Gnats Are Being Found Well Above The 'Gnat Line'

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After months of above average rainfall, gnats are showing up in unlikely parts of Georgia

When people in Georgia talk about gnats, those conversations typically happen below the "gnat line" just south of Macon. But, this year, the annoying insects are showing up well north of there.

Months of heavy rain have increased water levels in Georgia’s rivers. That means an increase in larvae and more black flies, one of the many insects commonly referred to as a gnat.

Gnats are being found further north in Georgia

University of Georgia entomologist Elmer Gray said this year Georgia rivers are seeing high water levels and gnats like that. Georgia’s waterways are also cleaner, likely a result of the 1972 Clean Water Act.

“Black flies are not tolerant of highly polluted water,” Gray said. “So the fact that we’re getting more of these populations means we are making progress.”

But is the actual Gnat Line moving? That’s not likely. The physical gnat line is based on soil composition, not the bugs. The black flies in the north are also a different variety than those found in South Georgia. There are 47 species of black fly in Georgia and they are here to stay.

“Some of these black flies have been found in amber,” Gray said. “It’s like 100 million years old. They sat on the dinosaurs so they’re not going anywhere.”

Black flies could be around as far south as Macon and north into Athens through October.