Knowledgebase
Bug Identification #778209
Asked November 22, 2021, 11:00 AM EST
Benton County Oregon
Expert Response
Photos were captured from video taken 11/21/2021
If this is a type of flea, is it ok to exterminate them? If so, what is the best way to do that in a forested area to minimize impact to wildlife and water runoff? Ie no chemicals. Thank you again, Chris
Thank you for your question. The pictures are a bit fuzzy, but they are not fleas so no need to treat for them. It looks like they are springtails - small wingless insects that can be found in large groups in leaf litter. Most species feed on decaying vegetation (like leaf litter) or on fungi (and can hop).
Thank you. I’m glad to hear that they aren’t fleas. I will leave them be and enjoy them when I see them again. Thank you again!