Bugs That Jump Like Fleas
If your home is inundated with tiny bugs that jump like fleas, you're probably experiencing an infestation of springtails.
Primarily an outdoor pest, springtails occasionally enter homes through small cracks.
They're typically found in kitchens, bathrooms, around plumbing pipes and under slabs.
If springtails find a source of moisture while indoors, they could survive for extended periods of time.
In fact, their population can grow to very large numbers if not addressed in a timely manner.
Springtails feed on decaying vegetation, mold and mildew, so homes with high levels of moisture and organic debris are conducive to an infestation of these tiny pests.
Springtails have an appendage, called a "furcula", which loads like a spring.
When threatened, they will release this spring and propel themselves away from danger.
Although springtails share a flea's jumping ability, they do not share a flea's ability to bite or transmit diseases.
In fact, springtails are more of a nuisance because of their large numbers than for any other reason.
Control Measures Although pesticides help with the short-term control of springtails, the best long-term deterrent of these tiny insects is through habitat alteration- listed below are a few suggestions to help:
Primarily an outdoor pest, springtails occasionally enter homes through small cracks.
They're typically found in kitchens, bathrooms, around plumbing pipes and under slabs.
If springtails find a source of moisture while indoors, they could survive for extended periods of time.
In fact, their population can grow to very large numbers if not addressed in a timely manner.
Springtails feed on decaying vegetation, mold and mildew, so homes with high levels of moisture and organic debris are conducive to an infestation of these tiny pests.
Springtails have an appendage, called a "furcula", which loads like a spring.
When threatened, they will release this spring and propel themselves away from danger.
Although springtails share a flea's jumping ability, they do not share a flea's ability to bite or transmit diseases.
In fact, springtails are more of a nuisance because of their large numbers than for any other reason.
Control Measures Although pesticides help with the short-term control of springtails, the best long-term deterrent of these tiny insects is through habitat alteration- listed below are a few suggestions to help:
- Find ways to keep the perimeter of your home dry, perhaps the addition of French drains and/or proper ventilation will help reduce the level of moisture.
- Eliminate the pest's food source, you'll need to rake up fallen leaves and remove moldy or decaying mulch in the landscaped areas.
- Address any plumbing leak or humility issues inside your home.
