Springtails are tiny, primitive creatures that are usually overlooked – even though a square meter may contain more than 100,000 of them! These six-legged creatures were once considered insects, but are now considered to be part of a separate class of animals. They live in a wide variety of environments, including tree canopies, rotting wood, mossy areas, grass, mulch, leaf litter, and even the nests of some social insects such as termites. Some species venture onto the surface of standing water, and one species is known to spend its entire life on the water’s surface. Another interesting species, known as the “snow flea,” can become active on warm winter days, showing up as tiny dark specks against the white snow! Springtails can range in size up to 6 mm long (most are much shorter), and can be almost any color imaginable.
So how did springtails get their unique name? They have a pair of unique organs that allow them to “spring” or jump many times their own body length. A tail-like appendage called the furcula remains folded underneath the springtail’s body, held under tension by another specialized structure called the retinaculum. When the furcula is released, it snaps against whatever surface the springtail is on, flipping it into the air.
A springtail, showing the furcula (NCSU)
Problems with springtails may occur when they build up tremendous populations under the right conditions (high moisture, favorable temperature) and invade greenhouses, swimming pools, or homes. Most commonly these invasions are linked to decreasing moisture outdoors, since springtails require very humid environments to thrive. For example, a mulch bed next to a home may present a favorable environment for springtails early in the year, but as summer approaches and the mulch dries, large numbers of springtails may enter the home in search of more favorable surroundings. Persistent infestations in homes are an indication of a moisture problem – a leaky window with a water-damaged sill may harbor a springtail population. Leaks should be avoided, and fans can be used to dry out damp indoor areas. When large populations of springtails occur outdoors in situations like vegetable gardens, this is merely an indication that the soil has a good supply of organic matter, and control is not warranted.
Like many other pests, permanently altering the environment to make it drier around the home is the best long-term control measure. Thanks for reading! Next time, we’ll explore boxelder bugs.