Ask Mr. Answer Person: "What can you find out about the little bugs that are a plague this summer?"

Ellen e-mails: "Dear Mr. Answer Person, What can you find out about the little bugs that are a plague this summer?

Mr. Answer Person says, "They are fungus gnats.  These pests are very common, small, non-biting flies that normally go unnoticed. The reason they are such a nuisance this year is that fungus gnats are frequently quite plentiful outdoors in damp soil.  Because we have had so much rain this summer, conditions have been good for the fungus gnats.

They are harmless, except they are an annoyance by their presence.  But if you're interested in getting rid of the fungus gnats--or at least chasing them away--there seem to be a lot of folk remedies.  Try using ground cinnamon, spread in areas that you think might be breeding grounds.  Or chamomile tea has been reported helpful.  Also, several people have mentioned how effective Avon's Skin So Soft is as an insect repellant.

I'm sure other readers will have their own suggestions.  Send them to news@decorahnews.com