What kind of critters are these?

I’ve recently had a problem with small critters in my house. They jump and are black on white surface but very dark brown on black surface. There were really a lot of them.

Asker: Esther, 33 years old

Answer

Dear Esther,

Based on the description and photo I am thinking of springtails (Collembola). We see this regularly, often when it comes to a new-build home or after a renovation where the plaster still has to dry out (humid environment). You may also have put new plants (e.g. with potting soil) in the house from which the springtails can come. If you want to be sure whether it concerns springtails, you can always send a sample to the entomology lab of the Diagnosis Center for Plants (ILVO). Address can be found below

Best regards,

Johan

Johan Witters

Researcher plant health – entomology

Researcher in plant health – entomology

Diagnostic Center for Plants (DCP)

Diagnostic Center for Plants

T +32 9 272 24 54

E Johan.witters@ilvo.vlaanderen.be

IYPH2

Institute for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Research // Flanders research institute for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food

Plant Department // Plant Sciences Unit

Burg. Van Gansberghelaan 96, B-9820 Merelbeke, Belgium

www.ilvo.vlaanderen.be

www.ilvodiagnoseentrumvoorplanten.be

Answered by

eng. Johan Witters

identification mites (harmful and useful) identification insects Agriculture and horticulture Crop protection

Institute for Agricultural and Fisheries Research
Burg. van Gansberghelaan 96 box 1 9820 Merelbeke
http://www.ilvo.vlaanderen.be

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