Tiny flying black beattle like bug - Ask Extension
Help!! I can't seem to find what these nasty little bugs are and how to maybe control them!! And they do bite!... They are very small, black or dark b...
Knowledgebase
Tiny flying black beattle like bug #247845
Asked May 28, 2015, 12:50 PM EDT
Help!! I can't seem to find what these nasty little bugs are and how to maybe control them!! And they do bite!... They are very small, black or dark brown and have a clear looking wing that hides under a shell like a lady bug... But they're half or only a third the size of a Lady Bug, but without any spots... They seem to be most active for a couple hours at dusk!... These pix are a close up of one on my finger....
Yamhill County Oregon
Expert Response
It looks like a variety of flea beetle. They are particularly active right now and also particularly annoying. Here is a link to an OSU Extension publication, "Organic Management of Flea Beetles". http://cru.cahe.wsu.edu/CEPublications/PNW640/PNW640.pdf It'll give you more information than you ever wanted to know about the insects.
How you treat depends on what plants they are eating, how big they are, and how heavy the infestation, They will eventually go away. Also your plants will grow enough that the beetles don't harm them.You can spray with neem oil, or insecticidal soap, or pyrethrins. All are allowed under organic standards. Follow the label directions.
How you treat depends on what plants they are eating, how big they are, and how heavy the infestation, They will eventually go away. Also your plants will grow enough that the beetles don't harm them.You can spray with neem oil, or insecticidal soap, or pyrethrins. All are allowed under organic standards. Follow the label directions.
Thank you! I looked at the link you provided! And that is exactly the name I would give these things!!! But, The pics in that Link look nothing like the beetles in our issue.... And there's no crops other then grass close by... They are the size of a flea, and they fly, and you can feel it the moment they land on you! And when they bite! they seem to be very resilient... Unlike Mosquitoes, citronella doesn't Phase them, they could care less... I've tried fogging in the past, that didn't seem to phase them...
As I'm sure you know, Without knowing exactly what your dealing with, your just wasting time, energy, money and pure frustration.......
Thanks, JP
The bright light is the fact that insects have a short life cycle. Hopefully, they'll soon be gone. However, in the meantime, capture a couple of the insects, place them in a small container with a little rubbing alcohol, then take them to the OSU Extension office at 2050 NE Lafayette Ave. The Master Gardeners have a committee that identifies insects. That way you can get a positive i.d. Happy insect hunting!
