As temperatures rise in Augusta, the presence of insects, particularly gnats, becomes more pronounced, raising concerns about climate change’s impact on pest behavior.
“Changing Climate can affect them in some ways,” noted Elmer Gray, an entomologist at the University of Georgia. “One thing that’s going to help them is staying warm at night. Wednesday night I don’t know if it got below 77 degrees. We know that insects like warmer temperatures. Warmer temperatures mean a longer growing season.”
Gray emphasized that these conditions might extend the life cycle of insects as they thrive longer into the fall months if temperatures remain elevated.
Humidity also plays a crucial role, according to Gray. “We’ve had so much rain throughout the end of spring and into the beginning of summer,” he explained. “The temperatures have warmed up, so everything is starting to grow faster. They completed their life cycle quicker. When we have lots of moisture in the environment, whether it’s in the soil, standing water collecting in containers, all of these things provide habitats that increase the productivity of a wide range of insects.”
Gnats
Gray explained the term “gnat” as a general descriptor for small flies, which can differ by region. “Gnat is a general term for a small fly. So, what you’re calling a gnat in Augusta is going to be a different insect than what they call a gnat in Pennsylvania. Gnat is a general term, typically for insects that swarm about our faces. Black flies and other gnats are attracted to the carbon dioxide in our breath,” he stated.
He added, “It tells them there’s an animal there. Then they’re going to get closer and try to pick up the final cues as to whether you’re the kind of animal that they like to feed on.”
Eye Gnats
Gray detailed how eye gnats are drawn to moisture. “As far as the eye gnats they’re attracted to the moist membranes,” he said. “So your eyes are where they’re drawn to. For other animals, they’ll get around the genitals and other places. When we say Diptera or fly that means insects that have two wings. A lot of our common insects that we deal with are a type of fly.”
‘Right now is peak season’
Gray mentioned that the current period is the height of insect activity. “So right now is peak season,” Gray remarked. “Now, if it stops raining and everything starts drying up, if we go into drought conditions, the insects suffer. It’s very common for the insect populations to kind of go down in the heat of the summer. If you think it’s hot outside for us, well, it’s hot outside for them too. Insects are very susceptible to drying out.”
Hurricane
Gray also discussed the impact of hurricanes on insect populations. “It tends to be drier from August to September,” he explained. “If we have a hurricane that could mean a lot of flooding. Then things start getting wet again.”
A Psorophora Ciliata mosquito, one of the largest in the country, is shown by Mindy Kruth-Crothers after being trapped in Augusta following Hurricane Helene by the Georgia Department of Public Health.
Pest Prevention
Gray advised on mosquito control, stating, “For mosquitoes, you want to be very diligent about eliminating standing water around your homes and in your neighborhood and communities.” He praised local efforts, adding, “Richmond County has a good mosquito control program down there in Augusta. If people are having problems with mosquitoes, they should reach out to the Richmond County Public Health to let them know what’s going on.”
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offers tips for homeowners:
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Empty or throw out any items that hold water like tires, buckets, planters, toys, pools, birdbaths, flower pot saucers, or trash containers.
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Ensure screens are secure, free of tears, and properly installed to keep insects out while allowing fresh air in.
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When sleeping outdoors or in areas with poor screening, use a mosquito bed net.
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Wear loose-fitting, long-sleeved shirts and pants.
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Gray emphasized personal responsibility in pest prevention. “I’m a homeowner,” he said. “It’s easy to have a bucket for picking up sticks in the yard, or the old boat that you use once in a while. So you really need to be diligent about eliminating standing water. Most of the biting flies are attracted to darker colors. So light colored, loose fitting clothing will help. If you’re planning on going to a ball game or going to watch fireworks on the Fourth of July you might want to apply an EPA approved repellent to your exposed skin.”
He also addressed common misconceptions about natural pest repellents. “The plants that have oils that can repel insects have to be crushed and processed,” Gray clarified. “So the Citronella plant is not good. There have been studies conducted that show mosquitoes will actually land on it. Yes, citronella oil can repel mosquitoes to some degree. Oil of lemon eucalyptus is one thing that works. T’s naturally derived and very effective.”
Original Story at news.yahoo.com