Springtails in North Jersey
Springtails are easily identifiable by an appendage called a furcula tucked under their abdomen. Springtails release the furcula when they feel threatened, causing them to jump away from danger. If you’re dealing with springtails in your home, it’s typically the basement, bathroom, or kitchen where they’ll be found. If you ever see numerous tiny dark jumping insects in your New Jersey home, that might mean you’re dealing with springtails.
Springtail Habitat
Springtails can be found outdoors in areas like swimming pools, moist landscaped yards, vegetable gardens, and mud puddles. While they tend to appear in spring and early summer, they can be found year-round in ideal moist environments. The presence of organic debris, mold, and dampness increases the risk of a springtail infestation. Homeowners are often surprised by how suddenly they appear in damp indoor areas like kitchen sinks, bathtubs, or houseplants.
Springtail Behaviors, Threats, or Dangers
Springtails are often mistaken for fleas for their jumping ability. Unlike fleas, springtails do not bite humans or pets, and they do not transmit diseases. The reason they’re considered a nuisance pest is because they show up in large numbers, particularly in newly constructed buildings with damp materials and wet plaster. As the building dries, springtails usually leave or die off. Around swimming pools, they accidentally fall into the water and drown, creating a visible layer on the pool surface. However, they can be safely removed without any cause for concern.
If you are experiencing issues with springtails, call your local flea, tick, and mite exterminators.
