Photo credit: Extension Entomology,
Texas A&M University Water springtail
Scientific name: /Podura aquatica/
(Collembola: Poduridae)
Facts: These small, grey, soft-bodied insects leap using an appendage
on the tail. They prefer moist habitats and can build up in high numbers.
HABITAT: Springtails are commonly found in moist or damp places, usually
in contact with soil. Homeowners encounter them in damp basements and on
the surface of the soil of household plants. The moist, organic soil of
house plants provides them the Springtail.
Springtail SIZE: Less than 1/5 inch (5mm).
DESCRIPTION: Springtails are very small (rarely more than 1/5 inch
long), pale brown to cream colored insects that seem to hop and
disappear when disturbed. The common name ''springtail'' has been applied
to these insects because of this habit of springing away. A hook-like
structure on the bottom side of the abdomen is snapped against the
ground and this propels the insect.
HABITAT: Springtails are commonly found in moist or damp places, usually
in contact with soil. Homeowners encounter them in damp basements and on
the surface of the soil of household plants. The moist, organic soil of
house plants provides them the proper environment to live and increase
in numbers. Plants that are over- watered during the fall and winter can
support a large population of springtails in the potting soil.
LIFE CYCLE: Populations are often high, up to 100,000 per cubic meter of
surface soil, or many millions per acre. Some can reproduce at
temperatures as low as 40 degrees Fahrenheit.
TYPE OF DAMAGE: Springtails have chewing mouthparts, but they rarely, if
ever, damage house plants (roots or leaves). Frequently, plants begin to
decline and homeowners blame the springtails. But not so! Springtails
rarely cause the death of house plants-over- watering can, however.
CONTROL: It may be as easy as not over-watering the plant! Let the soil dry
out-the springtails will leave or die. For moderate to heavy problems, use Viper Insecticide Concentrate.
INTERESTING FACTS: They may live in termite nests, in snow and even in
mushroom cellars.
INSECTICIDE:
Viper Insecticide Concentrate
A versatile spray insecticide, Viper can be used both indoors and outdoors to control a wide variety of insects,
such as ants, bees, centipedes, cockroaches, crickets, firebrats, millipedes, silverfish, sowbugs, spiders, flies,
mosquitoes, gnats, small flying moths, wasps, hornets and yellow jackets. Its long-lasting residual makes for a good
foundation barrier treatment to prevent insects from entering your home or business. Contains 25.3% Cypermethrin.
1 oz. makes one gallon of finished spray; 4 oz. makes four gallons.
Read more about how to use Viper.
Read The Label And Follow Instructions for Safety And Desired Results
