In the second part of our series on Springtails, we will discuss:
“Why Springtails Invade Our South Jersey Homes.”
In the third part of our series, we will cover “What YOU Can Do if an Invasion of Springtails in your South Jersey Home has already begun.”
In part one we learned “What Springtails Are and What Springtails are Not.”
“what” Springtails are —> tiny arthropods -less than 1/8″ long, have limited vision, 6 legs, and no wings.
why they are called “snow fleas” —> they can tolerate low temperatures and they jump
what they “are not” —> “fleas”
what they “look like” —> tiny specks of dirt or ashes
what they eat —> organic materials
where they breed —> in damp conditions that persist
what they “like” —> water
and when they are “most active” —> at night, on warm evenings.
In the spring of the year, as we begin to warm up after a cold winter, possibly even continuing to enjoy the extended and warm spring rains, we may begin to find several kinds of tiny pests in our homes.
One of the most commonly found pests is the Springtail.
Outside your home, Springtails are very active from May through September, but they can be active indoors all year round.
Springtails can be difficult to control by the time they are found by the upset occupants.
Springtails invade buildings in times of dry weather or heavy rains.
Springtails lose water through the surface of their body.
If their environment becomes dry, they try to migrate to a place that provides the moisture they need to survive.
Springtails are attracted to lights and gain access to your home through tiny cracks and crevices in the foundation, windows and doorframes.
Once inside they do not bite, they do no damage inside a home, and do not transmit human disease.
When they get inside, they are attracted to dampness, organic debris, mold, and high humidity.
Looking for sources of water, the most prominent places Springtails are found in the home are the kitchen, bathrooms, basements, crawlspaces, and in moldy furniture or carpets.
They will also be found along walls where water seeps in, or in water or heating system risers.
Sometimes, Springtails are brought into the house on potted plants. Check plants for Springtail activity before bringing them into the house.
If you need help with your Springtail invasion, feel free to give us a call or you can jump to the third part of our series where we cover “What YOU Can Do if an Invasion of Springtails in your South Jersey Home has already begun.”