Springtail Control & Extermination Edmonton

About Springtail Bugs 

Springtails are very minute insects and like bed bugs it is without wings, but it's also a very early stage of insects comparing the current shape of true insects. They are found in many different environments but their favourable condition is moist soil if around it found high humidity, organic debris, or mold.
 
Like other insects springtail has six-legged, body size generally ranging from 0.25 to to 10mm, lack wings and body color varies greatly from white to pale brown to red purple. The name springtail refers to the ability to JUMP up to 100mm when disturbed or during mating. This jumping ability is due to a forked appendage, called furcula at the tip of the abdomen.  The process of jumping triggers as before activation of furcula, bent forward and held close to the underside of the abdomen on disturbing him or during mating, furcula rapidly extended backwards resulting propel it into the air.

These moist environments insects feed on organic matter composed of soil where fungi grow abundant and feed on fungus mycelium and spores.  and decaying, damp vegetation, causing organic material and other nutrients to return to the soil; these nutrients are later used by plants. Occasionally, springtails attack young seedlings and may damage the roots and stems.

Problems Due To Springtail

They do not bite nor transmit diseases, mainly annoying insects, if in large numbers show up around the home perimeter and are attracted by pool lights. They gather in potted plants, swimming pools, patios and in worse condition enter inside the home. They can easily climb the sides of houses and are attracted to lights. They can also be brought inside homes in the soil of potted plants. Some species of springtails may damage plants by chewing on the roots and stems of healthy seedlings. The plants attacked normally are found in overly wet and acidic soil. The seedlings may appear wilted and, if too young, may die. Damage occurs as minute, rounded pits on young roots.

Control Of Springtails

Outdoor Managment

Cultural Management;  The first step is removing and managing springtail breeding sites as they breed in the dump and compost soil area. Remove decaying vegetation and mulch areas close to the house. Do not overwater mulch landscapes and plants in it and keep the mulch height only 2- to 4-inches (5- to 10-cm) deep so it remains dry most of the time.
Chemical Management;  Around home perimeter treatment of soil with soapy water (about 1% dishwasher soap in water) can be effective as a barrier treatment. In soapy water, due to low water tension on contact springtail will drown or suffocate. Outdoor insecticidal treatment is sometimes necessary as a barrier treatment only.   Contact Bro Pest Control technician for more detail. 

Indoor Management;

 Springtails cannot be broomed and dustpan, you can vacuum them to remove though it is not much successful if they spread all corners of the house. As mentioned above, misting of dishwashing soap (about 1%) could mist the areas where they occur frequently and in high numbers. Check potted plants for springtails before they enter inside the house. Do not over water indoor plants, and put them outside to let the soil dry for extended time. Seal cracks and crevices with caulk material, install weather-strip around doors and windows. Insecticide can be applied inside, for more info contact Bro Pest Control Edmonton.