Yes, Snow Fleas Are Actually a Thing in Michigan

I’ll be honest. I’d never heard the term “snow fleas” before, but I’ve definitely seen them plenty of times without realizing what they were. If you’ve lived in Michigan long enough, you probably have too.

I’m sure at some point you’ve gone out for a winter walk on one of those warmer days. The snow’s still on the ground, and you notice tiny black specks scattered all over it. Then they start moving. And jumping.

Those little specks are snow fleas.

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Do Snow Fleas Bite?

Nope. Snow fleas don’t bite. And despite the name, they’re not actually fleas at all, even if they kind of look like them at first glance. They don’t bother pets, they don’t want to get inside your house, and they’re not after your body heat.

They’re just a lot easier to notice in winter, especially when they’re hopping around on bright white snow.

What is a Snow Flea?

According to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, snow fleas are actually springtails, tiny insects that tend to show up when temperatures rise above freezing, but snow is still on the ground. The white snow really makes them stand out, and the warmer temps get them moving and jumping.

That hopping around is their signature move. They’ve got a built-in spring-like tail that snaps against the ground and launches them into the air.

Snow fleas feed on decaying leaves and organic material, which helps keep soil healthy. So, that's a good thing here in Michigan.

How Do Snow Fleas Survive Michigan Winters?

They survive Michigan winters by producing a natural antifreeze-like protein in their bodies. Pretty wild, right?

So if you see them hopping around on the snow, don’t freak out. They’ll disappear as fast as they showed up.