Of all the pests in the area, there are some that everyone is familiar with. We all know about ants, spiders, and wasps, for instance. Then there are the lesser-known pests. Springtails fall into this category. Below we’ll learn about these pests and the factors that attract springtails to South Carolina homes.
What Are Springtails?
Springtails were once classified as insects, but are now considered hexapods. They are tiny bugs, typically growing no longer than an eighth of an inch in length. They can be in various colors, including white, black, and gray. Their name comes, not from the time of year they show up (they’re active year-round), but because of their tail-like appendage called a furcular, which is found beneath their abdomen and allows them to jump high into the air.
Are Springtails Dangerous?
One of the questions you may have is "Are springtails dangerous?"The good news is that springtails will not hurt you. They don’t bite and they cause no known health risks. Springtails are considered nuisance pests. However, nuisance pests are still not something you want to ignore. They may not hurt you, but they can quickly overtake your home if you don’t do anything to prevent or stop them.
Factors That Attract Springtails To South Carolina Homes
- Springtails must have moisture to survive, but too much moisture will drive them from a location. That means that several factors can attract springtails into your home.
- If there is a dry spell outside, springtails will look for shelter within your home. If there’s a particularly wet season, they’ll do the same.
- If your property provides a lot of moisture, they’ll be attracted to your yard.
- Springtails eat a variety of items that are typically found in gardens. These include decaying vegetation, insect feces, pollen, and bacteria. A flourishing garden combined with the moisture typical in such a garden is a recipe to attract springtails.
- In your home, humid rooms, like bathrooms and basements, will attract springtails. Areas with vegetation, like potted plants, will also attract them.
What To Do If You See Springtails In Your Home
When you know that a pest isn’t dangerous, it’s tempting to simply ignore it when you find it inside. You may eliminate the ones you find, but not think of doing much else. Unfortunately, this can lead to a much larger outbreak down the road. A small springtail infestation left unattended can become a large springtail infestation down the road.
If you start seeing springtails in your home, the best thing to do is call the pest control experts at Aiken Pest Control. We have the experience, training, and equipment to eliminate your springtail problem, thereby ensuring it doesn’t get worse down the road. Give us a call to learn more about our springtail control services.