Bug Facts -
Springtail
Physical
Characteristics
 Springtails are wingless, soft-bodied
insects. There are about 19 different species and they range
in size from .04 to .08 inches in length.
They eat decaying plant matter and
They feed on algae, fungus, spores, pollen, and decaying
vegetable matter.
They get their name from the forked
appendages at the end of their abdomens. This can be pulled
under the abdomen and released in a spring-like fashion
enabling the insect to jump several inches.
They do not bite, however one
species can cause itching.
They are wingless and undergo a
simple metamorphosis.
Habitat
Springtails are attracted to light
and may be found lighted areas at night.
Springtails are associated with
damp soil because they need a moist environment to survive.
A puddle of water can will produce thousands in hours but
they can disappear just as quickly.
can be a problem in newly
constructed buildings because of damp building materials and
wet plaster. In other homes they will usually be found in
the kitchen, bathrooms, or basements when found indoors.
They do no damage to buildings.
Also they are one of the most
common insects found in the soil. They usually occur in the
soil of potted plants and areas that have decaying
matter.
Prevention &
Control
Springtails can be controlled by
drying up their environment. Correcting moisture conditions
and reducing outside mulch will help.
Most infestations of springtails
can be controlled with Burge Pest Control's Residential
Power Protection
Plan.
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