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About Springtails
About Springtails
You might be wondering how a pest gets the name of “springtail”. These unique little bugs receive their moniker because of the way they “spring” by using their tail to push off of surfaces quickly. While they might seem like interesting little critters, they are a common pest that makes their way inside of homes and structures. Continue reading this article for an in-depth overview of springtails and how you can get rid of them.
Appearance
If you have seen a springtail, you can attest to how minuscule these creatures are. The biggest they will get is usually around 1/8th of an inch in length. They typically come in a wide variety of colors, ranging from black to creamy white.
Springtails do not have wings, and they have forked structures coming out of their lower abdomen, called a furcular. This furcular can release from the abdomen and push off the ground, sending the springtail flying through the air.
Behavior
Unlike many hexapods and insects, springtails are active throughout the year. They can sometimes even be seen jumping on top of the snow in the winter. They absorb their daily water intake through the covering of their body. If they do not have a continuous moisture source, they can dry out and die from this lack of water. Springtails eat a variety of food sources, including but not limited to bacteria, feces of insects and animals, pollen, dying vegetation, and many other food sources.
Habitat
Springtails will always search out places that are high in humidity, as their bodies will dry out if they do not receive constant moisture. In the outdoors, they can commonly be found in moist places such as: beneath rocks, under tree bark, moist leaves, caves, and any other dark and high moisture areas. They are very fond of light and will always be attracted to it. If they make their way inside of your home or garage, you can find them in a variety of places. The most likely candidate places for springtails are any damp rooms, such as basements, attics, kitchens, utility rooms, or bathrooms. They can live in indoor potted plants as well as underneath decks and logs in your yard.
Damage They Cause
While springtails might seem like highly destructive little pests, they are in fact harmless. They are completely harmless to humans and pets, and will not cause any problems for people or animals. These unique hexapods do not damage anything in your home, as they do not eat your belongings or house’s materials. While they are completely harmless to both humans, animals, and your home and belongings, they can be an annoyance. No one likes to live with bugs in their house, as they often carry different diseases and maladies. If you want to figure out how to get rid of these little creatures, continue reading.
Infestation Signs
Unless you see a springtail in your home or garage, you will likely have no idea that you have a problem with them. They are very small, so unless you are checking for them, you probably will not see them until there are very many. The best way to check if you have a springtail infestation is to regularly check any moist, damp areas of your home or garage for insect or pest activity. This is a great idea for watching out for all pests, not just springtails. Look in areas like kitchens, bathrooms, utility rooms, below sinks and bathtubs, and damp cardboard boxes. If you do see them, you might mistake them for a flea, as both species jump around and are very small in size.
How to Get Rid of Them
One of the big problems with springtails is that they can reproduce rapidly in short time periods. There could be thousands of these hexapods in your home before you even have the slightest idea. The best thing you can do to curb your springtail infestation is to locate the nesting site. These will be found in the damp and dark areas of your home. Once you have found the nesting area and other areas of high activity, you can purchase a variety of insecticides that are all effective at treating springtail infestations. Once you have gotten rid of these critters, be sure to eliminate humidity in your home as much as you can. If you have a large infestation or cannot get it under control on your own, be sure to call a professional pest control service, as they have years of experience in dealing with springtails and other pests.
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