If you notice little flea-like insects crawling around your home, you may be experiencing a springtail infestation. Luckily, springtails are not harmful to humans, but if they grow to unbearably high numbers, they can cause problems at home. Do you think you have springtail bugs in your Houston house? First, contact All-Safe Pest & Termite for effective pest control in Houston. Then, read on to learn why they invade homes and how to get effective springtail control solutions for your house.
What Are Springtails?
The springtail insect is also known as a snow flea. These wingless insects that hop around have long bodies extending to 1/16th of an inch; their bodies can be either blue, black, white, or dark gray. Springtails have a tail-like appendage known as a furcula that helps them to jump as high as three inches into the air. When it comes to breeding, they like moist environments with soil. Unlike fleas which feed on pets, humans, and other living creatures, springtails feed on decaying matter like rotting plant leaves and roots. So, on one part, they help the environment, but on the other hand, if left unchecked, they can grow to unbearable numbers, which you will note as a springtail infestation in Houston. But what challenges do they bring?
Are Springtails In The House Harmful To Human Health?
Springtails are non-biting pests, and they do not carry infectious diseases. Additionally, they do not risk damaging your property or plants in your garden. But they are nuisance pests since they can breed to tens of thousands, which can be alarming for any house owner. You will find springtail in your house if they discover a food source or prime living conditions.
Why Do Springtails Invade Homes?
Springtails thrive in damp areas. So, if you discover them around your home, a pipe leak may create a moist environment for springtail breeding. Some common areas you can find springtails include under the bathroom and kitchen sink, as well as in houseplant pots, especially if they have plenty of water. In addition, an air condition unit can create water puddles that might be a good nesting ground for these bugs. One of the ways to prevent springtails from getting into your house is to deal with all water leaks that can create moist areas. Also, check and remove any water puddles as you inspect your home. But to effectively keep springtails off your property, consult a professional crew that can carry routine checkups for them and their signs in your home.
How Do I Get Rid Of Springtails?
Below are some of the non-effective ways popular among people who use DIY infestation control methods.
- Using bleach: Use household bleach to wipe down regions where springtails tend to frequent.
- Using vinegar: Vinegar is an alternative to bleach. Its acidic property makes it popular as a killer of germs and tiny pests like springtails.
- Vacuum cleaning: Since springtails are very light, using a vacuum to swoop them is an option for some residents.
- Detergent solution: Detergents are inexpensive and quick solutions that are believed to kill springtails immediately.
- Glue traps: A Glue trap only catches springtails on a particular place where one positions the traps.
In the majority of springtail infestations, control is not immediate, nor is it permanent. Springtails are prevalent in homes close to lakes, creeks, streams, rivers, or yards/lawns that receive plenty for irrigation. Moreover, they can migrate to other places for no particular reason and appear in any season. And for these reasons, it is hard to get rid of springtails on your own; you need experts to control these pests.
Springtails are flea-like insects that are harmless to humans and thrive in moist areas. However, these pests breed on decaying matter and can multiply to insane numbers, requiring the services of All-Safe Pest & Termite professionals to remove them from your property. Once you contact our office, our friendly and knowledgeable staff will work with you to safeguard your home from these invading pests. Contact our pros today to find out more about our services.