Western Exterminators - Pest Control Services California, Arizona, Nevada

	Common name:	Latin name:	Class:	Order:	Family:
	Springtail	Various scientific names	Insecta	Collembola	Various

	Size:
	Adults are tiny insects about 0.04 to 0.08 inch (1-2 mm) long.
	Characteristics:
	Wingless insects with distinctive heads and a humpbacked appearance. Named for forked structure attached to the underside of the abdomen which acts as spring to flip them into the air, which gives them the appearance of tiny fleas but they do not bite.
	Color:
	Dark gray to black backs, light gray abdomen, and with a reddish hue on the head, antennae, and legs
	Where Found:
	One of the most primitive insects, primarily native to North America, but found almost everywhere.
	Habitat:
	Outdoors in moist locations, usually feeding on algae, fungi, and decaying vegetable matter. Can occur in enormous numbers, up to 50,000 per cubic foot (28 cu dm) of forest litter. Indoors: Can be found in potted plants, around floor drains, in damp basements, and crawl spaces. Is a pest of dried milk powder.
	Food:
	Springtails feed on decaying vegetation, fungi, bacteria, pollen, algae, lichens, arthropod feces, and carrion.
	Biology:
	Lay spherical eggs and the young resemble the adults except in color and size.
	Damage:
	Cases of allergies and dermatitis have been reported in people sensitive to their presence. Among the most troublesome swimming pool pests. Associated with fungi and mildew. One white species lives on the surface of ponds and streams and can be found in drinking water from cisterns or wells. Infestations can be suspected whenever mildew odors are detectable. Infestations tend to increase during hot, humid weather, and decrease during cold weather when the heating system dries the air and the building structure.
	Invasion:
	If their environment becomes dry in the course of their active crawling in search of moisture, they may invade the home, entering through window screens, open doors, vent pipes, or with merchandise or ornamental plants. May be attracted to light, entering through windows or under doors.
	Control:
	This insect requires a high amount of moisture. When they are close to structures, they can occasionally invade the interior. Homeowners can reduce problems with this pest by removing debris, leaves, boards and stones from around the outside of the building. Eliminate fungus and mildew conditions. Create a lower moisture zone around the building or cut back on watering. Dry out lawn areas that may be over-watered. Applications of exterior pesticides will aid in control, but controlling moisture conditions will need to be accomplished for long-term control. There is usually no need to treat inside for this insect. If some do invade, vacuum them up and dispose of the vacuum bag outdoors. If you attempt to control these insects and make an application, be sure it is registered for the target pest/location. Control with applications of liquid residual pesticides, baits or dusts. Read the entire label prior to use. Follow all label directions, restrictions, and precautions.