tiny insects in basement
I'm seeing these small, tiny black insects in my basement that look like fleas but aren't. They jump a little bit but there are thousands. I know with fleas you don't see as many. I'm pretty sure these are related to the rainfall we've been having as they only seem to come out when it rains a lot. I think the water is driving them inside. What could they be?
There are many perimeter pests that will invade most any home from the outside and several are small. What you're describing sounds like it could be springtails but I can't be 100% sure without having a specimen to identify. I suggest you review our online SPRINGTAIL CONTROL article to see if this sounds like what you're seeing.
One thing you can do right away that will help would be to install some INSECT MONITORS in any room where you're seeing these guys. Once some are trapped, you can send a board to us so we can learn exactly what you've got and advise you further from that point.
Lastly, you can give our office a call at 1-800-877-7290. One of our tech reps should be able to ask some questions to help narrow down the list and maybe get an idea which it might be. At that point they'll recommend some treatment options.
Here are direct links to the information and products listed above:
Springtail Control: http://www.bugspray.com/article/springtail.html
Insect Monitors: http://www.bugspray.com/item/glue_trap_monitor.html
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Comments on tiny insects in basement
guest @ 3:19 pm
I have tiny black bugs in my basement. they are about the size of a dot. I notice them more in my cat and dog's water bowl I have even seen them in the washing machine and in another bucket of water. I also seen them crawling on the wall or on things. I have noticed them a lot more this week and it has been really cold. I thought they might be the flour bugs that we had at one point that hatch in dog treats, however, the water bowls are right beside the food bowls and I have never seen them in the food bowl. Any suggestions on how to get rid of them?
Tech Support @ 3:27 pm
@guest: Little black bugs could be just about anything. Though springtails are one option (and mentioned above), based on when and how you see them I don't think you have this pest. Now exactly what they might turn out to be would start as a long list so I don't think just guessing would be appropriate at this time. Right now I suggest you place out some of the glue trap monitors mentioned above. Lets get some of these guys trapped and then get them identified locally or send the monitors to us so we can have a look. Once we get a specimen in our hands we'll know just what you've got and at that time will be able to make a logical suggestion on how to go about controlling the problem. Here is a link to the monitors:
http://www.bugspray.com/item/glue_trap_monitor.html
JOHN @ 8:12 pm
WE HAVE A VERY SMALL FLYING BEETLE IN OUR BASEMENT DARK BROWN IN COLOR. THEY COME BACK EVERY YEAR MAY OR JUNE. THERE'S SO MANY OF THEM IT'S HARD TO SEE THE BASEMENT FLOOR. THEY ARE LOOKING FOR LITE THERE IN THE WINDOW'S. THE LAY ON THE CEMENT FOR A WHILE AND THEN DIE. I HAVE FOUND THEM UNDER THE FREEZER AND THE FRIDGE. WERE CAN THEY BE COMING FROM TO RETURN THE SAME TIME EVERY YEAR. THIS HAS BEEN GOING ON FOR ABOUT SIX OR SEVEN YEAR'S. EMAIL ME PLEASE IF YOU HAVE ANY IDEA WHAT IT IS. THANK'S
Tech Support @ 7:15 am
@JOHN: It actually sounds like you have powderpost beetles. Have you read our on line article about this pest? They'll release and swarm like you're describing from inside the home periodically. Here is the link to the article:
http://www.powderpostbeetles.com/powderpost-beetle-control
I suggest you bring some to a local pest control service company and get a positive id on what they are. Once you know, you can decide if you want to hire a service to treat or if you want to tackle the problem yourself. Give us a call toll free once you know what they are if you want to treat yourself as this is almost always a less costly option. Our toll free is 1-800-877-7290.