Springtails

What are springtails?

Springtails are tiny in size but invade properties by the thousands, most commonly invading areas in or near gardens and pools. Their tiny size and ability to quickly jump out of the way causes many people to confuse springtails withfleas. However, springtails do not feed on the blood of people or animals, they feed on decaying plant matter and leaf litter.

Springtails appear gray to the human eye and have a soft body. Adults grow to be smaller than the head of a pin. Using a specialized appendage called a furcula, springtails are able to propel themselves forward and out of the way of danger.

An interesting fact about springtails is they are not insects. They are hexapods, a close relative of insects.

Why do I have a problem with springtails?

There are many things in our Washington state yards that provide springtails with a suitable place to live and feed. Some of the springtail’s favorite foods are fungi, mold, algae, and decaying plants. Some of the springtail’s favorite places to congregate include:

• The soil next to the foundation of your home
• Garden areas
• The ground next to a pool
• Low lying areas of your lawn that collect water

Any property or home with moisture issues has the potential to be host to springtails. Just a small amount of moisture may draw these pests onto your property. Moisture doesn’t attract only springtails to your property, but many other moisture-seeking pests that have the potential to be even more damaging and dangerous.

Are springtails dangerous?

Springtails don’t pose any health concerns for people. They also don’t damage our property or cause damage to landscaping plants or grass.

Though springtails are not dangerous, these pests are annoying and difficult to get rid of. Also, if springtails are present inside of your home it is an indicator of an underlying moisture problem that needs to be addressed.

Do springtails bite?

Springtails do not bite us and do not feed on human blood.

How do I get rid of springtails?

At Prosite, we eliminate springtails and other pests through accurate pest identification, a thorough evaluation of your property, and the development of an effective plan of action. Our comprehensive pest control solutions are what you need to solve your home’s or business’s pest problems. 

If you want to learn more about our pest control solutions in Ellensburg, WA and the surrounding area and how we can work together to eliminate springtails and other pests from your residential or commercial property, contact us today. Take back your property from pests with the help of the experts at Prosite!

How do I prevent problems with springtails?

At Prosite, in addition to our ongoing pest control plans, we recommend implementing the following springtail prevention tips:

• Run a dehumidifier in your home to help reduce excess moisture.
• Make sure gutters are working to help prevent water from overflowing and seeping into your home’s walls and roof.
• Do not overwater gardens or potted plants.
• Inspect potted plants before bringing them inside.
• Fill in low-lying areas around your home’s foundation to help eliminate excess moisture.
• Remove leaves, woodpiles, and brush piles from your yard that collect moisture.
• Inspect your home’s foundation sealing any tiny gaps or crevices you discover.
• Repair damaged wooden trim around exterior doors, basements doors, and/or sliding glass doors.