SD County may spray organic farms for eye gnats

Dec 16, 2011

Hundreds of eye gnats captured in a trap.
Hundreds of eye gnats captured in a trap.
San Diego County organic farmers fear losing the organic status of their crops and possibly the organic certification of their farms if county officials proceed with plans to spray pesticides to control an infestation of eye gnats, reported Steve Brown in Capital Press.

Eye gnats thrive in rich soil. They have become a major nuisance in parts of the county because they feed on mucus around humans' and animals' eyes.

At their Nov. 9 meeting, county supervisors directed staff to work with the Farm Bureau, the county health office, UC Cooperative Extension, residents and farmers to develop recommendations within 90 days.

"Organic growers are often heroes in the community, but this is different," said Farm Bureau executive director Eric Larson. "Neighbors are pretty upset."

The article cited UC Cooperative Extension as the source for the following facts about eye gnats:

  • Native to California and other parts of the U.S.
  • Prefer sandy soil with rich organic matter.
  • Eggs and larvae overwinter in soil.
  • No single natural predator.
  • More live in towns than on farms.
By Jeannette E. Warnert
Author - Communications Specialist
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