EAST LONGMEADOW , Mass . , May 28 / PRNewswire / -- When major storms hit the Midwest United States in 2008 , local residents not only had to deal with soaking rains and major flooding , but the major nuisance of swarming gnats and bugs . Gnat infestations occurred due to the prolonged period of moisture and humidity and the increase in pools of standing water . The bugs were reported to swarm innocent individuals who dared to leave their homes , causing itchy , painful bites .