Springtails commonly occur and are often found abundantly in and around homes, greenhouses and potted plants. Occasionally their feeding may lead to plant damage, but mainly they are simply a nuisance when occurring in large numbers. Springtails can be controlled by removing or modifying environmental situations which cause their increase, or insecticides may be applied to their breeding areas.

Description

Springtails are minute wingless insects that range in size from .04 to .2 inch in length. They vary greatly in color from black to grey and from white to yellow or gold. Some are mottled and many are iridescent. The name "springtail" refers to the fact that many species are capable of jumping a great distance for their size. These species have a forked structure on the end of their abdomen that is folded under the body and is used like a spring to catapult the insect into the air.

Importance

Springtails are ametabolous insects, that is, there is little difference between the immature form and adults except in size. They are among the most primitive of insects. Springtail fossils have been found that are over 400 million years old. Springtails are found outdoors and indoors in moist situations, usually feeding on algae and decaying vegetable matter.

They prefer dark, damp areas and frequent leaf mold, damp soil, rotting logs and similar habitats. They are seldomly observed outdoors because of their small size and the fact that most are found in concealed situations. Some species will feed on sprouting seed, roots and tender shoots. Seldom do they cause damage to plants, but have been found damaging mushroom beds and seedlings in greenhouses. Often they build up tremendous numbers and become a nuisance pest on African violets. When large populations occur, they may be found on the soil surface, in potted plants, in water reservoirs or crawling on the plants, pots and greenhouse tables. Literally thousands may take residence in sand, gravel or other materials in propagation beds or plant trays.

Most springtails breathe through their skin or cuticle, which is very permeable to water, therefore, these insects must spend most of their time in very damp locations. If their environment becomes very dry, springtails will crawl about actively until a damp environment is found. In the course of this searching for moisture, they may invade homes, entering through window screens, open doors, vent pipes or with merchandise or ornamental plants. They may be attracted to light, entering through windows or under doors.

After a hot day, they may swarm over the side of a building in tremendous numbers, increasing the chance of indoor infestations. After entering a house, they crawl about and are often trapped in sinks, washbasins, and bathtubs. They are most commonly found in the kitchen and bathroom where they hide in very small cracks and crevices. They may also occur in damp wall voids. Potted plants in homes also serve as very important sources of infestation. Indoors, these insects become pests principally by the virtue of their presence. They do not transmit disease, but may be found accidentally infesting foods and are an annoyance to people when crawling or hopping about on the skin. They are among the most troublesome swimming pool pests.

Control

Springtails may spread through unsterilized potting soil on clothing, plant contact or simply from migration of the insects from nearby habitats. Sanitation and soil sterilization are most helpful in preventing and controlling problems with springtails in greenhouse situations.

Springtails may be controlled by treating benches, shelves or the soil beneath greenhouse benches. Insecticides may be applied to the outside of the pots, saucers and to the surface of the soil of potted plants when heavy infestations occur. Use products containing diazinon, malathion, or methoxychlor.

In homes, decrease humidity within the building, if possible, and improve sanitation by cleaning up food particles and deposits of dust and lint in cracks, crevices and around floor edges. Eliminate any mildew problems that are present since mildew spores serve as food for springtails. Apply insecticides containing diazinon, dursban, resmethrin or synergized pyrethrins to door and window facings and other areas where springtails are likely to occur. Eliminate damp situations in flower beds and other areas immediately surrounding the home to eliminate springtail breeding areas.