Have you ever been digging in your garden and had the opportunity to see a minute bug hop out of the disturbed soil onto your arm and off again? Probably the answer to that question is ‘yes’. You had a visit from a springtail. These tiny bugs only grow to be .25 to 6 mm and are generally a harmless addition to the neighborhood preferring to spend their time under flat stones or logs, hiding in moist soil or damp piles of leaves munching on the mold and fungus that they find there. In abundance, these insects have been known to eat the tender shoots of newly developing or potted plants.
The springtail has been known, if their preferred environment dries out too much, to head to moister pastures. If your home is close enough, you may find yourself with new roommates. They will head directly for your damp basement or under your sinks or tubs. If you have some over watered plants, they will make themselves at home there as well.
The good news is that springtails are not dangerous. They will not bite or sting or do any damage to your furniture or home. They are not known to transmit any diseases, either. However, it could be a little disconcerting to find them huddling under your bath mat when you pick it up. No one wants that.
There are some ways that you can prevent attracting springtails to your home. You want to do a thorough check of your home, especially the kitchen and bathrooms. Look under the sinks and around the toilet for leaks or dampness. If there was long term leaking either around the pipes or in the walls you will need to replace any of the wet wood or drywall to make sure there is no mold or mildew present. Also spend some time in your basement or attic and check the walls for dampness. You might find it necessary to get a dehumidifier to dry it out.
Outside, you should always make sure that gutters are cleaned of debris. Sodden leaves are right up the springtail’s alley. Make sure mulch and fall leaves are pulled away from the foundation of the home. You should also trim any tree branches that are hanging over the house.
If you spend a bit of time on these household projects, you will be unlikely to find yourself with an infestation of springtails.However, if you suspect a problem, make sure you seek help from the professionals at Adam’s Pest Control, they can do a full inspection to identify the pests you are having a problem with. Together, you can formulate a plan to treat the infestation and help you get your home back.
