We had to put face masks on both of ours. We are having a horrible time with knats. It's never happened before. They get in their eyes and mouth. This evening, 14 miles away in my back yard I had to go inside because they were getting on the baby.
My Mother has gnats terrible at her house. Always has. She lives in the woods and I don't know if that has anything to do with it or not. They just swarm your face and eyes, get in your hair and just generally are a nuisance. I used to be allergic to them. Back before I got contacts, if I ever got one in my eye, it would swell shut in a matter of minutes and stay that way for a couple of days. I guess they must bounce off the contacts because they don't get in there any more. I don't think DEET works on them either, so I don't know what you can do other than stay inside. Maybe a fogger would work.
Do you think it has anything to do with Rita? How is the little baby? : )