Knox Pest Control

Spring Tails

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 Knox Pest Control's Residential Protection Plan. back