Insect ID - Ask Extension
A neighbor on the NextDoor app gave me a link to your department’s email addresses and thought someone there may be able to help me. I’m trying to...
Knowledgebase
Insect ID #874575
Asked June 25, 2024, 8:49 AM EDT
A neighbor on the NextDoor app gave me a link to your department’s email addresses and thought someone there may be able to help me. I’m trying to identify two different types of insects, one inside my home and one on a Japanese maple. Could anyone there tell me what these critters are and how best to prevent the indoor ones? My query on the NextDoor app was how to get rid of the tree’s infestation without damaging the tree or wildlife/pets, but the two giant clusters on the tree seem to have disappeared after a day or two. Either way, I’d appreciate any/all advice that anyone could give me on both insects!
The ones in my house are tiny and appear out of nowhere. In addition to congregating under a desk lamp with a timer (see photo for size comparison), they’re usually seen one or two at a time in the laundry, bathroom, kitchen, and living areas: really anywhere we are, especially if there’s a water source. They crawl quickly and seem to be able to hop if threatened. They do not look like fleas that I have seen in the past (my friend’s house was infested due to turkey buzzards). If it helps, I live just across the DE border in PA near Hockessin, DE.
New Castle County Delaware
Expert Response
I cannot tell anything from those pictures. They are horribly out of focus or too far away from the insect. You would need to send samples into the New Castle county office on Wyoming Road, Newark or send different pictures. The picture with insects on the tree seem to be an insect that does not persist in an area for very long and then it disperses. I suspect nothing is needed for that group of insects. I have no idea about whatever is in your home.