Gnats and Boiling Outside

[bbeckett]

While boiling the wort from an extract kit outside on a propane burner, numerous gnats found their way into the boil. I removed all those I saw during the cooling process. If there are some I missed, will this cause problems during fermentation (off flavors, contamination,etc.) Has anyone else experienced this? Any preventative solutions?

Thanks in advance!

 

[mountainbrewdude]

I do all my boils outside, I have seen some gnats but never actually noticed any untill after its has conditioned and I am drinking, so I guess I dont know if they got in there during the boil or after I poured them, which I highly doubt, I think it was from the boil, and I have never had any ill effects. Gives it character!

 

[dogma9]

i've been wondering how yall keeps bugs out when so many of yall make your beer outside? just seems like it would be very hard to keep flies and gnats outs

 

[Yuri_Rage]

A few bugs during the boil won't hurt. Once the boil is complete, cover it with a towel or foil while chilling.

 

[NortheasternPJ]

A few bugs during the boil won't hurt. Once the boil is complete, cover it with a towel or foil while chilling.

According to Bear Grylls many bugs are pound for pound the highest protein concentration in the world, so you're beer is healthy too!

 

[bbeckett]

Thanks! I will stop worrying about it...

 

[avidhomebrewer]

A little extra protein too!

 

[chefmike]

I found a one inch beetle in a batch of stout... when I was racking it to the keg!

tasted fine. Beetle Juice stout it was.

 

[sacrifice]

Where I live bugs are a way of life. I brew in the garage with the door open, and get mosquitoes, no-see-ums, these really ugly orange flies, and all kinds of other things flying around and probably falling into my boil. If I see them, I remove them. Otherwise......

Then again, I really don't worry about bugs after making blueberry wine and mead last year from berries I picked locally. Had blueberry worms floating everywhere - in the primary, secondary, and beyond. No harm in a few bugs.