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Insect verification #805904

Asked August 11, 2022, 11:43 PM EDT

About 10 days ago I got infested around the outside of the house and in the kitchen with very small bugs. I am not sure what they are. I do live in the rural area and have a second year alpha-alpha field on two sides of my 8.5 acres. I started noticing these small bug in the kitchen sink and on the counter. We try to keep it washed constantly and same with the dishes. I use Clorox cleaner with bleach and spray in both kitchen sinks and it will kill what is in the sink, but soon there are more coming in there. After seeing them in the kitchen, I noticed they are all around the front of the house around the garage door frame and on the back side of the foundation under the kitchen window. I sprayed with some insect spray I had on hand that is concentrate. It did nothing. Then a few years ago I had purchased Enforcer Bug Mag, that use to contain Deltamethrin 1.00%. Which isn't much, but now they only sell it at .03%. I found another one that I though it contained more Deltamethrin, so I ordered that since I could not find what I ordered before. I received it and sprayed the house up to the first floor windows on Wednesday. It had no effect on them, which this product also came at .03% for the recommended dose, so today I tripled the amount to get close to the amount I use to use 2 or 3 years ago. I did it this morning and it should keep killing all these bugs on going for two months. They just keep crawling around. They also do not seem to fly, only jump a few inches when forced to move. they are really small, maybe at 1/16 - 1/32 of an inches in length. Considerably smaller than a gnat. Any idea what they are and what I can use on my house to get rid of them. Those that come in the house make it hard to have food items in the kitchen. Thank you, Bob Rezac, Chaska, MN

Carver County Minnesota

Expert Response

Hi,

These are springtails that have come into your house looking for moisture in our hot dry summer. Pesticides tend to be ineffective. This outbreak should not last long. In the meantime, vacuuming up the bugs in the house is probably your best option.

Never  use pesticides without first identifying the pest. Follow the guidance on the insecticide label exactly. Trying to use a more concentrated mix is not only dangerous but may neuter the chemical’s control.

These two fact sheets will give you more information:

https://extension.umn.edu/nuisance-insects/springtails

http://ipm.ucanr.edu/PMG/PESTNOTES/pn74136.html

Good luck!

MJ Replied August 12, 2022, 10:32 AM EDT

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