Insect common names are often tricky, confusing and overly inclusive. While it is correct to say that gnats bite, unquestionably not all gnats have the kind of mouthparts that enable them to bite and penetrate the skin.

Biting gnats have six legs, two prominent wings and are extremely small. They feed on hosts either individually or in swarms and use the cutting teeth of their mouthparts to puncture and cut their host’s skin to expose blood that is sucked into their digestive system. Female biting gnats feed on blood, while the males feed on plant nectar and do not bite. Consuming blood is mandatory for female biting gnats to produce eggs that will properly develop.

Bites are most likely to occur on any exposed, uncovered skin and most often occur on the head, neck, forearms, hands, face, legs and feet. General symptoms are itchiness, irritation, redness and swelling at the site of the bite.

The itching associated with gnat bites is due to the host’s reaction to anticoagulant compounds that allow gnats to suck blood without the blood coagulating. Continuous scratching can lead open sores that are susceptible to secondary bacterial infection of the bite wound. In some cases, the transmission of infectious diseases by the biting gnat is possible.

Since gnat bites can lead to various medical problems, be sure to see your family doctor or other health professional if symptoms continue or become worse over time.