Springtails are tiny pests in Plano that can be hard to identify and even harder to eradicate. You'll have to look closely to even see these pests, but once they're in your home, you'll want to get them out, and pest control in Plano can help.
Here's what Plano homeowners need to know about identifying springtails, issues they cause in area homes, the best way to get rid of springtails in Plano, and how to prevent one in the first place.
How To Identify A Springtail
So what do springtails look like? First and foremost, these insects are small at only 1/16 of an inch in length. They are generally brown, gray, or black with a segmented oblong body and six legs. The easiest way to spot one of these pests is by their hopping behavior – like fleas, springtails will jump into the air. Catching them in action is often the only way to spot them. They are nicknamed snow fleas because one of the easiest places to spot them is by hopping up and down against the white background of snow.
Springtails can often be mistaken for fleas, but there are some ways to tell these insects apart. For one thing, springtails have a soft body, whereas fleas have a hard body. Fleas use their strong legs to jump, while springtails have what's called a furcula tucked under their abdomen to propel them into the air. And fleas bite. So if you notice an abundance of hopping creatures but are not suffering from itchy bites, you may be spotting springtails.
Springtail Infestations Can Be A Nuisance In Your Home
Springtails in Plano are known for being nuisance pests. They don't bite or threaten the health of our family or pets, they don't spread diseases, and they aren't a danger to our property. However, you'll likely still want to seek out springtail control as these insects can become an increasing nuisance as their population grows.
The other problem with springtails is that they often signify a more significant problem. Springtails are drawn to areas with a lot of water. They feed on decaying plants, fungi, mold, and algae. So if you have an abundance of springtails in your home, you're likely also suffering some consequences from excess moisture.
The Best Way To Get Rid Of A Springtail Infestation
As with many pests, the best way to get springtail control in Plano is with help from professionals like those of us at All-Safe Pest & Termite. Our experienced technicians can help you identify springtails and develop a springtail control plan for your home. Our top-quality services will get rid of springtails and keep them from coming back.
How To Prevent Future Springtail Problems In Your Home
Suppose you're lucky enough not to have springtails in your Plano home. In that case, there are some things you can do ahead of time to prevent them from coming inside. Springtails are drawn to water, so the steps to preventing them depend heavily on removing excess sources of moisture from your home, including:
- Maintain gutters and drainage systems to prevent water from pooling on your property.
- Remove leaf piles and debris that can hold in moisture.
- Seal cracks and crevices in your home's foundation.
- Repair any areas of your home that have sustained water damage.
- Use dehumidifiers in poorly ventilated areas.
Eliminating excess moisture can help prevent springtails as well as other nuisance pests. But, if despite your efforts, springtails make it inside, the pest control experts at All-Safe Pest & Termite are here to help.