Can dragonfly models repel eye gnats? The results of a direct experiment

Can eye gnats (family Ceratopogonidae), which torment people enjoying hiking or fishing, be driven away with dragonfly models? According to a video released by TV Saengmul Dogam on September 1, 2026, an experiment was conducted by wearing dragonfly models to exploit the habit of eye gnats perceiving dragonflies as natural enemies, but no significant repellent effect was confirmed.

Eye gnats targeting tears and body fluids, also a risk of 'Thelazia callipauna'

The participant in the video visited an oak forest where rhinoceros beetles had experienced a mass outbreak to observe the habits of eye gnats. While eye gnats look similar to fruit flies, they have the characteristic of swarming around the face to ingest human tears or body fluids. They particularly prefer eyes, often getting stuck inside eyelids or accidentally entering the eye.

A point of caution in this process is the fact that eye gnats carry a parasite called 'Thelazia callipauna'. If eye gnats transfer the eggs of Thelazia callipaella, which parasitize their bodies, into the eyes of humans or animals, there is a danger that the larvae will grow inside the eyeball. However, the video mentioned that the infection rate is not extremely high.

On-site, many eye gnats were captured swarming around trees where sap was flowing. As a type of fruit fly, eye gnats love sap very much and show the characteristic of being difficult to capture due to their very fast movement.

The experimental process of 'Dragonfly Man' equipped with dragonfly models

This experiment, conducted based on a subscriber's report, focused on the fact that dragonflies are one of the greatest natural enemies of eye gnats and mosquitoes. The participant set out on the experiment, attaching dragonfly models to his hat and body and earning the nickname 'Dragonfly Man'. The goal was to see if the dragonfly models could pose a threat to eye gnats and prevent them from approaching.

The experiment was conducted by comparing how many eye gnats swarmed around the participant wearing the dragonfly models versus a companion (Hyeon-gi) who was not wearing them. The participant even tried to create movement by waving the models like a dragonfly, but the eye gnats showed no particular reaction to the presence of the models. The participant also tried to create movement by waving the models as if using a lure while fishing, but the eye gnats continued to hover around.

Experimental results: "The effect is minimal, only embarrassment remains"

In conclusion, the effect of repelling eye gnats through dragonfly models was found to be minimal. The participant shared the experimental results, saying, "It feels like there is no significant effect, and rather, I feel like my embarrassment is only increasing." No instances were observed where eye gnats were frightened by the models and fled, and there was no significant difference in the number of individuals hovering in front of the eyes. The participant checked the number of individuals staying in front of his eyes one or two at a time and compared them with his companion, but felt no noticeable difference.

At the time, the wind was blowing at the site, which had somewhat reduced the activity of the eye gnats, and the participant left an opinion that a re-experiment under more perfect conditions might be necessary in the future, considering the variables of the experimental conditions. The video concluded by observing forest creatures such as rhinoceros beetles and hornets. In particular, in the case of the rhinoceros beetles, the passage of time was captured as their horns were broken as summer passed.