Springtails
Order:
Collembola
Family: Various
Species: Various
Springtails
are among the most primitive insects known, with fossils dating back 400
million years.
The order is composed of five families, represented by over 500
species in North America.
They are considered occasional invaders, and generally prefer very
moist areas in and around structures. They are not known to transmit any
diseases; however, several species have been associated with human dermatitis.
Their presence on the skin can cause localized itching, and crushing
them can cause a localized allergic response.
Description
Springtails are wingless, soft-bodied insects, usually 1-2 mm (.04-.08 inch) long. They vary in color; however, most are white, gray or yellow. Some have mottled patterns. The mouthparts are concealed within the head and most are stylet-like. Springtails derive their common name from the forked structure (furcula) located on the ventral side of the fourth abdominal segment which allows them to jump, in some cases, 75-100 times their own length. At rest, the furcula is folded under the abdomen and held in place by a clasping structure (tenaculum) on the third abdominal segment. Also on the ventral side of the first abdominal segment is a unique tube-like structure (collophore), which is believed to function in water uptake.
Life Cycle and Habits
Members of this order undergo simple (ametabolous) metamorphosis, i.e., during development the young and adults are identical, except for change in size, color and sexual maturity. These insects are commonly found in areas with a high moisture content such as mulch, leaf mold, decaying logs, fungi, vegetation, and termite nests. Outdoor populations can become overwhelming, often exceeding millions of insects per acre. Their numbers increase during warm, humid weather and rapidly decline with the onset of cold weather.
Springtails typically feed on algae, fungi, bacteria, pollen, arthropod excreta, decaying vegetation and occasionally live plants. They gain entry into structures through cracks around doors and windows, under siding, and through chimneys and roof vents. The smaller species can even pass through screens. A few species are attracted to light and entryways at night.
Indoors,
they are often found in kitchens bathrooms (around or in tubs, toilets
and sinks), cellars, crawlspaces, damp wall voids, potted plants, and
other areas where moisture may accumulate.
In some locations they may become major swimming pool pests.
Control
Control begins with prevention be eliminating outdoor breeding areas, particularly around the foundation and in crawl spaces. Seal potential entry points to prevent springtails from entering the structure. Once inside the structure, survival is dependent upon moist conditions and areas where organic matter has accumulated. Eliminate these conditions through ventilation, dehumidification and sanitation to reduce the chance of survival indoors. Repair plumbing leaks or any other leaks that contribute to moisture problems. Inspect the structure for moldy or damp furniture such as chairs, couches and mattresses, which may be a sit of infestation. Another preventive measure is to allow the soil in potted plants to dry before watering.
Microencapsulated
and wettable powder insecticide formulations used as perimeter sprays
can reduce outdoor populations and often prevent entry into structures. Residual insecticides applied to cracks and crevices frequented
by springtails can reduce indoor populations rapidly. Aerosol formulations of pyrethrum or pyrethroid insecticides
are effective as contact sprays.
(Courtesy of the National Pest Control Association.)