These pests can be a wide variety of colors, but often look grayish purple to the human eye, due to their small size. They have elongated bodies that are covered in tiny protective scales. Springtails don't have wings, so they can't fly, and they crawl very slowly, but they can uniquely jump short distances.
Springtails are among the smallest insects in the home landscape. Typical species are about . 04 inch-(1 mm-) long, barely visible to the eye. Springtails are wingless and do not fly, but under a hand lens or microscope one can see a long tail, which is normally kept folded under the body.
If you want to be sure that they are springtails, very gently blow on it. If you see them all jumping like crazy, they are springtails.
Springtails will not bite or otherwise harm people or pets. Their large populations can also make them a nuisance in homes, greenhouses, and other locations where there is a source of moisture. Their continued presence indoors is an indicator of moisture.
Springtails have tight, compressed, or “humpbacked” bodies and no wings, so they don't fly, but they do jump, which makes them flea-like. Their fork-like appendage on their backsides is the part that actually helps them move in a flea-like pattern. Springtails are the most common insect mistaken for fleas.
Springtails prefer an outdoor environment that is damp and has plenty of mold and organic debris to feed on. However, if their outdoor habitat becomes too dry, springtails may move indoors seeking a more supportive habitat through openings around and under doors.
Flies Often Called Black Gnats
In addition to black gnats, people also refer to biting midges as no-see-ums, sand flies, or punkies. These pests may look like just a dark speck to the naked eye, but their bites create a noticeable burning sensation. Biting midges may leave behind itchy welts on skin.
Unfounded speculation has occurred that they infest human skin, resulting in skin irritation. 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.
Springtails also thrive in damp crawlspaces. From these areas, they can easily move into the living space. People also find springtails in unusual places. There have been reports of springtails living in storage sheds inside of damp mattresses or upholstered furniture that has gotten wet.
Springtails feed on decaying vegetation, fungi, bacteria, pollen, and even decaying flesh of dead animals. And though it is very uncommon, some species can cause an itching dermatitis in humans, some have nested in hair. Most, however, are not parasitic like this, they are just a nuisance.
Spray oxygenated bleach directly on large populations of springtails. Bleach will immediately kill springtails. Spray cider vinegar on springtails. This type of vinegar is highly acidic and will quickly burn and kill springtails.
Mites are extremely tiny round black bugs with no wings and eight legs. While they are rarely harmful to humans other than mild irritation to the skin or allergies, black mites in the house could signal elevated moisture levels or a more significant water issue. One of the most common types of mites is the Clover Mite.
Grain mites are known for leaving a brownish tinge called “mite dust” on contaminated food, and since their size is so small, this is often the best sign of their existence. If you find grain mites in your home, dispose of any contaminated food.
How to tell springtails from other small insects. Most springtails are dark-colored, brown, grey or black. Some species may be white and some are even brightly colored. Usually slender, elongated insects, but there is a group that is round and stout.
Helminths. Helminths are large, multicellular organisms that are generally visible to the naked eye in their adult stages. Like protozoa, helminths can be either free-living or parasitic in nature. In their adult form, helminths cannot multiply in humans.
Springtails are eaten by a variety of small predators, such small flies, bugs, beetles, pseudoscorpions, small or immature spiders, larval fish, and more. Fungi can ride on the outer skin of soil-dwelling springtails to new places.
Diatomaceous Earth: Sprinkle diatomaceous earth around the perimeter of your home in areas where springtails typically congregate, such as bathrooms, basements, and other damp spaces. This is safe and natural.
How did I get springtails? Often mistaken for fleas, these small, jumping pests come indoors during dry weather or after a heavy rain. While they can live in any climate, springtails seek out moisture, dampness, and humidity. They are also attracted to light, and all of these things might lead them into a home.
Springtail bugs can go away on their own, but it isn't likely if the conditions that drew them in in the first place remain untouched.
Springtails are well known in the terrarium hobby because of their mold eating and terrarium cleaning abilities, which is likely how the misconception of their optimal food source started.
Also called insidious flower bugs, minute pirate bugs are a common biting pest that plagues those living in the eastern half of the United States every fall, according to Donald Lewis, a professor and extension entomologist with Iowa State University's Department of Entomology.
Do springtails get in your clothes? Springtails do not “nest” in clothing, but they are very common. A study found that more than one-third of all the clothes donated to a thrift store have springtail eggs on them.
Which tiny black bug looks like a speck of pepper? If tiny black specs appear in your food products, such as flour or dried oats, they are most likely weevils.
Many gnats are dark-colored, often brown or black, but some species may appear translucent or pale in color. Their coloration can also change depending on their age and gender. Wings: Gnats have two pairs of wings, similar to other insects. These wings are typically clear and have a veined appearance.
To help get rid of bed bugs and their eggs, clean the infested area thoroughly: Vacuum high-risk areas such as the mattress, box spring, and bed frame, as well as furniture, drawers, baseboards, and the floor near the bed. Be sure to remove the vacuum bag immediately after use and throw it away in a sealed plastic bag.