Springtails are found in all moisture-holding soil outside of the Arctic regions.

Environment

• Small, soil dwelling insects that are present in all turf and mulched areas
• Help decompose organic matter and return nutrients to the soil

Threats

• Normally beneficial insects that perform a valuable function in the environment
• Can multiply into the millions and invade homes under damp or moist conditions
• Populations can be so great that the exterior perimeter and the interior baseboards look like they are coated with a gray dust

Treatment

• Eliminate conditions that lead to moisture problems
• Direct moisture away from the foundation by controlling air conditioning condensation lines, mulch, down spouts, and runoff
• Pest control services can only do so much when insect populations reach into the millions
• Chemical controls will kill a (oftentimes significant) percentage of the insect population, but it is usually undesirable to kill every insect in the area
• Because populations can reach into the millions, some insects will still be present after the treatment
• Some insects may still enter the home, but die almost immediately, depending upon the type of application