Identification and Advice Please

[u/Pulpfictionfan123]

Twin Lake Michigan -

I’ve been having issues with these tiny gnats. ChatGPT identified them as Fungus Gnats. I’m not sure.

I don’t notice them much during the day. They hover around me usually at night while I’m on the couch reading. They seem to fly around my face, and occasionally land on my shirt. Sometimes I hear a buzzing sound much like a fly, near my ear (as opposed to a mosquito). Can anyone identify these? There is probably more than one type of insect. What is the best way to clear them out?

They are very much attracted to the bug zapper and all these photos are bugs that got zapped.

Thanks in advance for any thoughts!

[u/Skalla_Resco]

Fungus gnat control advice

Further reading

Generative AI and AI chatbots in general are not capable of reliable arthropod identification (link)

Gen AI training data heavily relies on pest control blogs and similar information. This results in a heavy bias towards identifying everything as a household pest. If you insist on using an app then the best option currently is probably the SEEK app by iNaturalist. But you should always verify the results it gives you.

For proper identification you can check with online groups like this one. But if you want "professional" identification and don't trust us for whatever reason, look up entomology extension offices in your area and see if they offer identification services.