Ice Fleas

Snow fleas are small black insects with antennae and an elongated oval shape. They’re about 1/16 of an inch or 1.5 millimeters long.

Despite their name, snow fleas aren’t actually fleas. They’re called “fleas” because they travel by jumping around, much like the fleas found on pets. They don’t have wings.

The critters are also called “snow fleas” because they’re more noticeable on snow. They gather in large numbers and look like jumping flecks of black pepper.

However, snow fleas aren’t only found during the winter. They’re active all year round.

Snow fleas can survive during the winter because they have an antifreeze protein. This protein lowers the freezing temperature of their body, allowing them to survive in cold weather.

Snow fleas are typically found in moist places like wooded areas with rotting leaves and logs. They eat fungi, bacteria, and algae that’s found on decomposing organic matter:

Snow fleas are not actually fleas. And, unlike the fleas you typically find on your pets, snow fleas do not bite. The insects are harmless to both humans and pets.

Although they don’t bite, they may become a nuisance if they’re in your home in large numbers.

Snow fleas are beneficial to the ecosystem. They eat decaying organic materials, like dead leaves, which turns them into fertile soil.

This promotes nutrient recycling, or the process of adding nutrients back into the environment.

The critters also eat fungi that cause diseases in plants. Plus, they’re a food source for other insects, including beetles and small spiders.

Snow fleas are an important part of a healthy environment. But if they get inside your home, they can become a nuisance.

Inside, snow fleas are typically found in moist, damp areas. You can find them in spaces both in and around the home, including:

• window planter boxes
• houseplants
• under porches
• near building foundations
• basements
• bathrooms
• kitchens
• near leaky pipes
• floor drains

However, it’s rare for snow fleas to get inside the home. They also won’t damage indoor structures, even if they accumulate on various surfaces.

Still, snow fleas can quickly multiply and gather, which can be frustrating.

Snow fleas need moisture to survive. So, if you have snow fleas in and around your home, you’ll need to focus on getting rid of excess moisture.

Here’s what you can do to reduce snow fleas in and around your home:

If you only have a few snow fleas, you can just use a vacuum to remove them. But for severe infestations, you may need to contact a pest removal professional.