Springtails

Springtails are tiny insects belonging to the order Collembola.

About 700 species of springtails occur in North America, and more than 6,000 worldwide.

They are wingless and have limited vision.

Springtails are only about 1 to 2 mm long but can rapidly move 3 to 4 inches in a single motion. This represents a distance of about 100 times their body length. Springtails move rapidly because of a "springing" device on their abdomen called a furcula.

The soil contains sufficient moisture and food for springtails to survive. Their food includes decaying vegetation, fungi, bacteria, pollen, algae, lichens and insect feces. The feeding activities of springtails enrich the soil by breaking down these forms of organic matter and releasing the nutrients they contain

“Snow fleas” are black springtails that feed on the surface of old snow banks.

Springtails occur in moist habitats almost everywhere except under water.

Springtails invade structures in search of moisture when their usual habitat becomes dry. Their usual outdoor habitats include mulch, leaf litter, other decaying organic matter, firewood, logs and landscape timbers.

They are attracted to light and are so small that they can enter houses through cracks and crevices around doors, utility pipes, window screens, etc. They can also be brought indoors in the soil of potted plants.

Indoors, they are most often found in high-moisture areas such as bathrooms, kitchens, crawlspaces and basements. Moldy furniture is also able to support large infestations.

Homeowners who see these tiny, grayish insects in and around houseplant containers are often concerned that they are likely to harm their plants; however, this is not the case. Springtail activity is an indication of healthy, moist, organically rich soil.

When springtails are found in and around bathtubs and showers, these areas must be cleaned thoroughly and kept dry to correct the problem.

For a temporary solution to indoor springtail problems, you can use a household aerosol spray; however, the problem will recur if the sources of moisture and organic matter are not removed.