I live in So California and for the past weeks I have found very, very small brown insects in my tub. They do not have wings, has two antennae, and jumps. definetly not a flea. Not matter what I have spray it continues to come back everyday. The other day I also saw some them by the back door. Not sure what to do since I have no idea what they are..
2007-03-15 09:16:23 · 2 answers · asked by jhazmom 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Zoology
I'm guessing they're probably springtails or more properly collembolans, amongst the most primitive of insect groups (some entomologists don't even consider them to be true insects).
Collembolans jump using a little fork-like projection called a furcula which they push against the ground (or in some species, even the water's surface) to ping into the air.
Most of them are scavengers, feeding on decaying plant material and fungus. At one time I had a bunch in my bathroom feeding off an old loofa sponge. Once I got around to throwing out the moldy sponge, the springtails disappeared.
They thrive in moist conditions, and most sprays will only provide temporary relief unless the conditions are changed so they can't reproduce. Removing food and moisture are the best ways to control them.
Even if you find you can't control them, they're not a major pest. Other than pinging happily about, they don't do any damage to humans, plants, pets or structures. They're pretty much completely harmless.
2007-03-15 09:26:08 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 4⤊ 0⤋
I would stick with haysoos2's answer, becuase I live in Texas, not Cali.. oh well good luck gettin rid of your new pet hahah
2007-03-15 10:16:03 · answer #2 · answered by illusion2088 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