WATERFORD TOWNSHIP, Mich. – Marscalyn Murphy is meticulous about the upkeep of her house in Waterford.
"I've lived here 48 years and my grandfather and uncle built the house," she said.
However, she recently found something that has her very concerned about her home: an infestation of springtails.
"The first week of January, I'd wake up in the morning and my forehead would have bites all over it," she said. "(The bugs) should not be in my home at all, especially this time of year. But they're here by the hundreds."
Murphy is sleeping on the floor in the living room, away from the warm moisture the springtails are attracted to.
"They say they jump. They don't fly. They don't bite, but if you Google that bug you're going to hear some scary stories," she said.
Springtails are common to Michigan, but not usually in homes. Pest control has been to Murphy's home three times without avail.
She contacted a Michigan State University entomologist.
"I've had clients who've done everything including throwing the kitchen sink at them, and not being able to control them with insecticides," said Howard Russell, entomologist. "First, make the necessary repairs to keep a wet area -- which seems to attract them -- dry."
However, insurance won't cover that. Murphy may be forced to pay at least $8,000 for the necessary remodeling.
"In order to get rid of them I have to have people with masks and gowns come in ... three weeks. It's suggested I leave my home for three weeks," she said.
Springtails are not to be confused with the snow flea, which you may have seen jumping on top of the snow this winter. Springtails are a close relative to the snow flea.
The bugs usually crawl into a home through a crack in the basement. The house needs to be sealed properly to keep them out.
Springtails don't usually bite. However, a pest control expert ruled out other insects such as bed bugs and Murphy's Google searches showed some horror springtail biting stories.
Experts say it may be impossible to tell what kind of insect has bitten you.