Springtails

Pests, insects, and other unwanted creatures seem to find a way to invade your home and yard at the most inopportune times. If you have recently noticed small, dark insect-looking pests that jump or hop when disturbed, you likely have a springtail invasion. In this post, we will discuss signs of springtails so you can easily identify them, plus, we’ll uncover how to eradicate springtails from your home. For all pest control and extermination needs in Raleigh-Durham, NC, you can count on a pest control professional to eliminate unwanted pests and insects today.

What are Springtails?

Springtails are a fascinating species of wingless hexapods that can be found abundantly under the soil. They have a unique ability to leap when disturbed and are often seen jumping away from predators or disturbances in their environment. These small creatures, measuring only 1-2 mm in length, play an important role in the health of soil ecosystems by helping to break down decaying plant material and other organic matter. Springtails also feed on fungi, algae, bacteria, pollen grains, and even other springtails. By consuming these organisms they help keep populations under control which helps maintain healthy soil structures. Springtails were once classified as insects, but after discovering their external mouth parts, scientists have classified springtails as hexapods. In other words, they are more closely related to a millipede.

What do Springtails Look Like?

Springtails are incredibly small, so they can be difficult to identify. They are only about 1/16″ long and are typically black, dark brown, or dark grey. With six legs, an oblong shape, and a small antenna, springtails can resemble ashes from a fire. In other words, they are so tiny that you may not be able to pinpoint a springtail unless you know exactly what to look for or you see one jump.

What Attracts Springtails to a Home?

Although springtails are nocturnal, they are attracted to light, making them a common intruder in human dwellings. They are able to easily enter houses through any cracks or crevices, such as around doors, utility pipes, window screens, or gaps between siding and baseboards. They fit through tiny openings due to their small size, so you should replace torn window screens, cracked baseboards, and request expert pest control and extermination services from a professional.

In fact, we offer affordable pest control packages starting as low as $25/month to protect your home year-round.

Are Springtails Harmful?

Springtails may be fascinating creatures, but they are unwelcome guests in homes. Fortunately, these small insects do not bite or sting humans and animals; however, they can still be annoying pests. Not only do springtails spread quickly and reproduce rapidly in moist environments, but they also feed on fungi and bacteria which can lead to an unpleasant smell if left unchecked. As such, it is important to take steps to prevent springtail infestations by sealing any possible entry points into the home and keeping your environment dry where possible. If you find that a springtail infestation has already taken hold of your property then professional pest control services should be sought out immediately for effective extermination.

Schedule a consultation and request a free quote to see how you can best handle pests and insects in your home or yard.

When are Springtails Most Active?

Springtails are most active during the warm months of summer, but they can be found throughout the year in temperate climates. In colder regions, springtails tend to hibernate during winter and become more active during late spring and early summer when temperatures begin to rise. However, there is one species that can survive in harsh winters. You can find these springtails hopping around on snow, which earns them the undesirable name “snow fleas.”

During these warmer months, these springtails reproduce rapidly and can spread quickly if not kept in check. Springtails prefer moist environments such as those near water sources or damp soil so it is important to keep your home dry where possible in order to prevent an infestation from taking hold.

Signs of Springtail Activity in Your Home

One of the most common signs of springtail activity in or around a home is the presence of small, light-brown or gray insects jumping around on the walls, floors, and furniture. These springtails are usually between 1-2mm in length and have a dark spot near the head. They can also be found beneath furniture and near entrances ways and around baseboards. Another way to determine whether springtail activity is present in a home is by looking for the distinctive jumping motion. Springtails are agile, so they tend to leap away from disturbances quickly and can be seen hopping from one point to another. Additionally, springtails produce silk-like webbing around objects as well as on plants, which could indicate a springtail invasion.

Where Can Springtails Be Found Outside?

We discussed how to spot a springtail invasion inside your home, but how about identifying springtails on your property? Once you know common places springtails gather around your home, you can more easily eradicate these pests. Since they are attracted to moisture, look for springtails near air conditioning units where condensation has accumulated on the ground. Other places with high moisture levels to consider include swimming pools, drain pipes, and in areas of your yard that don’t get much sunlight and tend to stay damp. Additionally, if you have a garden, you should keep an eye out for springtails near vegetation and flowers especially when the ground is wet. In short, any area of ground that is often moist is attractive to springtails, so you should inspect your yard regularly.

Contact a Pest Control Professional

If you have seen signs of springtails or you simply want to eliminate the possibility of them taking over your home, contact the pest control professionals at Stomp Pest Control today. We provide pest control and extermination services in Raleigh, Durham, and the surrounding areas. With our 100% satisfaction guarantee, you can trust that we stand behind our work. Call us today at (919) 231-3292 or fill out the contact form below. We look forward to serving you!