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flea like bugs


Question
I found one or two little black bugs that could jump like a flea I killed them and dismissed it...then found some in the tub and sink...within a week, it seemed my bathroom was infested and soon I started to see them elsewhere and found large numbers in the kitchen and in our bedroom around the computer desk and curtains.

I have tried pouring Clorox down the sink and tape over the drain.  Thats where I thought they were coming from but now not sure.  We do not have pets in the house though our dog does sleep on the porch and had fleas pretty bad a couple of months ago despite treatment.  That has since been resolved.  We also do not have plants in the house.  We do live in South Louisiana.

When I can catch them they are eay to smash.  I tried running a lint roller over and got some.  They just make a black body outline.  Gross!  Please help!

Answer
Courtney,

These sound like springtails (see http://www.livingwithbugs.com/springtails.html for a close-up picture. They are harmless and generally enter homes when the outside soils are saturated. If it has been raining there that's probably the reason. Once the soils dry out the springtails will go away. No treatment is needed.

Jack DeAngelis  

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