Tiny Gnats Itching Up a Storm in Yolo County
DAVIS (CBS13) — An outbreak of tiny gnats is making life miserable for some in parts of Yolo County.
The black gnats are more commonly known as no-see-ums for a very good reason—they're smaller than the tip of a pin.
UC Davis professor Lynn Kimsey tells us it's a banner year for these bothersome bugs. They're buzzing around on the western side of the Sacramento Valley—especially in parts of Yolo County.
"It tends to go in cycles, and this is the big part of the cycle," Kimsey said. "If you're sitting in a lawn chair, they will find you."
One bite can leave an itchy welt several inches across.
No-see-ums don't carry diseases, but they do feed on blood. Repellents generally don't work against them. They like slipping under loose-fitting clothing.
"They're awful, they seem to like to crawl up underneath your hat, up your pant leg," said golfer Chuck Buck.
So if you're thinking of barbecuing in the backyard, or sitting outside in an area where no-see-ums are wreaking havoc, your best bet may be just to say inside and wait.
