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The springtail is a tiny bug. Their dimensions are between 0.25 and 6 mm. Springtails are abundant in North America, with hundreds of different species found in the USA and Canada alone. Springtails are typically found in moist places like leaf litter and dirt, where they can feast on mushrooms, algae, and other detritus. This insect is called a snow flea because it has an unusual capacity to jump distances greater than 10 times its length and because it tends to be more noticeable in the winter.
The abdominal structure of springtails is what gives them their common name. Scientists have dubbed the tail-like appendage that grows from part of their abdomen the furcula. The furcula of a springtail is typically tucked securely under its body. When it is unleashed, the bug will leap. The average springtail has a vertical leap of several centimeters.
It’s not uncommon to come across these little insects anywhere in the house, including the bedroom, the kitchen, the bathroom, the pool area, and the bathroom. Springtails are a common household discovery, but many people don’t recognize them at first. It’s common to see these little insects, which can hop, labeled as fleas. Unproven claims have circulated that their infestation of human skin causes inflammation. It is not known that people actively infest human tissue, and they are not parasitic on people.
And that’s where a lot of people go wrong when they learn about springtails. In this piece, we’ll address several common misconceptions regarding springtails, including the idea that they bite.
Do Springtail Bugs Bite?
People often assume that because snow fleas resemble fleas, they must also bite in the same way. In reality, nothing could be further from the truth.
They are only given the name “fleas” because of their jumping motion, not because they are parasitic or can actually drink blood.
Humans need not worry too much about being harmed by springtails. They are harmless to humans, neither biting nor infecting tissue.
Because of their dark coloration, these insects are easier to spot on the ice during the colder months. Springtails, on the other hand, can survive in a wide range of temperatures and breed at any time of year.
Do Springtails Bite Humans?
They don’t bite, yet their mouthparts, called chelicerae, seem like tiny pincers. To access the decaying stuff in trees, they utilize these pincers to pry them open.
Snow fleas feed on a wide variety of materials. Molds are just one of the many organic substances that these creatures can consume. You read that correctly; they devour molds like they’re desserts.
Toes, elbows, and other areas under the foot can be vulnerable entry points.
This is not harmful, but they may come to like being there, especially if they can nest in the cracks between your toes, which may be quite damp.
Though they may not be infected, their potential for disease vectoring comes from their diet of decomposing animals, including feces, insects, mites, and other debris. This raises the concern that pathogen vectors may be present. Keeping these pests at bay is, hence, highly recommended.
Is Their Bite Harmful?
They can enter open wounds and crevices, but this usually causes no serious problems. However, you shouldn’t have them around either.
Sometimes, especially when lying down, you can inhale springtails and they can become lodged in your lungs. Particularly if the infestation is in the bedroom.
You can keep this from happening by keeping your bedroom free of moisture and by keeping your linens, mattress, and the underside of the bed clean on a regular basis.
Make careful to repair any dripping pipes in your lavatory. Don’t allow water to sit in the soil of any plant containers in your room.
Can They Cause Dermatitis?
The cause of springtail dermatitis has been the subject of much debate among experts. There are patient stories that contradict the findings of various studies that say springtails can’t transmit dermatitis to people.
Skin irritations, such as itching and burning, have been reported by some patients after being bitten. You may feel an intense itch and want to scratch it constantly, and you may also notice a little, pink bump.
Scratching the region too much might cause it to get inflamed and perhaps bleed a little. These signs and symptoms frequently mirror those of a hay fever or pollen allergy.
Scratching and irritation can be soothed by applying a little amount of topical antifungal cream or ointment, which will also aid in the healing of any minor wounds that may have developed as a result.
What Other Harm Can They Do?
In addition to the issues we’ve already discussed, a home invasion by springtails is also a major annoyance pest.
The springtail population grows rapidly and dramatically. Springtail populations can expand with only a small amount of extra wetness or dampness and very little in the way of food.
Get Professional Help
Professional exterminators available On Demand can identify springtails and other common household invaders. On Demand can tailor an approach to pest management to your house using the proprietary Assess, Implement, and Monitor (A.I.M.) system.
A pest control expert will be able to pinpoint the origin of the problem by inspecting your home’s structure and grounds for conducive environments for pests. The pest control expert will continue to monitor the premises for the reemergence of springtails at each subsequent checkup.
Make an appointment for a free inspection or get additional details by calling On Demand Pest Control.
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