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Maine Gardening

insects hatching outdoors in Feb?

17 years ago

In the past day or so I've seen literally millions of very small uniformly sized rod shaped black insects of some sort hatching out. They are concentrated along the exterior foundation. I'm wondering if they are coming out from underneath the shingles. I've never seen anything like this. Could they be fleas? The most bizarre part is that they appear to be surviving the overnight temps. Any thoughts on ID greatly appreciated. Maureen

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Comments (2)

downeastwaves
17 years ago
Can you take a photo?
maureenbee
Original Author
17 years ago
leasa - I just went out with a flashlight to see if the little black things were still there...which is where a neighbor found me. She told me they are called "snow fleas."

I looked at a couple of online articles w/photos and made a positive ID, although the ones I'm seeing are very small, 1/64" perhaps.

I thought we were in for the wicked flea infestation of the century, but it turns out these are good fleas. I even dosed the poor cat with flea stuff, which he & I both hate.

Case closed...!

Here is a link that might be useful: wiki article on snow fleas
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