Why do gnats fly in circles

He thinks the tops or margins of swarms could be most ideal, but where the prime position in a swarm is depends on the species, he said. Most swarms follow a specific pattern of movement, like a distinct back-and-forth or rotating pattern, Courtney said. Adherence to those patterns prevents individuals in them from constantly bumping into each other. Courtney also said that flies have adapted to be agile midflight.

Halteres provide feedback about how flies' bodies rotate in the air, and according to Courtney, it's thought that this particular balancing organ is directly related to swarming behavior.

But even though these swarms can be annoying to people, it's not worth trying to minimize midges' swarming behavior in, say, your backyard, Courtney said. That's because, unlike mosquitoes, most species of midge don't bite. With the exception of biting midges aka "no-see-ums" for Cape Cod and New England folks , gnats don't swarm around humans on purpose.

It turns out that gnats swarm because of the birds and bees. That's right. Swarms of these tiny insects are beneficial for mating, according to Live Science. The swarms make it easier for the male and female gnats to find each other and mate, Gregory Courtney, an entomology professor at Iowa State University, told Live Science.

Gnats will often congregate around objects or other visual markers that contrast the landscape, such as fence posts, Courtney said. This helps the females more easily see the swarm. Only male gnats swarm. The females then identify the swarm and enter it to mate. These swarms of mating gnats are most commonly seen at dusk, and they often appear for several days in a row, especially after wet or rainy periods, according to the University of Kentucky College of Agriculture, Food and Environment.

The term gnat is a collective word for many species of small flies that do not bite. In some areas, gnats are also called midges. Most of us use a variety of personal hygiene products. Many of these products contain a flower or fruit smell that draws these pests to you. The scent of laundry detergent or additives on your clothing will also bring them your way. Body heat and moisture also play a role.

Many species of gnats and flies are attracted by body heat. Others are in search of moisture. Not only are they drawn to perspiration, but also the mucous around your eyes and nose that can be a source of moisture.

Your yard can contain a variety of items that entice gnats and flies. Fruit trees, vegetable gardens and flowers all provide a source of food and moisture. Over-watering your lawn or flowerbeds not only provides moisture, but may also create fungus and molds that are the primary food source for certain types of flying insects such as the fungus gnat.