnats, everywhere, swarming in little clusters. They don't bite or
> anything, and generally mind their own business.
>
> Does this indicate any problem? If I want them to become deceased, is there
> a safe way to do it around the pond?



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[joe]

I know, the damn things drive me nuts. They are attracted to the salty water
in your eyes and other liquids on your body (try staying outside if you've
got a slight cut!)

I don't know of any type of control. Last year I put out fly traps to no
avail. I even tried blood meal in a fly trap - nada.

Joe

On 3/10/04 10:46 AM, "stricks760" > wrote:

> Gnats, everywhere, swarming in little clusters. They don't bite or
> anything, and generally mind their own business.
>
> Does this indicate any problem? If I want them to become deceased, is there
> a safe way to do it around the pond?



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[Ka30P]

Predators!
I have a fishless pond full insect larvae and get lots of dragon and
damselflies hatching out of there.
(Mosquitoes are not invited and discouraged with mosquito dunks.)

One day I watched a fishing spider zoom around the pond snatching up gnats who
were bouncing along the surface. The spider would make short work of the gnat
and the wings would flutter down to the surface of the water. Amazing!


kathy :-)
<A HREF="http://www.onceuponapond.com/">Once upon a pond</A>

[Ka30P]

Predators!
I have a fishless pond full insect larvae and get lots of dragon and
damselflies hatching out of there.
(Mosquitoes are not invited and discouraged with mosquito dunks.)

One day I watched a fishing spider zoom around the pond snatching up gnats who
were bouncing along the surface. The spider would make short work of the gnat
and the wings would flutter down to the surface of the water. Amazing!


kathy :-)
<A HREF="http://www.onceuponapond.com/">Once upon a pond</A>

[BenignVanilla]

"stricks760" > wrote in message
link.net...
> Gnats, everywhere, swarming in little clusters. They don't bite or
> anything, and generally mind their own business.
>
> Does this indicate any problem? If I want them to become deceased, is
there
> a safe way to do it around the pond?

We have 'em bad in MD in the summer, and the pond seems to attract them.
I've just given up. I eat my share as I work in the yard. Inhale my share.
And just deal with it.

BV.

[BenignVanilla]

"stricks760" > wrote in message
link.net...
> Gnats, everywhere, swarming in little clusters. They don't bite or
> anything, and generally mind their own business.
>
> Does this indicate any problem? If I want them to become deceased, is
there
> a safe way to do it around the pond?

We have 'em bad in MD in the summer, and the pond seems to attract them.
I've just given up. I eat my share as I work in the yard. Inhale my share.
And just deal with it.

BV.

[joe]

I just googled fishing spider. I gotta get me one of those!

Joe

On 3/10/04 11:28 AM, "Ka30P" > wrote:

> One day I watched a fishing spider zoom



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[joe]

I just googled fishing spider. I gotta get me one of those!

Joe

On 3/10/04 11:28 AM, "Ka30P" > wrote:

> One day I watched a fishing spider zoom



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[broomhilda]

Get some Off, an insect repellant. That's what I use.

The only problem is that they are !@#$%^ pests and you can't ever get rid of
them all. Except in cold weather.


"stricks760" > wrote in message
link.net...
> Gnats, everywhere, swarming in little clusters. They don't bite or
> anything, and generally mind their own business.
>
> Does this indicate any problem? If I want them to become deceased, is
there
> a safe way to do it around the pond?
>
>

[broomhilda]

Get some Off, an insect repellant. That's what I use.

The only problem is that they are !@#$%^ pests and you can't ever get rid of
them all. Except in cold weather.


"stricks760" > wrote in message
link.net...
> Gnats, everywhere, swarming in little clusters. They don't bite or
> anything, and generally mind their own business.
>
> Does this indicate any problem? If I want them to become deceased, is
there
> a safe way to do it around the pond?
>
>

[BenignVanilla]

"broomhilda" > wrote in message
link.net...
> Get some Off, an insect repellant. That's what I use.
>
> The only problem is that they are !@#$%^ pests and you can't ever get rid
of
> them all. Except in cold weather.
<snip>

Hmm...I wonder if there is a mail order place we could order natural
predators from?

