I have always loved cold weather. My allergies went away, and unless it was super cold, it was invigorating. Besides, most of those awful pesky insects went away, mosquitos and all. Well, except for that darned Stink Bug that I find occasionally trying to make its way into my home. Yuck!

But, hold your horses, I just found out there is another creepy critter lurking about in Michigan that doesn't die in cold weather.

👇  BELOW: HOW TO BE SAFE OUTDOORS THIS COMING SUMMER!  👇

It's the dreaded Snow Flea!

Realistic 3D Render of Snow Flea
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Yes, the Snow Flea, and there really is such a thing.

According to a conversation on Reddit.com/michigan, they are very common in Michigan. Who knew?

The good old Farmers Almanac, they know everything, says that the Snow Flea makes its home in snow banks and around the tree trunks in your yard.

Kelly Sikkema on Unsplash
Kelly Sikkema on Unsplash
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They point out that the Snow Flea isn't really a flea at all, and they are not classified as an insect. They are hexapods, in the arthropod family. Like insects, they have six legs but researchers say that they are more closely related to crustaceans.

They can jump just like fleas but they don't bite and don't really like people or animals.

cute dog put his face on his knees to the man and smiling from the hands scratching her ear
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They like the soil and eat decaying organic matter. Sounds delicious, doesn't it.

At any rate, seeing Snow Fleas in your yard this winter is actually a good sign. They are munching away on all the old leaves and moss left over from the fall. It also means that  your yard and it's ecosystem is very healthy.

Beautiful Home With Green Grass Yard
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A healthy lawn is a happy lawn, so, happy mowing this spring and summer!

LOOK: 11 tick-borne illnesses and what to watch out for during your outdoor adventures

Stacker compiled a list of 11 common tick-borne diseases in the U.S. and what symptoms to watch out for, using a variety of medical and government sources. 

Gallery Credit: Martha Sandoval

 

 

 

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