Springtail

Springtails are tiny, common insects that are easily overlooked. They spend much of their time in the ground or in moist areas, feeding on fungus and decomposing organic waste like compost or decaying leaves. Like ants, they can become annoying when they start invading your home, especially during dry weather.

Since these bugs thrive in damp environments, they can infest swimming pools and other water features in and around your home. They can also gravitate towards areas that are always moist, like the kitchen sink, bathrooms, and laundry rooms. If they go unnoticed for long, they can become a severe problem both outside and inside your house.

This post contains information specific to this insect so you will know more about it and learn how to control any possible springtail infestation.

Springtails Explained

Springtails are like any other six-legged insect, but they are tiny and elongated. They have a forked, tail-like appendage, known as the furcula, which is connected to their 4th or 5th abdominal segment. This furcula allows them to jump.

Most of the time, a tenaculum retains the furcula under the abdomen. The furcula straightens as the tenaculum is released, tossing the animal upwards. Springtails have a tiny tube on segment 1 of their abdomen.

This tube can evert two sacs. Depending on the springtail, these sacs are helpful. Also, some springtails have tiny scales, like butterfly wings. In certain lights, the Springtails’ scales can seem iridescent. It has six abdominal segments. Antennae have 4–6 features.

Life cycle

Springtails develop from eggs and move through several immature phases. Young springtails are smaller and lighter in color than adults. Also, some species have four molts, whereas others have 50 or more. Males release spermatophores on a substrate or into the female’s vaginal opening.

Some species, particularly those that live deep in the soil, reproduce by parthenogenesis. Some of the springtails belonging to this same species have females that produce identical offspring without male involvement. These groups have limited genetic diversity but have strong reproduction rates.

Habitat

Springtails are found in various environments, but all need a moist or damp place to live in. Most of them are found in dirt, leaf litter, loose bark, moss, pebbles, and fallen logs. Some of these bugs live underground, while others live in ant or termite tunnels.

Semi-aquatic springtails, like the water springtail, exist on still water. Snow fleas are often found in or on the ground, or even under loose tree bark.

Some species live in intertidal zones like beaches, tide pools, and estuaries. Other springtails live on glaciers in the polar regions.

Food

Springtails feed on decomposing organic matter like plants, and on fungi like molds. Some species feed dead on animals, excrement, bacteria, and pollen, while others are predators. Springtails use their sensitive antennae tips to check if something is appetizing or not.

Types of Springtails

Springtails have been all classified over time. Springtails are also classified into four orders and 25 families in North America. Below are the three main types of Springtails.

Water springtails

Water springtails and their relatives are oval, fat, and have tiny legs and antennae. They are also known as order Poduromorpha with roughly eight families in North America. Their antennas have four segments and are usually gray or black. Their skin seems velvety or grainy.

Elongate-bodied springtails

Elongate-bodied springtails are slender and may have short or long legs and antennae. They are known as order Entomobryomorpha with roughly seven families in North America. Their abdominal segments are simple to recognize. They are also smooth-bodied with removable scales that make them appear iridescent.

Globular springtails 

Globular springtails have ball-like bodies. They’re known as order Symphypleona with about eight families in North America. Their antennae outnumber the head and their abdominal segments are difficult to see from above. Dark eye groups are generally visible. These creatures have six legs and resemble tiny spiders. Many varieties are tan or yellow, with some that are mottled or striped.

Getting Rid of Springtails

Getting rid of tiny creatures like the springtail is quite difficult since they can’t be eliminated completely. There are ways and tips, however, that you can use to control them.

• Use a humidifier or fan to dry out wet areas where Springtails live 
• Repair all your plumbing leaks and dripping pipes
• Avoid over-watering your potted plants and let the soil dry between water
• Outdoors, you can remove excessive mulch, prune shrubbery, moist leaves, and ground cover 
• Get rid of low, wet areas around your house foundation and improve air circulation
• Remove wet, moldy wood and other moldy items in and around your home 
• Clean up loose boards or anything from the damp floor

Asyou can see, what all of these steps have in common is the act of drying out moist areas where springtails can thrive. Drying and dehumidifying are good preventive solutions to try.

If you have a springtail infestation in your area, contact PestGuide for assistance if you’re having trouble controlling them.