Springtails are common pests found in all climates. They prefer to live outdoors, but they can invade your home in large numbers. Springtails aren't technically insects, but they look like bugs, and they can be mistaken for fleas. Here's a look at how an infestation of springtails gets started and pest control measures that eliminate and prevent problems with these pests.
Springtails Are Abundant In Nature
Springtails are tiny, so they're easy to overlook. You may notice them when they spring in the air, especially when their dark bodies stand out against light snow or sand. These pests need moisture to survive because they absorb it through their skin. They can't live in dry areas because they'll dehydrate.
They like to infest damp places, such as in mulch or under a shed. There could be many thousands of these pests living in your yard after being carried there on construction material, topsoil, mulch, or plants you bring home. As long as the pests stay outside, they pose no problem to you, your pets, or your plants.
Springtails Enter Your Home In Search Of Moisture
You might bring the pests inside your home when you carry in houseplants, but when you have an infestation, it's usually because the pests are in search of moisture and your home has a water leak, condensation, or high humidity.
If the weather conditions outside get too dry, the bugs begin the search for moisture. Since some types of springtails are very tiny, they can slip in under your door or through a slight gap in a window screen.
A Pest Control Service Can Eliminate Springtails
If it looks like your home is infested with fleas because you see tiny jumping pests, call pest control services for help. They can treat your home to eliminate the pests and suggest ways to keep them from returning. You may need regular pest control treatments to keep the springtails under control once they've become a nuisance.
Besides treatments, the exterminator may seal your home so there are fewer entry points. It may be impossible to completely block the small bugs from entering, but closing as many gaps as you can find is helpful.
Since the pests are in search of moisture, make sure your house is dry. If the springtails can't find moisture inside, they'll go somewhere else or they'll dehydrate and die.
Keeping Your Home Dry Prevents Their Return
You probably won't eliminate springtails from your yard since these tiny creatures are so plentiful and found nearly everywhere. Therefore, you have to make your home inhospitable to the pests.
Repair plumbing drips promptly so the damp wood and high humidity don't attract springtails. Prevent condensation on your windows and pipes in the basement by wrapping pipes in insulation and running a dehumidifier if necessary.
Repair roof leaks promptly and check your home regularly for areas of excess moisture so you can make repairs as soon as they're needed. Keeping your home dry is the first line of defense against springtails, and it also helps you ward off insect pests like silverfish and termites too.