Nuisance pests. The list of them is seemingly endless, and often homeowners have to put up with far more than they should. Among them is the humble springtail. While they can’t bite, sting, or harm you, they can certainly be a frustration, and given that they always seem to travel in rather abundant packs, you’re likely to be dealing with a springtail infestation at any given time. What can you do about these tiny little creatures?
Wait, What Are Springtails?
Springtails are some of the smallest insects out there. They range in size from just .25 mm to 6 mm. They have a round, soft body, and they’re fairly easy to crush. That odd name you hear comes from the fact that when you startle one of them, but release a structure called a furcula underneath their abdomens, and that flings them up to 10 centimeters in the air.
They like to live in damp spots because they feed on mold and fungus. You’re most likely to see them in flowerbeds or under logs. You could also see them in your firewood pile. In the event things get too dry for them, they’ll move to a much wetter place.
When They Come Inside
Springtails prefer to be outside where they can live in the soil or leaf litter. They are more than willing to come inside, though, should the conditions meet their needs. You might find them in an overwatered houseplant. You might also find them in a humid space like your basement, your kitchen, or even your bathroom.
If there’s another space in your home that has suffered moisture damage, you may also find them there. For example, if the pipe was leaking into your guest bedroom and you didn’t notice, springtails could easily invade and make your days fairly frustrating.
In the event you do have a springtail infestation problem, you’re likely to notice it almost immediately. Any time you’ve had an issue with water for any given length of time, you should begin watching for springtails. Inspect under sinks, near drainpipes, or around the tub. If you see missing grout, it’s possible mold or mildew will develop and attract springtails. In the basement, they can hide almost anywhere you’ve had damp spots.
How to Get Rid of Springtails
The single best way to deal with a springtail infestation is to deal with moisture problems first. They can’t live where it doesn’t exist, so if you experience a leak or you have an area of your home that is damp on a regular basis, you need to take care of that immediately. Once that’s eliminated, you can call a Phoenix exterminator like Invader Pest Management to help tackle any remaining springtails you may have in your home.
The post Springing to a Bathroom Near You – The Springtail Infestation! appeared first on Invader Pest Management.