By Lee Townsend, Extension Entomologist University of Kentucky College of Agriculture Midges and gnats are common names for a large number of small, non-biting flies. The immature stages develop in water in pools, containers, ponds, clogged rain gutters, or in some cases, wet soil or seepage areas. Most feed on living or decaying plant matter and are an important part of aquatic food chains.
Many species can survive in very stagnant or polluted water.
Corel PhotoCD Large mating swarms of adults often appear about dusk and may occur for several days, especially after a prolonged wet period. Many gnats are attracted to light and may be a nuisance, landing on people or entering homes or businesses. These tiny flies do not feed. They only live long enough to mate, lay eggs, and die. Eggs are laid in masses in the water or on aquatic vegetation.