Anyone Else Having Gnat Issues?

[so lucky]

Remember about 2 or 3 years ago when we had the buffalo gnat infestations and lots of people's chickens suffocated from the gnats? I have lots of gnats now. I don't think they are the buffalo gnats; not quite that big, but they are sure bothering the chickens.
Tomorrow I will use DE in the chicken house, to dry up the fresh poo. May need to get a fan going, too, as gnats don't like a breeze.
They sure make working outside a challenge.

 

[Carol Dee]

OMG, they are HORRIBLE here. They just appeared about 3 days ago. Nearly impossible to be outside where they are. In the shade with breeze is best. But that is not where I need to be working! I dose myself with vanilla cologne or imitation vanilla extract before heading out. Then reapply often, DH says a hat helps him.

 

[Smart Red]

Yuck! Keep 'em there @Carol Dee! I thought we might avoid them this year. I have a widow's veil that I wear to keep the little B-b-b-b-bugs off my face, neck, and ears. I may look silly working outside like that, but I'm able to work. Can't stand 'em!

I might try the vanilla. Sure it won't bring swarms of children?

 

[thistlebloom]

My husband always mows the lawn in his bug veil, and we have hardly any bugs IMO. But he hates anything landing on his bald noggin!

 

[baymule]

Spray your chickens with vanilla after they go to roost.

 

[Carol Dee]

The gnats actually killed 2 of my sons chickens a few days ago. So he is spraying them with vanilla 2 times a day. I had no idea they could be bad enough to kill a chicken!

 

[so lucky]

The gnats actually killed 2 of my sons chickens a few days ago. So he is spraying them with vanilla 2 times a day. I had no idea they could be bad enough to kill a chicken!

Carol, is the vanilla spray helping repel the gnats?

 

[Carol Dee]

@so lucky He thinks it has. No more chicken losses. I spray myself before going outside, too. For me, it does help.

 

[Lavender2]

Gnats can kill chickens?! SIL has them bad, I will warn him!
We have no gnats, I think the mosquitos are taking up all available airspace.

 

[so lucky]

Yes, @Lavender2, the gnats get into the air passages and smother the chickens. If your SIL just has a few chickens, putting a window fan to blow on them helps keep the gnats away. they don't like the wind.