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Show 194 and marshes of the Lake that, from a distance, they resemble a smoke screen. Biting Gnats Leptoeonops kerteszi Kieffer is the most abundant, widely distributed and annoying gnat around the Great Salt Lake. Other biting gnats of the genus Culiooides have been collected in this area but they seem to be confined to localized areas and usually are not present in sufficient numbers to constitute a problem requiring extensive control measures. A moist band of oolitic sand around the shores of the Great Salt Lake, varying in width from 10 to 100 feet, is one of the most prolific L. kerteszi producing sites in existence. In this band and similar areas in the vicinity, countless millions of gnats emerge each spring, with some minor broods occurring during the season when moisture and temperature conditions are favorable. L. kerteszi are extremely small and are known locally as " punkies," " no- see- ems" or " teeth on wings." They attack during daylight hours on hot, windless days, crawling into their victims1 eyes, ears, nostrils and hair. The females inflict a bite that produces inflamed and irritating swellings on the skin which may persist for several days. Biting Gnat Control L. kerteszi have many natural parasites and predators that reduce their numbers. To date, no applied biological methods have been used effectively as a control measure. The investigation of biological control measures, such as the feasibility of draining or flooding breeding areas and the use of larracides and adulticides, should be continued. |
