Knowledgebase

What type of bug is this? #753684

Asked June 03, 2021, 9:01 AM EDT

These tiny black bugs are all over my patio and deck and trying to make their way in the house.  They move very quickly. When smashed the leave a blackish gray streak. They do not appear to jump. What are they? How do I get rid of them?

Polk County Iowa

Expert Response

Hello,
I think you may be referring to what is called "No See Um" Midges or Biting Midges.  Here are some articles to help control them in your deck area.    https://www.wikihow.com/Get-Rid-of-No-See-Ums
This article was co-authored by Chris Parker.Chris Parker is the Founder of Parker Eco Pest Control, a sustainable pest control service based in Seattle. He is a certified Commercial Pesticide Applicator in Washington State and received his BA from the University of Washington in 2012.
www.wikihow.com


I hope this helps you with your problem.  Thanks for asking ISU Extension AnswerLine.


Carol VanWaardhuizen| Human Sciences

Iowa State University Extension and Outreach

AnswerLine

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From: Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>>
Sent: Thursday, June 3, 2021 8:01 AM
To: Answer Line <<personal data hidden>>
Subject: Question assigned to you (#0023615)
 

Hi Answer,

Question #0023615 has been assigned to you by SYSTEM (Auto Assignment)

What type of bug is this?

These tiny black bugs are all over my patio and deck and trying to make their way in the house.  They move very quickly. When smashed the leave a blackish gray streak. They do not appear to jump. What are they? How do I get rid of them?

From: Kelly Horton
Submitted: 06/03/2021 9:01 AM


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Answer Line answer@iastate.edu Iowa 800-262-3804 and Minnesota 800-854-1678 Replied June 03, 2021, 10:46 AM EDT
These do not have wings and are not biting. Look more like a mite but can’t find anything like them in photos. If you enlarge the pictures I sent you can see they have antennas and six legs.  Any other ideas. 

Sent from my iPhone

On Jun 3, 2021, at 9:46 AM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:


The Question Asker Replied June 03, 2021, 12:23 PM EDT

The insects in the images enlarged nicely, and I was able to diagnose the specimens as springtails. Springtails are ecologically beneficial because they live in damp locations such as under mulch and feed on decaying organic matter. They are “recyclers.”

However, springtails can be annoying by migrating from damp, outdoor locations and ending up in the house. They cannot bite or sting, and they do not damage household structures or furnishings. They are a nuisance because of their presence.

We have limited ability to stop springtails from wandering into the house. If the outdoor environment near the entry points can be modified, we would try to reduce moisture in those areas. Residual insecticides applied to window frames, cracks, and gaps provide a slight, temporary relief.

In the end, a change in the weather usually stops the springtail migration.

See https://hortnews.extension.iastate.edu/springtail

Thanks.

Donald Lewis

Donald R. Lewis | Department of Entomology

Iowa State University Extension and Outreach

Extension Entomologist

636 Science Hall II, 2310 Pammel Drive, Ames IA 50011

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Answer Line answer@iastate.edu Iowa 800-262-3804 and Minnesota 800-854-1678 Replied June 04, 2021, 11:36 AM EDT

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