Springtails are minuscule insects that are often mistaken for fleas due to their size and habit of hopping around. As their name suggests, they have a catapult-like body part on their underside known as the furcula, which enables them to jump short distances. Springtails are wingless, have a gray-purple body, and only grow to be about 1/16 of an inch long, making them notoriously difficult to spot. These tiny insects are attracted to moisture, which is why they’re most often seen in Las Vegas during the spring and summer seeking out damp environments.

How Did I Get Springtails?

In their preferred outdoor environment, springtails frequent damp soil, decaying straw, rotting leaves, and other wet environments. Over-watering your lawn or yard is a sure way to fall victim to a springtail infestation. Although they prefer to live outside, springtail bugs have been known to enter homes with moisture problems. Once inside, springtails will most often be found in basements, bathrooms, kitchen areas, attics, damp wall voids, houseplant soil, and anywhere mold or mildew is present.

Are Springtail Bugs Harmful?

There is little to no reason to fear springtails. They do not cause humans or pets any harm, and are not known to sting, bite, or transmit any diseases. Furthermore, they cause very little damage and would only perhaps cause a bit of destruction to plants inside the home. That said, springtails reproduce rapidly and a population can grow to alarmingly large numbers. Their danger lies in the fact that there can be thousands of these tiny creatures happily taking up residence in your home, making it seem like a much worse situation than it truly is.

What Can I Do to Prevent Springtails?

Luckily, preventing and getting rid of springtails is rather simple. It all comes down to eliminating their source of survival: moisture. If they do not have a damp environment to live in, these tiny bugs will die off quickly. Some of the ways you can actively reduce your chance of getting springtails inside your home include:

Reduce excess moisture in the home by promptly fixing any leaky faucets or pipes.
Check your basement, attic, or crawl spaces for standing water.
Don’t over-water any houseplants in your living areas.
Make sure to use a proper vent or fan in the bathroom to reduce humidity, and consider using a dehumidifier in damp locations.
Eliminate mold or mildew in or around the home in a timely fashion.

Professional Help for Springtail Removal

If your prevention methods have failed to keep springtail bugs away from your home, it may be best to contact a professional pest control company, such as Rentokil. Our experts can help eliminate springtails and keep them from ever infesting your home again!