What are water springtails?
What are water springtails?
Water springtails are semiaquatic, living on the surface of ponds, in quiet edges and sluggish places of streams, and other slow-moving water. Like water striders, they can “walk on water” because the water’s surface tension upholds their small, lightweight bodies.
What does a springtail insect look like?
Most springtails are dark-colored, brown, grey or black. Some species maybe white and some are even brightly colored. Springtails do not have wings and cannot fly. But they can jump up to several inches using a special forked structure under the abdomen.
Are springtails harmful to humans?
Springtails are not harmful. They do not bite people or pets, spread disease or damage homes or household items. Nevertheless, most people don’t want them in their homes. Their presence alone makes them pests!
Can springtails live in water?
Because the term “aquatic” is reserved for critters that actually live in the water, surface-dwelling springtails are referred to as semi-aquatic springtails, and they are found on the stillest of still waters.
How do springtails get in the house?
Potted Plants (Soil) Springtails enter homes through window screens, open doors and windows, vent pipes or in potted plants. They are attracted to indoor moisture, especially as the outdoors dries. They may be attracted to light, entering through windows, under doors or through cracks in the foundation.
How do you identify springtails?
Springtails are soft-bodied, wingless, and have 6 legs. Their most distinctive and well-known feature is their furcular, a tail-like appendage that is found underneath of their abdomen. The furcular releases from their abdomen and sends the springtail flying into the air.
How did springtails get in my house?
Should I be worried about springtails?
Springtails are not a danger to people, pets, or to the structures of buildings; they are, however, an invading pest that can enter homes in large numbers and can become quite a nuisance. Because of their ability to jump and their small size they are often confused with fleas that do bite and do transmit diseases.
Do springtails crawl on you?
Springtails are not parasitic on humans and are not known to actively infest living human tissue. Orkin pest specialists are trained to identify springtails or any other pests that might invade your home.
Why are there springtails in my sink?
Most of the time, springtails gather where there are pipes, drains, or potential leaks in your plumbing, as they need to be living in an environment that has a lot of moisture. You may noticed that springtails can also be found in sinks or tubs or less-obvious areas of the bathroom.