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Springtails1
P. G. Koehler, F. M. Oi and M. L. Aparicio2Springtails are minute insects without wings in the Order Collembola. They occur in large numbers in moist soil and are found in homes with high humidity, organic debris, or mold. Homeowners sometimes discover these insects in large numbers in swimming pools, potted plants, or in moist soil and mulch. They feed on decaying, damp vegetation causing organic material and other nutrients to return to the soil which are later used by plants. Occasionally, springtails attack young seedlings and may damage the roots and stems.
Biology and Description
The Order Collembola has two suborders easily distinguished by their body shape. One appears linear ( Figure 1 ) while the other appears globular ( Figure 2 ). These suborders are further divided into families which contain the separate species. Only seven families include the 650 species in North America. Worldwide, 3600 species have been discovered.
Figure 1. A linear springtail. Springtails ( Figure 3 ) range in length from 0.25 to 6 millimeters, but are normally about 1 millimeter long. Colors range from white to yellow, gray, or blue-gray. Attached to the tip of the abdomen is a forked appendage resembling a lever and called the furcula. At rest, a clasp, called the tenaculum, holds the furcula to the abdomen. When disturbed, the clasp releases the furcula, which strikes the ground, causing the insect to spring into the air. They are capable of springing up to 100 mm, or about 4 inches, into the air. The name "springtail" originated from this action.
Figure 2. A globular springtail.
CREDITS: J. Castner, University of Florida
Figure 3. Springtail. Springtails range throughout the Arctic, temperate and tropical regions. Breeding can be year round. Time from egg to adult may take from five to 11 weeks. Springtails are ametabolous meaning, adults are wingless, and the only difference between them and the immature nymphs is body size. Both adults and nymphs live and feed in the same habitat.
Problems
Springtails are pests due to their large numbers. They do not bite nor transmit diseases. They can easily climb the sides of houses and are attracted to lights. They can also be brought into homes in the soil of otted plants. Overwatering encourages springtail propogation.Homeowners may first encounter springtails inside the home. The insects invade buildings in times of dry weather or heavy rains. They may also breed indoors with high levels of humidity that occur near leaks and cracks to the exterior. Because of their attraction to lights, they may enter homes lured by light shining through cracks under doors and windows.
Springtail populations have also been found floating in swimming pools. Normally, they live in surrounding soil and mulch and accidently spring into the pool while in search of food. Leaving the pool lights on at night may also attract them to the pool.
Some species of springtails may damage plants by chewing on the roots and stems of healthy seedlings. The plants attacked normally are found in overly wet and acidic soil. The seedlings may appear wilted and, if too young, may die. Damage occurs as minute, rounded pits on young roots.
Control
Indoors
Springtails cause no problems inside the house. They are so small that they can't really be removed with a dustpan and broom. But they can be knocked down by misting the areas where they occur with some dishwashing soap in water (about 1%). Sometimes, springtails are brought into the house on potted plants. Check plants for springtail activity before bringing them into the house. If springtails are active, let the soil dry outside for several days before bringing the plant indoors. Do not overwater plants inside the house.Sometimes, springtails enter the house through small cracks and crevices, under doors, or through windows. Seal cracks and crevices with caulk. Weather strip around doors and windows. This will not only seal access of springtails from the outside but will also keep humidity and moisture out of the house. This all will help control springtails.
Insecticides can be applied for control of springtails. They can be applied as crack and crevice or spot treatments to infested areas where springtails occur in the house. Table 1 lists the insecticides labeled for crack and crevice or spot treatment of springtails. Read and follow all label directions to assure that the pest and location of application are on the label. Keep children and pets off sprayed areas until dry.
Outdoors
A large indoor population of springtails may be an indication that large numbers are surrounding the structure. Removal of breeding sites will aid in control. Compost piles and decaying vegetation should be removed from areas close to the house. Mulch should only be 2-4 inches deep so it remains dry most of the time. Do not overwater mulched landscape plants and let the soil dry between watering plants.If springtails enter swimming pools, they will drown because they cannot tolerate chlorinated water for long. Since they live in surrounding soil, preventing the soil from becoming overly moist and reducing the acidity by liming controls the populations. Natural enemies, such as naturally occurring predaceous mites, may also help control springtails without the application of pesticides. Soapy water (about 1% dishwashing soap in water) or insecticidal soap can be applied to soil or mulch where springtails occur. Contacted springtails will drown or suffocate in the soapy water.
It is sometimes necessary to control springtails with outdoor insecticide applications. These applications can be made as either barrier treatments to prevent springtails from entering the house or as broadcast treatments to control springtails in infested areas of the landscape. Barrier treatments are usually applied to the walls and soil immediately surrounding the house. It is typical to make barrier applications 3 feet up the wall and 6 feet out, depending on the label. Additionally, treatments should concentrate on steps and damp areas. It may also be necessary to treat mulched flowerbeds and the base of shrubbery. Products registered for outdoor barrier treatments are listed in Table 2 . Broadcast treatments may also be applied to infested areas of the landscape. Table 3 lists products registered for outdoor broadcast treatment of springtails. Proper scheduling of applications may increase the efficiency of control. Applications should be made in the afternoon or early evening because springtails will be most active then. Because of the moist conditions and high organic matter in areas of treatment, it is usually necessary to apply treaments at regular intervals to maintain control. Be sure to read and follow all directions on the label.
Tables
Table 1. Springtail management products labeled for crack and crevice or indoor surface treatment.*
Common Name
Homeowner Products*
Commercial Products*
Pyrethrins and Others PT Microcare CS Controlled Release Pyrethrum Tau-Fluvalinate Yardex Supplemental Labeling * Read label carefully to insure pest, site and commodity are listed prior to applying product. Some product labels are very restrictive.
Table 2. Springtail management products labeled for outdoor barrier treatment.*
Common Name
Homeowner Products*
Commercial Products*
Bifenthrin Ortho Termite & Carpenter Ant Killer Deltamethrin DeltaGard G Pyrethrins and Others PT Microcare CS Controlled Release Pyrethrum Tau-Fluvalinate Yardex Supplemental Labeling * Read label carefully to insure pest, site and commodity are listed prior to applying product. Some product labels are very restrictive.
Table 3. Springtail management products labeled for outdoor broadcast treatment.*
Common Name
Homeowner Products*
Commercial Products*
Deltamethrin DeltaGard G * Read label carefully to insure pest, site and commodity are listed prior to applying product. Some product labels are very restrictive.
Footnotes
1. This document is ENY-228, one of a series of theEntomology and Nematology Department, Florida Cooperative Extension Service, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida. Publication date: October 1994. Revised: February 2003. Please visit the EDIS Website at http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu.2. P. G. Koehler, professor/extension entomologist, F. M. Oi, assistant extension entomologist, and M. L. Aparicio, graduate research assistant, Entomology and Nematology Department, Cooperative Extension Service, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, 32611.
The use of trade names in this publication is solely for the purpose of providing specific information. UF/IFAS does not guarantee or warranty the products named, and references to them in this publication does not signify our approval to the exclusion of other products of suitable composition. Use pesticides safely. Read and follow directions on the manufacturer's label.
The Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS) is an Equal Opportunity Institution authorized to provide research, educational information and other services only to individuals and institutions that function with non-discrimination with respect to race, creed, color, religion, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, national origin, political opinions or affiliations. For more information on obtaining other extension publications, contact your county Cooperative Extension service.
U.S. Department of Agriculture, Cooperative Extension Service, University of Florida, IFAS, Florida A. & M. University Cooperative Extension Program, and Boards of County Commissioners Cooperating. Larry Arrington, Dean.
Copyright Information
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