Springtails or Fleas?
Springtails are tiny jumping insects that often appear in very large numbers in moist areas inside homes including kitchen sinks, bathtubs and houseplants. Springtails can also be found outside the home in and around swimming pools, vegetable gardens, flower beds, paving stones and landscape timbers. They typically appear around spring and early summer, but can be found almost any time of the year if the environment in continually moist. Springtails do not pose a threat to humans, animals or household structures or furnishings. They are a nuisance pest and because of their ability to jump, homeowners often confuse them with fleas.
Identification of Swarming Springtail Bugs
Springtails are wingless insects that that are approximately 1/16 inch in length. They lay their eggs in small groups in moist soil that is organic in nature. The newly hatched eggs produce young that are whitish in color but the color of the adults will vary from a whitish blue to gray or black. Springtails are given their name due to their ability to jump when startled by means of a small apparatus that is called the fucula. This tiny mechanism is attached under the abdomen and when the springtail is disturbed it acts like a spring, and launches the springtail into the air away from the source of danger. One jump can cover a distance of approximately 3 inches.
Springtail Diet & Habitat
Springtails prefer damp soil along with a diet of mold and fungus. If the environment becomes dry they will move into homes often under door thresholds in search of moist humid areas including kitchens and bathrooms. Springtails have been found indoors in potted plants and inside walls around leaking pipes. Springtails can be found in large numbers and although they are no threat to humans, thousands of insects contained in small areas can be overwhelming and distressing to occupants of the infested home.
Signs of Springtail Infestations in Your House
Mildew: If you are experiencing springtails in your kitchen, start by checking under your kitchen sink. A leak could be causing mold or mildew and attracting springtails. In bathrooms, inspect around and under the sink and also behind the tub for leaking pipes. If you have a tiled shower surround, examine the area closely for missing grout. Mildew may be forming behind the tiles creating an ideal environment for springtails to congregate.
Dampness: look for damp areas close to the outside walls of your home. Move firewood up off the ground and stack it away from any structures. Move mulch away from the foundation by creating a space of 5 inches or more and keep the area as dry as possible and free of debris. Make sure you keep your gutters clean and ensure that the downspouts are draining away from the foundation of your home. Trim tree limbs that can cause the potential for damp shady areas away from the foundation of your home. Check all exterior doors to make sure they are closing tightly and free of gaps. Repair or replace any weather stripping that is damaged.
Springtail Pest Inspections, Control, Treatment, Management & Removal in San Antonio, Universal City, New Braunfels, Cibolo Texas
If you think that you have a springtail problem, contact the experts at A Five Star Termite & Pest Control for positive identification. Our pest management experts will prepare a treatment program that is designed to effectively treat springtails using the appropriate control measures which have been customized to fit the requirements of both the interior and exterior of your home. Exterior treatment plans may include locating any areas of excessive moisture and developing an action plan to reduce the level of moisture in and around the home along with appropriate pest control measures comprising of both chemical and non-chemical approaches. Interior treatment plans may include locating and treating areas within the home that suffer from excessive moisture especially areas that are prone to mold and mildew growth. For more information on protecting your Greater San Antonio, Texas home from the threat of springtails or other nuisance pests along with professional removal of existing springtail problems, contact the knowledgeable professionals at A Five Star Termite & Pest Control to schedule your inspection today!
