How to Stop a Springtail Infestation
What is a Springtail?
This time of year, we are encountering a very small insect called a Springtail. Many homeowners don’t know what a Springtail is, and confuse it for other small insects such as fleas, ants and termites. These small insects come in a variety of colors and patterns – from gray, white, red, lavender, metallic, and more. Their name derives from their tail, which they generally keep tucked underneath their body, which they use as a spring to jump.
Springtails will not damage your property or harm you, but they are classified as a nuisance pest. Some species of Springtails can also injure young seedlings and plants. Due to their abnormally high reproduction rate, these pests can quickly claim your space for their own. Springtails can quickly make a home or business owner uncomfortable, because nobody wants to share their space with bugs!
Eating and Living Habits
Springtails eat organic material that is generally tied to moisture, or water. They feed on things such as fungus, pollen, algae, bacteria, etc. These insects are attracted to moisture, both inside and outside, and when moisture depletes, their food source depletes as well.
Many yards have Springtails without the homeowner even noticing, because they are so small! The bugs will live in compost pile, leaf litter, around potted plants, rotting logs and other areas that provide moisture to create food sources. Excess irrigation may also cause Springtails to flourish, pushing them to the surface and encouraging them to reproduce.
How do they get inside?
Common entry points for Springtails include thresholds, plumbing and utility penetration and things like window sills or cracks in exterior walls. Inside the home, Springtails tend to be found in areas with high moisture — such as bathrooms, or around plumbing areas.
Textiles such as wallpaper, cabinets and potted plants are other common feeding sources for Springtails.
While springtails may not invade your entire home, one spot is enough for these bugs to reproduce on a large scale. One infestation under the sink may be enough for everyone on the property to feel uncomfortable. Again, while they may not cause harm nobody wants their home or business filled with tiny jumping insects.
How do you take care of them?
Many websites and DIY experts have various chemical and home remedies for Springtails, but many of these solutions may cause more harm than good. While some steps can be taken to eradicate surviving populations, the best way to eliminate a Springtail infestation is to eliminate the source of moisture they are feeding on.
It is easier to eliminate a Springtail infestation inside than out. If there is a leak, it is important to fix it and then get a box fan to dry out the area completely and eliminate residual moisture and rotting. If they are infesting potted plants, dry them out and make sure you have a proper system for draining excess water in your potted plants.
Outside it may be more difficult to solve an issue, but it is important to implement proper drainage. If moisture is building up in your yard, it is only going to bring more Springtails. If you have large compost piles, lots of leaves or other decaying material on your property, have it cleaned up and removed. If there is moisture standing on your lawn, you may be able to use large fans such as a golf course fan to dry it out quicker.
Need Help?
If you’re having trouble getting rid of a Springtail infestation, call Angel Pest Control to come take a look. Our pest control experts know the proper way to get rid of these pests without harming anything else in the process!