BV.

[BenignVanilla]

"broomhilda" > wrote in message
link.net...
> Get some Off, an insect repellant. That's what I use.
>
> The only problem is that they are !@#$%^ pests and you can't ever get rid
of
> them all. Except in cold weather.
<snip>

Hmm...I wonder if there is a mail order place we could order natural
predators from?

BV.

[Nedra]

BV, I can only answer half your question - natural predators
for gnats are nematodes and predatory mites... this is
according to The Bug Store people here in town. Lady
says they work really well.

Nedra
http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/Pines/4836
http://community.webshots.com/user/nedra118

"BenignVanilla" > wrote in message
...
>
> "broomhilda" > wrote in message
> link.net...
> > Get some Off, an insect repellant. That's what I use.
> >
> > The only problem is that they are !@#$%^ pests and you can't ever get
rid
> of
> > them all. Except in cold weather.
> <snip>
>
> Hmm...I wonder if there is a mail order place we could order natural
> predators from?
>
> BV.
>
>

[Nedra]

BV, I can only answer half your question - natural predators
for gnats are nematodes and predatory mites... this is
according to The Bug Store people here in town. Lady
says they work really well.

Nedra
http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/Pines/4836
http://community.webshots.com/user/nedra118

"BenignVanilla" > wrote in message
...
>
> "broomhilda" > wrote in message
> link.net...
> > Get some Off, an insect repellant. That's what I use.
> >
> > The only problem is that they are !@#$%^ pests and you can't ever get
rid
> of
> > them all. Except in cold weather.
> <snip>
>
> Hmm...I wonder if there is a mail order place we could order natural
> predators from?
>
> BV.
>
>

[Ka30P]

I heard of a town in Maine that ordered
a bunch of dragonfly larvae to take care
of their mosquitoes. So somebody out there
must 'deal' in them.

They are so kewl to bring
into the house and watch. You do have to be
prepared to sacrifice some baby fish or tadpoles
if you want them to spend much time inside but they are a great sci-fi movie
critter to watch.


kathy :-)
<A HREF="http://www.onceuponapond.com/">Once upon a pond</A>

[Ka30P]

I heard of a town in Maine that ordered
a bunch of dragonfly larvae to take care
of their mosquitoes. So somebody out there
must 'deal' in them.

They are so kewl to bring
into the house and watch. You do have to be
prepared to sacrifice some baby fish or tadpoles
if you want them to spend much time inside but they are a great sci-fi movie
critter to watch.


kathy :-)
<A HREF="http://www.onceuponapond.com/">Once upon a pond</A>

[KenCo]

Ka30P wrote:
> I heard of a town in Maine that ordered
> a bunch of dragonfly larvae to take care
> of their mosquitoes. So somebody out there
> must 'deal' in them.
>
> They are so kewl to bring
> into the house and watch. You do have to be
> prepared to sacrifice some baby fish or tadpoles
> if you want them to spend much time inside but they are a great sci-fi movie
> critter to watch.
>
>
> kathy :-)
> <A HREF="http://www.onceuponapond.com/">Once upon a pond</A>



check the online "seed and plant" websites, all
sorts of benificial bugs are sold through them
including dragonflys and praying mantis.






