Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsTypes of GnatsSignsBite CarePreventionComplications
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Types of Gnats
Signs
Bite Care
Prevention
Complications
A gnat bite can be itchy and irritating, but it usually doesn’t cause any serious problems. Gnats are small flying insects that are common in your home or yard. There are two species of gnats, and only one bites humans.
Gnat bites show up as tiny, red,itchy bumps. You can take steps to get rid of gnats and prevent bites. If a gnat bites you, there are simple things you can do to ease the itching and ensure the bite heals.
This article will cover everything you need to know about gnatbites, including how to identify a gnat bite, care for the wound, and prevent future gnat bites.
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Gnats are very tiny gray insects, less than 1/8-inch long. They are found throughout the United States, primarily in coastal and farming regions.
There are two species of gnats, but only one bites humans.
Fungus Gnats
Fungus gnats breed in places like soil and potting mix. These insects are attracted to organic decomposition. Fungus gnats don’t bite humans.
Biting Gnats
The species that bite humans is called a biting midge. Only the females bite humans. Biting midges are commonly found around water sources like swamps, marshes, ponds, and streams. The female midges lay eggs in mud.
The female biting midge typically feeds at dawn and dusk. It may continue to feed during the nighttime as well. When the gnat bites, it injects a substance that prevents bloodclotting. If left undisturbed, a feeding will take between two and five minutes.
There are many alternate names for gnats, including:MidgesNo-see-umsPunkiesBlack fliesMoose fliesBuffalo flies
There are many alternate names for gnats, including:
Signs of a Gnat Bite
Gnat bites look like small red,itchy bumps. Since gnats are so small, you may never know that they are feeding on you.
A less common reaction is the appearance offluid-filled blistersaround the bite.
Aleksey Matrenin / Getty Images
Identifying Insect Bites and Stings, and How to Treat Them
How to Care for a Gnat Bite
Avoid scratching any type of bug bite. Scratching can open the skin, which may lead to asecondary infection. Below are some of the ways to care for gnat bites.
Wash It Out
Apply a Cold Compress
Acold compresscan help ease pain, swelling, and itching.
Use a towel rinsed in cold water or ice cubes wrapped in a towel. Don’t apply ice directly to the skin. Keep thecold compresson the area for 10 minutes. You can do this several times daily.
Use Anti-Itch Creams
Anti-itch creams likehydrocortisonecan be applied three times a day to the bite. This will help reduce itching and swelling.
Hydrocortisonecan be purchased over the counter. If itching persists, a healthcare provider can prescribe a stronger-strength hydrocortisone.
Anti-Itch Creams and Home Remedies for Kids
Take an Antihistamine
Antihistamines like Benadryl (diphenhydramine) are available over the counter. These are allergy medications that can reduce itching and swelling.
Manyantihistaminescause drowsiness. Be sure to follow the medication’s instructions.
Preventing Gnat Bites
You can prevent gnat bites with some of the same strategies you use to keep mosquitoes at bay. These include:
The Best Bug Sprays, Tested and Reviewed
Complications From Gnat Bites
Gnat bites typically resolve on their own. Sometimes, however, a gnat bite can cause a problem such as an infection or an allergic reaction.
Allergic Reactions
Seek healthcare immediately if the following symptoms occur. They could be signs of an allergic reaction:
Infections
Signs of infection can include:
Infected Mosquito Bite Symptoms and Treatment
Summary
Gnats are very small insects that fly around in the early mornings and evenings. Female gnats can bite humans, causing an itchy, red bump.
Gnats can be found almost anywhere but are primarily attracted to wet areas. To protect yourself from gnats, cover your skin with clothing and use an insect repellent containing DEET.
6 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Clemson Cooperative Extension.Gnats.U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.Biting midges and schools.Ahmeys Clinic.Gnat bites.Nemours Health.First aid: Insect stings and bites.Seattle Children’s.Insect bite.Environmental Protection Agency.Biting midges and schools.
6 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Clemson Cooperative Extension.Gnats.U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.Biting midges and schools.Ahmeys Clinic.Gnat bites.Nemours Health.First aid: Insect stings and bites.Seattle Children’s.Insect bite.Environmental Protection Agency.Biting midges and schools.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Clemson Cooperative Extension.Gnats.U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.Biting midges and schools.Ahmeys Clinic.Gnat bites.Nemours Health.First aid: Insect stings and bites.Seattle Children’s.Insect bite.Environmental Protection Agency.Biting midges and schools.
Clemson Cooperative Extension.Gnats.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.Biting midges and schools.
Ahmeys Clinic.Gnat bites.
Nemours Health.First aid: Insect stings and bites.
Seattle Children’s.Insect bite.
Environmental Protection Agency.Biting midges and schools.
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