With such high reproductive rates, populations can increase quickly when weather is favorable. Springtails have six legs, short antennae with four to six segments and soft, elongated or roundish bodies. Adult fleas actively jump onto people and pets and bite them; springtails do not bite. Springtails have a round “humpbacked” body, no wings, and a distinctive head with long antennae. Residential Services. Biology and Habits. suggestions. Springtails thrive in shady areas rich in decaying leaves and humus, but they can abound even in urban lawns. Springtails can be difficult to control by the time they are found by the upset occupants. However, springtails can live a long time on indoor potted plants or infest buildings with high humidity. Should the cleaning treatments not clear out the springtails, use a pyrethrin insecticide around all areas of the house where you have found springtails. Where to Start with Bathroom Plumbing Repair. They do not bite people or pets, spread disease or damage homes or household items. Where They Live: Springtails can be found in sinks and basins, floor drains, around sweating pipes, in most basements or crawlspaces, on moldy furniture, and in the soil of potted plants. Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostics Laboratory, Texas A&M College of Agrculture and Life Sciences. Avoid mosquitoes at your next outdoor event with effective mosquito treatments. They also have 6 legs–like the springtails–and they use these legs to jump as high as 8 or 16 inches horizontally. Large numbers of springtails also may fall into swimming pools, where their waterproof bodies float on the surface, resembling pollen or algae. Wipe up and clean any patches of mold or mildew that have developed. Treatment protocols for these two pests are completely different. If abundant, growers may notice the springtails hopping on the growing media surface after watering. Avoid excessive layers of mulch around the foundation. Most are between 1 and 2 mm long. Fleas have no beneficial characteristics. They live in soil, leaf mold, under bark, decaying logs, on surface pools, in organic mulch. Springtail fleas do not make their way into your home on your pets. Use fan or dehumidifier in damp locations inside the house. Highly trained bed bug dogs and effective heat treatments ensure bed bugs are eliminated! After a situation we now have fleas. Springtails vs. Fleas Springtails or Fleas? If you have an infestation, please call us immediately to schedule a free estimate. Tips for keeping springtails out of your home include: If you have a chronic, long-lasting indoor springtail infestation, it may be because the insects are living in potted plants or moist areas in walls or storage areas. Springtails may infest wells, toilet bowl tanks, wet insulation, drains, moist basements and damp walls. Check and replace door seals as needed, and use foam weatherproofing strips to seal windows. Advanced termite treatments for maximum protection against termite damage. Fleas are a dark-reddish brown and can be as large as ⅙ of an inch long. Springtail fleas are very small and black with small heads and thoraxes, and a long slender abdomen. They prefer areas with high organic matter. The feeding activities of Springtails enrich the soil by breaking down these forms of organic matter and releasing the nutrients they contain. There are approximately 700 species of Springtails in North America, and they are considered one of the most common soil insects. To reduce numbers of springtails outdoors, reduce watering or, on turfgrass, irrigate no more than once a week, watering soil deeply each time to at least 1 inch penetration. SE Region Row Crop Initiative Grain and Cotton Marketing Update: Online Zoom, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wc8xY2YuOfM. Apply pesticides to possible entry points around windows and doorways, under siding and at other openings in brick or wood walls. So this a bit odd situation - I use a lot of products outside (usually Tals... [left]Hi guys! Because of these activities, Springtails are considered to be a good indicator of soil health.