--
--
http://www.kencofish.com Ken Arnold,
401-781-9642 cell 401-225-0556
Importer/Exporter of Goldfish,Koi,rare Predators
Shipping to legal states/countries only!
Permalon liners, Oase & Supreme Pondmaster pumps


Linux (SuSE 8.2) user #329121
Please Note: No trees or animals were harmed in the
sending of this contaminant free message We do concede
that a signicant number of electrons may have been
inconvenienced ;)

[KenCo]

Ka30P wrote:
> I heard of a town in Maine that ordered
> a bunch of dragonfly larvae to take care
> of their mosquitoes. So somebody out there
> must 'deal' in them.
>
> They are so kewl to bring
> into the house and watch. You do have to be
> prepared to sacrifice some baby fish or tadpoles
> if you want them to spend much time inside but they are a great sci-fi movie
> critter to watch.
>
>
> kathy :-)
> <A HREF="http://www.onceuponapond.com/">Once upon a pond</A>



check the online "seed and plant" websites, all
sorts of benificial bugs are sold through them
including dragonflys and praying mantis.






--
--
http://www.kencofish.com Ken Arnold,
401-781-9642 cell 401-225-0556
Importer/Exporter of Goldfish,Koi,rare Predators
Shipping to legal states/countries only!
Permalon liners, Oase & Supreme Pondmaster pumps


Linux (SuSE 8.2) user #329121
Please Note: No trees or animals were harmed in the
sending of this contaminant free message We do concede
that a signicant number of electrons may have been
inconvenienced ;)

[Offbreed]

stricks760 wrote:

> Gnats, everywhere, swarming in little clusters. They don't bite or
> anything, and generally mind their own business.
>
> Does this indicate any problem? If I want them to become deceased, is there
> a safe way to do it around the pond?

Try getting some yellow plastic and smear some motor oil on it with a
rag (the spontaneous combustion problem involves veg oil, not mineral
oils, so don't worry about burning the place down). Hang the plastic
near the pond as an experiment.

This is the sort of thing I'm thinking of:

http://www.marchbiological.com/L/misc.html

Sticky Yellow Cards

Target pests: Whitefly, aphids, fruitfly, gnats & wasps

The name says it all. They are cards, colored yellow with a sticky
coating. Pests from aphids to wasps are attracted to the yellow color
and get stuck and die. The best part is Beneficial Insects are not
attracted to yellow so they will work together well. Lasts until
completely covered. Use one or two in a greenhouse or garden to
monitor if there is a pest problem or place every 10 to 15 feet
depending on the level of infestation. 5 card per pack with hanging wire.

Pack of 5 $3.25

The rest of the page is interesting as well.

[Offbreed]

stricks760 wrote:

> Gnats, everywhere, swarming in little clusters. They don't bite or
> anything, and generally mind their own business.
>
> Does this indicate any problem? If I want them to become deceased, is there
> a safe way to do it around the pond?

Try getting some yellow plastic and smear some motor oil on it with a
rag (the spontaneous combustion problem involves veg oil, not mineral
oils, so don't worry about burning the place down). Hang the plastic
near the pond as an experiment.

This is the sort of thing I'm thinking of:

http://www.marchbiological.com/L/misc.html

Sticky Yellow Cards

Target pests: Whitefly, aphids, fruitfly, gnats & wasps

The name says it all. They are cards, colored yellow with a sticky
coating. Pests from aphids to wasps are attracted to the yellow color
and get stuck and die. The best part is Beneficial Insects are not
attracted to yellow so they will work together well. Lasts until
completely covered. Use one or two in a greenhouse or garden to
monitor if there is a pest problem or place every 10 to 15 feet
depending on the level of infestation. 5 card per pack with hanging wire.

Pack of 5 $3.25

The rest of the page is interesting as well.

