• Springtail Miscellaneous

    Springtail
  • Springtail
  • Springtail
  • Springtail
  • Springtail
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Elimination

Springtail populations can be significantly reduced simply by following a few simple recommendations:

•Repair any water leaks.
•Remove any mold from window frames and places where water has seeped in.
•Remove wet wood and other damp materials, like wet cardboard
•If indoor humidity levels are too high, use a dehumidifier or a fan
•Water houseplants only when the soil is really dry
•Remove dead leaves and rotting organic matter from around house foundations
•Heat rooms where springtail populations are found

Indoors, it is possible to place Maheu&Maheu glue traps in order to capture the intruders.

Actions

  • Reduce indoor humidity levels
  • Eliminate any trace of fungal growth
  • Use glue trap inside

Prevention

  • Get rid of any rotting organic matter around the building including wood chips used in landscaping
  • Seal the outsides of windows, doors, eaves, chimneys, etc. as completely as possible

Description and development

Springtails are small elongated or oval arthropods no more than 6 mm in length. They are a whitish-gray color and are equipped with a special springing appendage called a furcula that allows them to jump.
The female lays her eggs in a damp location. A large population of springtails emerges shortly thereafter, and if no control measures are taken, their numbers can reach up to 100,000 individuals per cubic meter (35 cu. ft.). Springtails can adapt to a wide range of habitats. In some northern regions, certain species can withstand cold temperatures. In fact, it is not unheard of to see large numbers of them on the snow around the base of trees!

Habits

Springtails live in areas where there is decaying organic matter, litter, mold, mushrooms, or anywhere with a high moisture level. In homes, springtails may be found in basements, kitchens, bathrooms, on houseplants, and around drains and sinks. They tend to prefer newer buildings, where certain materials (like wood) may not yet be completely dry. It is worth noting that springtails cause no damage. However, their presence can be a nuisance.

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