The aim of this study is the implementation of an Austria-wide gnat monitoring program using ovitraps ("egg traps") to record the occurrence and distribution of alien and potentially invasive gnat species in Austria. These species are potential vectors of a wide range of pathogens and thus pose a threat to public health. Through this project, new populations of these species can be detected at an early stage, enabling timely countermeasures to be taken, and the development of existing populations can be monitored. Furthermore, the data collected can be used to detect spatial and temporal changes in the occurrence of alien gnat species by using a uniform method throughout Austria.