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SPRINGTAILS |
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PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS
Springtails are wingless, soft-bodied insects.
They measure less than 2 mm.
They eat decaying plant matter and frequently are associated with damp soil
because they need a moist environment to survive.
Their most peculiar feature is the way they hop about. The next to last segment
of the body bears a forked appendage. This can be pulled under the abdomen and
released in a spring-like fashion enabling the insect to jump several inches.
There are about 19 different species and they range in size from .04 to .08
inches in length.
They get their name from the forked appendages at the end of their abdomens. The
appendages help them jump like a flea, which they are often confused with.
They do not bite, however one species can cause itching.
They are wingless and undergo a simple metamorphosis.
They feed on algae, fungus, spores, pollen, and decaying vegetable matter.
HABITATION
Springtails are attracted to light and may
pass under lighted doorways at night.
Springtails can be a problem in newly constructed buildings because of damp
building materials and wet plaster.
Springtails do no damage to buildings.
Did you know they are AQUATIC??? A puddle of water can cause the creation of
thousands in hours but they can disappear just as quickly.
They like areas with high humidity.
They will usually be found in the kitchen, bathrooms, or basements when found
indoors.
Also they are one of the most common insects found in the soil. They usually
occur in the soil of potted plants and areas that have decaying matter.
In a case in Pennsylvania, an unknown species of springtails infested the floor
of a living room by the thousands after heavy rains. Two days later, when the
weather was dry, only three springtails were found in the house
Most infestations can be controlled with the
regular Pest-A-Way Barrier. (yard spray)
CONTROL
Springtails can be controlled by drying up
their environment.
Correcting moisture conditions and reducing outside mulch will help.
Most infestations of springtails can be controlled with the regular Pest-A-Way
Barrier and reduced watering schedules.
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