[Jovon2723]

Please don't laugh! Are Dragonflies
and Damselflies the same, or are they different insects, but in the same
family?
Couldn't stop thinking about this,
So thought I would ask.>> :)

[Jovon2723]

Please don't laugh! Are Dragonflies
and Damselflies the same, or are they different insects, but in the same
family?
Couldn't stop thinking about this,
So thought I would ask.>> :)

[Terry]

I know of a place in Canada where you can order predatory insects
from. There website is at http://www.naturalinsectcontrol.com/

Not sure if they ship to the US though.
Terry

[Terry]

I know of a place in Canada where you can order predatory insects
from. There website is at http://www.naturalinsectcontrol.com/

Not sure if they ship to the US though.
Terry

[Ka30P]

I won't laugh! ;-)

Dragon and damselflies are in the same order,
Order Odonata. (Then they break down into families.)
Fossils have been found that date back 300 million years. There are 450 species
in North America. They are one of my favorite pond critters. Their power of
flight is so marvelous that the US military sponsored a study of them
to try and see if they could copy their secrets.


kathy :-)
<A HREF="http://www.onceuponapond.com/">Once upon a pond</A>

[Ka30P]

I won't laugh! ;-)

Dragon and damselflies are in the same order,
Order Odonata. (Then they break down into families.)
Fossils have been found that date back 300 million years. There are 450 species
in North America. They are one of my favorite pond critters. Their power of
flight is so marvelous that the US military sponsored a study of them
to try and see if they could copy their secrets.


kathy :-)
<A HREF="http://www.onceuponapond.com/">Once upon a pond</A>

[chagoi]

Jovon2723 wrote:
> Please don't laugh! Are Dragonflies
> and Damselflies the same, or are they different insects, but in the same
> family?
> Couldn't stop thinking about this,
> So thought I would ask.>> :)
>

pictures of damsel and dragonflies

checkout:

http://www-chaos.engr.utk.edu/~kde/birds/pics/dragonflies/ODEpics.html


Basic difference is Damselflies fold their wing up over and parallel
with their bodies. While dragonflies keep their wings out 90 degrees
from their bodies, like airplane wings when they land.

Chagoi
http://ourkoipond.com

[chagoi]

Jovon2723 wrote:
> Please don't laugh! Are Dragonflies
> and Damselflies the same, or are they different insects, but in the same
> family?
> Couldn't stop thinking about this,
> So thought I would ask.>> :)
>

pictures of damsel and dragonflies

checkout:

http://www-chaos.engr.utk.edu/~kde/birds/pics/dragonflies/ODEpics.html


Basic difference is Damselflies fold their wing up over and parallel
with their bodies. While dragonflies keep their wings out 90 degrees
from their bodies, like airplane wings when they land.

Chagoi
http://ourkoipond.com

[KenCo]

Ka30P wrote:

> I won't laugh! ;-)
>
> Dragon and damselflies are in the same order,
> Order Odonata. (Then they break down into families.)
> Fossils have been found that date back 300 million years. There are 450 species
> in North America. They are one of my favorite pond critters. Their power of
> flight is so marvelous that the US military sponsored a study of them
> to try and see if they could copy their secrets.
>
>
> kathy :-)
> <A HREF="http://www.onceuponapond.com/">Once upon a pond</A>



the mil. couldnt since dragonfly's can move ea. wing
independently.



--
--
http://www.kencofish.com Ken Arnold,
401-781-9642 cell 401-225-0556
Importer/Exporter of Goldfish,Koi,rare Predators
Shipping to legal states/countries only!
Permalon liners, Oase & Supreme Pondmaster pumps


Linux (SuSE 8.2) user #329121
Please Note: No trees or animals were harmed in the
sending of this contaminant free message We do concede
that a signicant number of electrons may have been
inconvenienced ;)

[KenCo]

Ka30P wrote:

> I won't laugh! ;-)
>
> Dragon and damselflies are in the same order,
> Order Odonata. (Then they break down into families.)
> Fossils have been found that date back 300 million years. There are 450 species
> in North America. They are one of my favorite pond critters. Their power of
> flight is so marvelous that the US military sponsored a study of them
> to try and see if they could copy their secrets.
>
>
> kathy :-)
> <A HREF="http://www.onceuponapond.com/">Once upon a pond</A>



the mil. couldnt since dragonfly's can move ea. wing
independently.



