AboutJack DeAngelis Expertise I can answer questions about the control of pest insects, spiders, mites and related arthropods. These household pests include termites, carpenter ants, powderpost beetles, nuisance ants, bed bugs, cockroaches, fleas, wasps, and many others. I can also answer questions about using pesticides and other pest control tools such as baits and traps.
Experience I am a retired university extension entomologist. I've taught and conducted research in urban and agricultural entomology. I've published over 70 extension publications, 20 research publications and several books about insects.
Question QUESTION: I live in fort worth tx and have a small, black, flying bug that is all over the outside of my house. I had them a little last year, but this year is worse. they are bigger than a gnat and smaller than a mesquito. They dont bite and the attach to screens at night. HELP! IMAGE:
ANSWER: Shawn,
The picture is a bit too small to see clearly but the shape is that of an insect called a planthopper. These small insects feed on plants and can occur in large numbers especially in the fall. They are harmless but a nuisance. As the weather turns colder they should disappear. If there are agricultural fields nearby that have recently been harvested such as alfalfa the bugs could be coming out of those fields.
Jack DeAngelis
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QUESTION: We do not live next to fields and I did a google image search and it is not a planthopper. If you have any more guesses, I would appreciate it. That way I can do an image search for them. This is the second year that I have had them and would really like to know what they are and how to kill them. Cold weather is still weeks away here. Any help would be appreciated.
Answer There are many species of planthoppers and many of them are ornate and colorful. Some of the more common species, however, are very plain. The pictures you found on the web may have been the more ornate ones. Without a closer picture I can only go on shape, and this image has the shape of a planthopper. Your best bet may be to capture a few and take them to your local Cooperative Extension office (call your county offices at (817) 884-3272)).
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