These Fast Breeding Pests Cause Unmanageable Infestations

Springtails are tiny insects that commonly live in damp soil and live off fungus and mold. They frequently live in flower beds and underneath logs and paving stones. These insects usually measure from 0.25 to 6 millimeters. They get their name from a unique spring-like structure located on the underside of the abdomen. When these insects feel threatened or need to escape from predators, they release their spring-loaded furcular, which has the ability to propel them over 10 centimeters.

Springtails, like cockroaches, silverfish, and many other insects, are drawn to moisture, meaning that if they ever make their way inside your home, they’re more likely to search out particularly moist areas like bathrooms, attics, and basements. Springtails lose moisture through the surface of their exoskeleton. These unusual insects will sometimes enter homes through door thresholds or ground-level cracks and crevices. When they do enter the home, they’ll seek out humid areas. If their environment becomes unsuitably dry, they will attempt to migrate to a moister, and therefore, a more suitable environment.

Springtails also have the ability to determine where there has been moisture damage and can search out and hide inside areas where there has been rain damage or even a leaking pipe. They’ve also been found inside furniture that has become wet, rotted, or mildewed. Similarly, springtails have also been found in potted plants and planter boxes, where they can at least rely on frequent watering from homeowners or from rainwater.

Springtails don’t pose any physical threat to human beings; they don’t bite or sting and don’t destroy structures or feed on furniture or fabrics therein. However, these insects reproduce incredibly quickly, and the thought of thousands of insects hopping in the dark and damp of a basement can prove pretty distressing to the average homeowner.

Despite their ability to lay many eggs at a time, springtail infestations will usually disappear very quickly if the moisture that attracts them to a given area is corrected. If a group of springtails has been spotted in the kitchen, it’s a good idea to begin your inspection under the sink, as moisture is quite likely to collect there, even under the most ideal circumstances. After emptying the cabinet and ensuring that the drainpipe isn’t leaking, make sure that there’s no buildup of mildew. Make sure any mildew is removed, and dry the area completely to discourage any future infestation of springtails. In basements, make sure that the walls are free of dampness. If necessary, it’s a wise decision to invest in a waterproofing agent. Dehumidifiers can also often prove useful in clearing up any moisture issues.

Cantu Pest & Termite is proud to be the first company in Texas to offer a Cantu Green Service. Our Texas springtail control experts are excited to offer Cantu Green Service pest services to our customers in search of a more prevention-based solution to their pest removal and ongoing pest management needs while minimizing the use of pesticides.

If springtails or other pests have made unsightly appearances around your home, call Cantu Pest & Termite at 972-562-9999 (Dallas and Fort Worth areas) or 713-956-7822 (Houston area) and schedule an appointment today with one of our friendly, experienced pest control experts.