PSA: Potential for Extreme Buffalo Gnat Outbreak

buffalognat

We had Ms. Jennifer Caraway, our Miller County Extension Agent, in the studio earlier and covered a great number of topics, including expectations of a Severe Buffalo Gnat outbreak soon.

We spoke about feral hogs and the traps that are available to landowners, and more. Listen to the podcast below.

Media Release:

Scouted Sulfur River today with Doug Petty (former Miller County Agriculture Agent). Adult Buffalo Gnat flies were out and swarming us. Thankfully the next two days will be in the high 70’s low 80’s which will encourage die off of the adult. Unfortunately, there were many more larvae we found when scouting.

In 5 years of scouting, this is the most larvae I’ve ever seen in one outing. There are overlapping generations. We expect to see the larvae we saw today to start hatching within the next week to two weeks.

About every time this year if you follow my page you notice I’m out scouting for buffalo gnats along the Sulphur River.

If you’re not quite sure why I do this, let me explain.

Every winter Doug Petty, former Miller County Ag Agent, and I scout the Sulphur River multiple times to obtain counts on the amount of buffalo gnat larvae that we see and the potential for an outbreak.

Unfortunately, due to excessive flooding and waters backed up in Bowie County, the U.S. Corp of Engineers are more than likely unable to lower the river. Without the river being lowered, we cannot treat.

Concerns:
Last year, an outbreak of southern buffalo gnats in late March and early April caused the deaths of nearly 100 domesticated animals and at least 280 deer in Arkansas County. Arkansas County residents reported the deaths of three bulls, 30 cows, 30 calves, 27 horses, several mules and a dog. In Southwest Arkansas, outbreaks tend to happen in late January through early March.
Swarms of southern buffalo gnats tend to kill animals in one of several different ways. There can be death due to blood loss — exsanguination. There can be death from a large number of flies blocking the air passageway — essentially, suffocation. But if you look at a lot of the literature, it suggests that most of the deaths will be due to toxemia. Basically, the animal reacting to the saliva, the anticoagulants in the salivary glands of the gnats.
When you have massive attacks from the southern buffalo gnat, the deaths are likely caused by acute toxemia or anaphylactic shock. It’s not a pathogen — it’s just the toxins in the salivary glands.

Symptoms:
Humans as well as domestic animals may be viciously attacked. The eyes, ears, nostrils, wrists, and all exposed parts of the body of man are subject to attack. The extreme pain, itching, and the resultant local swellings, together with occasional severe complications, indicate the presence of an active allergin. In some individuals, the face, arms, and other exposed parts may be greatly swollen as a result of the bites; in others, effects other than blood loss may scarcely be noticeable. Livestock and poultry are sometimes killed by large numbers of black flies.

What are Buffalo Gnats?
Black flies are tiny, blood-sucking flies in the insect family Simuliidae and are often called buffalo gnats or turkey gnats. Contrary to their name, black flies may be gray, tan, or even greenish. They breed in fast moving water of streams and rivers. They are tremendous pests of humans, domestic animals, and wildlife every spring.

Control Options:
For Livestock:
Smokers – Burning hay and logs should create enough smoke to keep the gnats from livestock
Move – Moving livestock more than 5 miles from the Sulphur River will reduce numbers
Darkness/Shelter – Animals may be stabled during the day
Repellents – Fly repellents including permethrin applied to the chest, belly, and ears are somewhat effective

For Pets:
Bring Inside – Bring pets indoors during the day
Screen- Cover pen with screen or mosquito netting
Repellents – Fly repellents applied to pets are somewhat effective. Vanilla extract or Skin-So-Soft.
Fans – Strong air currents are not favored by gnats.
Sprays – Treat under shrubs, trees, and underbrush in evenings while gnats are at rest.

For People:
Indoors – Stay indoors during the daylight hours.
Fans – Fans blowing around doorways will reduce numbers entering a house.
Repellents – Clothing treated with fly repellents such as Permanone. Avon Skin-So-Soft Bug Guard
wipe on (picaridin) and others can be used on the skin.
Clothing – Do not wear light blue. Wear layers of light clothing closed at collar and wrists.
Head protection – Wear head and/or shoulder nets.
Wear gloves and cap.
Please contact your local county extension office for more information.



https://youtu.be/tTR3q46rR1U