The Mighty Buffalo Gnat 
It’s always the small things that will get you. In Yolo County, between mid-May and mid-June, the mighty gnat–sometimes called the no-se-um–appears. It’s a tiny thing, barely visible, unless a cloud of them lands on you in a feeding frenzy. Even one bite will set you back, especially if you’re allergic to the saliva they inject into you. The area they bite will then swell up by one-or two-inches, sometimes blowing up the whole limb they bite, and it can itch and ooze for up to a month. In the 20-plus years of living here, I have learned a bit about this creature, this Leptoconops torrens. I know not to get too excited in the Spring about planting or sitting outside and enjoying the beautiful California weather, especially at dawn or dusk or when I’m sweaty, until we’ve had at least two or three 100 degree days, which finally kills them. But I always forget and think wearing boots, sweatpants, a jacket, and hat will protect me. I think deep-woods bug spray will help. Then I always wind up with 80-or-so bites over the season. Once, my foot swelled so bad, I couldn’t slip my toes into sandals.
So, this is my excuse for not moving more swiftly into my Blog journey of reconnecting with the earth. I need just a few more 100 degree days, which I’m sure will arrive sooner than later. In the meantime, I’d like to share with you my magic formula for easing the pain the mighty gnat causes: wash the area in a lice killing shampoo, such as RID; leave the formula on before rinsing for the recommended 10 minutes (I never wash it off); then seal the area off with nail polish. If you’re fussy about your appearance, choose clear polish. For maximum results, apply the formula within a few minutes of bite.
February 13, 2009 at 4:50 pm
There are a couple of steps you would have to take to successfully transplant the seedlings. First is to get them out of the bin and into small pots or large paper cups as soon as they are 1″ tall. Then once they’ve grown in the cups to about 6″ long, you need to gradually introduce them to outdoor conditions over a week or two. Start with 1 hour in the outdoor shade. They will dry up quickly so keep them well watered. After this ‘hardening’ off period, you should be able to plant them in the garden. Just keep them watered every day for the first week or two. Good luck and keep the posts coming! Also, I’m interested in more info about the bunny project!
February 13, 2009 at 11:02 pm
Thanks for the tips! I’ll try that, especially since I just ordered my packets of seeds for this year’s garden (to cut down on the cost of seedlings from the nursery), and it came to over $40. Seems like a no-brainer to harvest one’s own seeds. Will update bunny project soon. Thanks!