--
--
http://www.kencofish.com Ken Arnold,
401-781-9642 cell 401-225-0556
Importer/Exporter of Goldfish,Koi,rare Predators
Shipping to legal states/countries only!
Permalon liners, Oase & Supreme Pondmaster pumps


Linux (SuSE 8.2) user #329121
Please Note: No trees or animals were harmed in the
sending of this contaminant free message We do concede
that a signicant number of electrons may have been
inconvenienced ;)

[BenignVanilla]

"Jovon2723" > wrote in message
...
> Please don't laugh! Are Dragonflies
> and Damselflies the same, or are they different insects, but in the same
> family?
> Couldn't stop thinking about this,
> So thought I would ask.>> :)

The way I understood it...to tell them apart. Dragonfly wings are always
perpendicular to their bodies. Damselflies will fold their wings up when
they land and hold their wins parallel with their bodies.

BV.

[BenignVanilla]

"Jovon2723" > wrote in message
...
> Please don't laugh! Are Dragonflies
> and Damselflies the same, or are they different insects, but in the same
> family?
> Couldn't stop thinking about this,
> So thought I would ask.>> :)

The way I understood it...to tell them apart. Dragonfly wings are always
perpendicular to their bodies. Damselflies will fold their wings up when
they land and hold their wins parallel with their bodies.

BV.

[~ jan JJsPond.us]

>Gnats, everywhere, swarming in little clusters. They don't bite or
>anything, and generally mind their own business.
>
>Does this indicate any problem?

Most likely midges, and it means your pond must be healthy, but has enough
debris for the larvae (blood worm) to thrive. They usually hatch heavily in
spring and then slow down. Fish love to eat the larvae.

>If I want them to become deceased, is there
>a safe way to do it around the pond?

If you don't have predator bugs for them, you will soon. Otherwise pray for
a stiff breeze. ;o) ~ jan
~ jan

[~ jan JJsPond.us]

>Gnats, everywhere, swarming in little clusters. They don't bite or
>anything, and generally mind their own business.
>
>Does this indicate any problem?

Most likely midges, and it means your pond must be healthy, but has enough
debris for the larvae (blood worm) to thrive. They usually hatch heavily in
spring and then slow down. Fish love to eat the larvae.

>If I want them to become deceased, is there
>a safe way to do it around the pond?

If you don't have predator bugs for them, you will soon. Otherwise pray for
a stiff breeze. ;o) ~ jan
~ jan

[Zeuspaul]

Try a gnat trap and let me know if it works. I did some research and came
up with the following...our season has not yet started so I have not tried
it yet.

Punch several pencil sized holes in the tapered end of a two liter plastic
bottle..best guess two or three inches from the cap. Then place a little
liquid egg bait in the bottle. Mount the bottle with the cap end down on a
stick or?

Liquid egg bait = one or two eggs mixed with a quart of water in a blender.


Discard after two weeks as flies will be attracted to the bait after a
week or two.

stricks760 > wrote in article
. net>...
> Gnats, everywhere, swarming in little clusters. They don't bite or
> anything, and generally mind their own business.
>
> Does this indicate any problem? If I want them to become deceased, is
there
> a safe way to do it around the pond?
>
>
>

[Zeuspaul]

Try a gnat trap and let me know if it works. I did some research and came
up with the following...our season has not yet started so I have not tried
it yet.

Punch several pencil sized holes in the tapered end of a two liter plastic
bottle..best guess two or three inches from the cap. Then place a little
liquid egg bait in the bottle. Mount the bottle with the cap end down on a
stick or?

Liquid egg bait = one or two eggs mixed with a quart of water in a blender.


Discard after two weeks as flies will be attracted to the bait after a
week or two.

stricks760 > wrote in article
. net>...
> Gnats, everywhere, swarming in little clusters. They don't bite or
> anything, and generally mind their own business.
>
> Does this indicate any problem? If I want them to become deceased, is
there
> a safe way to do it around the pond?
>
>
>