Buffalo Gnats

SteveW · Wed May 22, 2013 7:28 pm

This is the second year that we have had Martins. Last year we had 2 pair that successfully fledged 10 young. This year we have 6 pair and all are currently building nests. Last year in our area, it was a very dry Spring and Summer and as a result we had no problem with Buffalo Gnats destroying our bluebird babies - the year before we lost 22 to these nasty biters. My concern is that this year has been extremely wet and as such, the Gnats are horrible. Question for this group of Martin enthusiasts' - is there anything that is recommended to apply in or around the nesting box to deter the Gnats from biting and killing the young Martins? Any thoughts or words of advice would be much appreciated. Thanks! Steve

Nealbopper · Wed May 22, 2013 8:36 pm

You could try dryer sheets or Diatomaceous earth in and around the nest. Try hanging those sticky fly traps for 12 to 14 days. Other than that I got nothing.

Matt F. · Wed May 22, 2013 8:37 pm

Hi Steve.
Check out this article:
http://purplemartin.org/update/13.4-Blackflies.pdf

SteveW · Wed May 22, 2013 9:09 pm

Matt - Thanks for providing the article on blackflies - very interesting. I will certainly be trying to locate some of the Flys Away II material ASAP as well as the Ultratron. Just hope this stuff is as safe as stated in the article.

Thanks again for sharing!

Steve @ 'bout Broke Farm, Just South of Nowhere in IL

D&DRichardson-IL · Wed May 22, 2013 11:50 pm

We subscribe to the Nature Society News and I have read an article that recommends applying Absorbine Jr. (liquid pain reliever) around the entrance hole. You should be able to find this at any pharmacy.

FYI
The buffalo gnats are terrible here in central Illinois right now. We use the fragrance mist called Warm Vanilla Sugar sold at Bath & Body. Best thing we have found for us, but I have not tried applying it around the entrance holes on the martin house.

Does anyone have an opinion on using something like this if the gnats are endangering the babies?

Thanks,
Debbie R.

Louise Chambers · Thu May 23, 2013 8:55 am

Be careful about what you use inside the nest - I would not put dryer sheets into a nest, and I would be very cautious about using sticky fly tape anywhere near a nestbox. As for the other methods, from Flys Away, absorbine jr, vanilla - try them all, outside the box, if product 1 does not work add product 2, etc. Buffalo gnats are a tough situation and you have to stay on top of it.

Leandortree · Thu May 23, 2013 9:31 am

Neal,
Diatomaceous earth is not a good product to use inside a nesting cavity, when the young nestlings exercise the Diatomaceous earth becomes airborne, and can do serious damage to the youngsters as they will have to inhale it!

John Miller · Thu May 23, 2013 12:55 pm

Have wondered if I could effectively apply Adams flea spray (for dogs)..just put a dab on a rag and maybe apply to vertical surface around entrance to try and repel flies from entering. The product's active ingredient is pyrethrins -- is toxic to fleas and strong odor, so I'd not use inside a cavity or on porches or perches, but have thought in an emergency that I might try some. Sure works on Jake my beagle.

John

Siberman · Thu May 23, 2013 6:14 pm

My dogs have problems with biting flies on the tips of their ears during the summer . I tried all the vet meds but nothing really worked until I tried Vick's Vapor Rub .

I'm not saying it 's a cure but maybe just a very small amount around the doors or under porches ( just enough to leave the scent without any residue to contact the birds ) would help ?

pmlover · Fri May 24, 2013 6:59 am

would seven powder help

barry resvick · Fri May 24, 2013 11:31 am

Iv been using the diatomasious earth in my swallow nest boxes and it works wonders on the blow flies.We dont have the gnats your talking about,but this stuff takes the larva stage out as soon as they hatch out and doesn't harm the chicks at all.Its basically the ground up skeletons of sea crustations and is finer than flour.I will be using it with my martins this year.

DornCounty · Fri May 24, 2013 12:11 pm

barry resvick wrote:Iv been using the diatomasious earth in my swallow nest boxes and it works wonders on the blow flies.We dont have the gnats your talking about,but this stuff takes the larva stage out as soon as they hatch out and doesn't harm the chicks at all.Its basically the ground up skeletons of sea crustations and is finer than flour.I will be using it with my martins this year.

There is some debate about DE getting inhaled and damaging the lungs of baby birds.