Springtails

We Are Springtail Exterminators

EnviroPest has been protecting local homes and families for over 30 years. Our exterminators provide a variety of treatments including our all-natural Springtail pest control solutions that will effectively deal with your issue without requiring you to leave the comforts of your home. As a company committed  to organic and proper application of pesticides, our residential pest control solutions have been the right fit for over 100,000 families.

Biology of the Springtail

Springtails are tiny, primitive insects belonging to the order Collembola. They are wingless and have minimal vision, and in many cases, are completely blind. Their primitive nature leads some biologists to exclude them from the class Insecta, instead of placing them in a separate, exclusive class also called Collembola. About 700 species of springtails occur in North America, and more than 6,000 worldwide.

Springtails get their name because of a peculiar “springing” device called a furcula, which is hinged to the fourth abdominal segment. It is held in place in the “cocked” position by a latch mechanism, or tenaculum, located forward of the point of hinged attachment. When released, it snaps back, hurtling the springtail through the air a distance up to 100 times its body length, allowing escape from an enemy. To the human eye, springtails seemingly disappear into thin air.

Another unusual feature is a ventral tube, called a collophore, projecting down from the first abdominal segment’s underside. It is wet and sticky and provides a point for adhering to surfaces. It is also for water uptake through a tiny capillary tube that runs from the collophore to the mouth.

We Start Springtail Treatment with a Thorough Investigation

Springtails occur almost everywhere; there are living organisms except in the ocean and below the freshwater bodies’ surface. Most species live in the soil or organic matter on the ground. They feed primarily on decaying plant material, fungi and bacteria. It has been estimated that as many as 100,000 springtails can inhabit one cubic meter of highly organic topsoil. They are precious in helping to enrich the soil by breaking down organic matter.

Many other species of Springtails live in the intertidal zone at the seashore. They may attract attention when springtail populations increase to create large numbers floating on the surface of trapped tidal pools. Still, other species, sometimes called snow fleas, may be seen as dark masses when they come out in wintertime to feed on algae and fungal spores on old snowbanks. This latter group’s individuals are a soft black color and stand out in vivid contrast to the snow. “Snow fleas” are black springtails that feed on the surface of old snowbanks.

Our Springtail Treatment Tool-Chest

Wherever dampness and decaying organic matter occur, Springtails are likely to be present. Tiny, grayish Springtails in and around houseplant containers may be viewed with great concern, thinking that they are some “bug” likely to harm the plants. Springtails do not harm plants but instead are an indication of good soil. One should not do anything to “control” them unless there are so many that they constitute a nuisance. If control is necessary, treat the soil surface of potted plants with insecticides. Springtails sometimes are found in and around the edges and drains of lavatories, bathtubs, and showers. They are attracted to the moisture and the accumulations of organic matter. It is necessary to clean the area and eliminate any water leaks to correct this type of situation. However, the problem is likely to recur if the moisture and organic matter are not removed.

Springtails may also be found in wooden windowsills where dampness is causing the wood to decay. Removing the cause of the moisture and then refinishing the wood surface will eliminate the attractiveness for Springtails.

On occasion, for reasons unknown to science, large numbers of Springtails come out of the soil and congregate on the surface in masses as large as a man’s fist or more extensive. Often such groups appear on a sidewalk, patio, or concrete porch. There is no need to do anything, for they will “disappear” in a day or two. If immediate removal is desired, use a stream of water to disperse or wash away the mass.

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Who To Hire

What to Look for When Hiring a Springtail Exterminator

• The pest management company should be licensed by the state and insured.
• Technicians should be certified pest management professionals and fully licensed in the state.
• The company should be a member of a professional organization, such as the National Pest Management Association.
• The company should have a staff entomologist or access to one.
• Technicians should have experience with Springtail pest control.
• Choose a company based on their quality of service, not the price. Research user reviews and testimonials to solidify your choice.
• A pre-inspection should be conducted to assess the scope of the work.
• The proposed work should follow the steps of integrated pest management, not just pesticide application.

The EnviroPest Complete Service Guarantee

If at any time between services or your guarantee period, you as a customer of EnviroPest are not satisfied for any reason. We will readdress the area in question at no additional charge. We have serviced over 300,000 homes and businesses over 30 years, and our clients rely on us to stand behind the work we perform.

Our continuous inspection and treatment mean a 100% guarantee as long as you have us on the property.

Our service personnel has been trained and certified with over six (6) years of experience in the pest control field as specialists. We do not advocate or provide seasonal labor or “college kids” to provide applications in or around your family or home. Another reason we are the natural choice in pest control.

ASK THE EXTERMINATOR:

How Serious Are Springtails? Are They Dangerous?

Springtails are a nuisance and do not cause danger to people. They can infest the interior and exterior of homes in vast numbers and be a considerable irritation to homeowners.

Do Springtails Cause Damage?

Although Springtails can be on living plants, they do not harm the plant. They can be found in large numbers; Springtails are not harmful or dangerous to people. They do not bite, sting, or damage property.

How Did I Get Springtails?

Extreme weather will drive this pest indoors. Both dry and heavy rain will cause populations to crawl through cracks and crevices outside of homes or buildings. Springtails are looking for moist, damp, and humid conditions. Springtails will often be attracted to light inside structures with open windows or doors.

Should We Apply Pesticide for Springtails?

Springtails are an outdoor problem, and they will enter the property when accessible. A Professional Springtail Exterminator should regularly make an exterior application outside of the property to ensure you have a barrier keeping them from entering the home or building. Shrubs, under decks, mulch, and foundation treatments may be required to stop the populations from infesting basements and window casings.

How Does EnviroPest Specifically Handle Springtails?

EnviroPest is trained to manage Springtails:

• Inspection – We will inspect and treat not only the areas of infestation but also the areas that are considered high risk areas within a home. The more extensive and detailed the treatment the more effective.
• Prevention – Humidity should be reduced if possible in the high risk areas and any building materials. Moisture should be removed from any area containing highly conducive areas that could create areas of harborage. We can help identify these areas with our clients as we walk through the property.
• Guarantee – We are happy to check after a period of time on whether the problems have been resolved. Areas should be checked regularly considering this issue takes a while to occur and become visible it also should be guaranteed by a proper company after you treat the infestation.

You can also use the onsite chat feature, Free Pest Inspection form on this page, or our online contact form to get in touch with us. Whatever your pest control need, we are happy to help you eliminate it.

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