When temperatures drop, many homeowners notice tiny, jumping insects inside their homes. These are springtails, which are small, moisture-loving pests that are active year-round, but during winter, they can be especially irritating. Even though they’re harmless, their sudden appearance can be off-putting, and if left unchecked, they can become quite the nuisance for homeowners. Read on to learn more about springtails and their behavior during the colder months.
What Springtails are and How to Identify Them
Springtails are tiny insects, measuring between one and three millimeters long. They’re often brown, black, gray or white in color. These pests get their name from the spring-like appendage that helps them jump. When disturbed, springtails move in quick, sporadic bursts. You’ll usually spot them in groups near damp areas. Despite their propensity to show up in unnerving numbers, they don’t bite, spread diseases or damage your home.
Why Springtails Show Up in Winter
Cold weather changes the outdoor environment, pushing springtails to look for warmth and moisture wherever they can find it, which usually ends up being in people’s homes. Outside, they reside in organic matter like leaf litter, compost piles and decaying trees. They have also been known to hang out where snow is present, giving them the name “snow fleas.” Anywhere that there’s moisture, that’s where these pests show up. In winter, springtails move indoors where they can find the warm, damp conditions they thrive in.
Common Indoor Spots Where Springtails are Found
Because springtails breathe through their skin, they lose significant moisture. That’s why they’re always in search of damp areas. Inside the home, their common hangout spots include bathrooms, kitchens, laundry rooms and basements. If there’s a leak, clogged gutter, humid crawlspace or poorly ventilated room, springtails will quickly take advantage.
Why Springtails Become a Nuisance for Homeowners
Springtails are completely harmless. The problem is that they appear in large numbers, which makes them feel like a bigger issue than they actually are. Their quick jumping motion can also cause homeowners to mistake them for fleas, causing unnecessary worry. After they’ve established themselves in people’s homes, they’re extremely hard to get rid of.
How to Prevent a Springtail Infestation
To prevent springtails from invading your home this winter, controlling moisture is key. Start by fixing leaks, cleaning drains and gutters, and improving ventilation. It’s also worth using dehumidifiers in bathrooms, basements and other rooms that tend to be more damp. Keep your yard free of debris and leaf piles. If you spot springtails indoors, you can try vacuuming them up and emptying the canister outside, away from your home.
If you notice springtails in your home this winter, don’t hesitate to reach out to Pro-Staff, your trusted pest control team in Des Moines, by calling us at (515) 279-7378. We’ll help you get rid of these nuisance pests and prevent them from returning in the future.
