Lyon County and the city of Yerington have been inundated with complaints about gnats, according to Lyon County Manager Jeff Page.
The Mason Valley Mosquito Abatement is expecting the number of black flies and gnats in the area to increase.
Officials said the gnats have been establishing themselves in the area for the last decade, and their numbers are rapidly increasing as a result of standing floodwaters.
Sprays don’t have an effect on the insects as they are day biters and go dormant just after sundown, Page said.
The control method for black flies is river treatment March-June before the larva pupate.
Page said the reports are mainly coming from the east Walker area and to the west and around the canyon, but not yet in Smith.
Officials said the bugs are attracted to DEET repellents, but useful repellents include lemongrass, geraniol and citronella products.
Additionally, dragonfly larva are ramping up and are expected to hatch soon, which could help as dragonflies prey on black flies.
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