Seasonal Problems

Springtails are tiny wingless insects with distinctive heads and a hump backed appearance. Their name comes from a forked structure attached to the underside of the abdomen. It acts like a spring to flip them into the air, giving them the appearance of tiny fleas. Other than being a nuisance, these unique little creatures pose no threat.

Most springtails live in rich soil or leaf piles , under bark or decaying wood, or associated with fungi, and many are scavengers, feeding on decaying plants, fungi, molds or algae.

Springtails become abundant among wet leaves, soil, and plant material alonga house foundation or sidewalk where they can be a temporary annoyance. One white species that live on the surface of ponds and streams can be found in drinking water from cisterns or wells. They can also around floor drains, in damp basements, and crawl spaces. Masses of these insects can be swept up and discarded. Houseplants can become infested as a result of heavy breeding in the moist soil. Allowing the soil to dry dry out will usually eliminate them. Some species, such as the garden springtail can be found on field crops and vegetables,but rarely enough damage to warrant control measures.

Most Springtails do not survive in dry conditions. Any steps to improve ventilation and promote drying are the best long term solutions. Removal of wet leaves or other organic matter will eliminate breeding sites. Household insecticides will provide temporary releif if the favorable conditions are not corrected.