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If you have tiny, flea-like critters bouncing and bounding in your bathtub, or any other moist area of your home, there is a good chance that what you have are not fleas at all. Though they are commonly referred to as "snow fleas," they are actually called springtails. Here are some commonly asked questions about springtails and what you need to know to protect your home.
Do springtails bite?
No. They may act like a flea, but they don't bite like a flea. Fleas chew on your skin because they need blood to mate and survive. Springtails live on fungus and mold. If you're seeing springtails by the hundreds, there is a good chance you have something inside your home that has gotten wet and is allowing some form of mold or fungi to grow. You might want to thank those springtails for bringing this to your attention.
Can I get springtails if I don't have fungi and mold?
Yes. These bugs can come in even if you don't have a mold or fungus problem, especially if you have moist areas in your home. These bugs love moisture and humidity. You can resist them by using a dehumidifier in areas of high humidity and by keeping everything dry. If you continue to get springtails, contact a professional pest control company to create a barrier of protection around your home.
Can I fight this problem myself?
One thing you should know about springtails is that if you already have these bugs in your home, drying areas out can cause them to go deeper into your home to find areas that are moist. This can create more of a problem when you eventually call a pest controller to remove them. There are a few springtail prevention tips that you can read more about in our blog, The Complete Guide to Springtail Control.
How do springtails get in?
These are tiny insects. It doesn't take much of a gap or crack for these little buggers to squeeze in. If you're looking to keep them out, you'll need more than a caulking gun. But good door sweeps and weather stripping will make your home more resistant.
How do springtails jump?
These little bugs get their name from the spring-loaded appendage under their abdomen, called the furcula, which allows them to fling themselves through the air with reckless abandon.
If you're getting springtails in your home, it is a sign that something is wet. A wet home is never a good thing. It is a good idea to figure out where water is getting in and have those areas fixed. It may also be a wet couch or chair that has lured these insects in. Get those items out of the house and get them dried out.
If you don't have a moisture problem, then these bugs are just searching for a nice dark moist place to live. Call All-American Pest Control, we'll put a barrier in place to keep these pests out.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are springtails called snow fleas?
Believe it or not, if it looks like a flea and acts like a flea, sometimes it's not actually a flea. Springtails get their nickname from their tiny, dark appearance and their behavior. They are fast moving and can hop, which is why they are often mistaken for fleas.
How do springtails differ from fleas?
There are several things that differentiate springtails from fleas. First, springtails are not parasites and do not feed on the blood of humans or animals. Springtails have soft bodies, while fleas are hard-bodied. This allows them to withstand scratching and squishing. Springtails are found in moist environments, like our bathrooms, while fleas live on our pets, in carpets and other areas where pets rest. Lastly, springtails are harmless. Fleas cause itchy bites and can carry disease.
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Since 1961, All-American Pest Control has been your go-to team of trusted pest experts for homes, businesses, and home builders throughout Nashville and Middle Tennessee. Our expert team offers termite treatments, mosquito reduction, rodent removal, ant and spider control, and wasp nest removal—keeping your property protected year-round. As a local, family-owned company, we take pride in offering reliable, professional pest solutions with outstanding customer service.
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