Pest Control Houston TX — Springtail pest control…
Springtails - Tiny Houston Home Invader
Springtails are an occasional Houston pest control challenge.
Springtails are sometimes initially mistaken for specs of dirt.
However, placing your finger right behind them will cause these “specs” to jump or spring forward.
Springtails are teeny tiny (about 1-2 mm long) and a common, mostly soil dwelling insect. They widely populate the U.S. including the Houston, Texas area.
Outdoors they inhabit the soil mainly but can be found in vegetation matter and under and around potted plants. Springtails can become a pest intruder indoors where they chiefly migrate to humid areas such as kitchens, bathrooms and basements.
Damp areas of buildings and areas experiencing mold attract more springtail activity. Invasions can range from slight numbers to huge infestations and from temporary to persistent pest activity.
Springtails - Notice the "Spring" Tail
Apperance: Springtails are very small white-gray insect pests measuring between 1/32 – 1/8″ in length. They are wingless with a humpback body and long antenna. Springtails are so-called because of their ability to spring forward in the air using their unique forked appendage.
Biology: Springtails go through a simple metamorphosis molting 5-10 times to reach adulthood. Time span from egg to adult usually occurs within 2-3 months but may take up to a couple of years under less than favorable conditions.
Populations outside can mount to enormous numbers of over 50,000 in one cubic foot of soil. More than 19 species of springtails have been identified as invaders of buildings and homes.
Habits: Springtails do not bite and cause no damage or harm to person or property. But their presence is a good indicator of very humid, moist conditions when found indoors and investigation should be made for moisture problems and mold.
Springtails move inside Houston area homes and buildings seeking moisture most often due to dry outdoor conditions. They are naturally attracted to light as well as moisture. Their diet includes feeding on mold, fungi, algae and decay plant matter.
Controlling Houston Springtails: Since springtails are attracted to moisture and fungus, areas indoors should be inspected for plumbing and roof leaks and the causes of damp areas possibly supporting springtail infestations.
Reducing or removing leaf litter outdoors and drying out moist yard areas as much as practical will aid in discouraging buildup of exterior populations which may lead to interior invasion.
Persistent or heavy interior invasions may require professional intervention of a Houston pest control exterminator for both exterior and interior treatment for effective springtail control.
Protex Pest Control is experienced in springtail removal in Houston area homes. Give us a call today for expert springtail control.