springtails
Posted by Brenda Riley on January 30, 2006
Q: these small bugs are all over my wood siding and porch. How should I remove them? How long is their season? Will they come inside?
Habitat: suburban/yard
State: Vermont
Habitat: suburban/yard
A: I don't think there's much chance of your springtails (also called snow fleas) coming into your house. Actually, springtails are much more abundant than most people realize but not often seen. In the winter they often congregate on the snow in large numbers and are easy to see at this time. Most springtails feed on decayed materials so they aren't going to do any damage to your plants or animals. Once there is a change in the weather, they'll probably disappear and you won't see them again for a long time, if ever. While you can, get a good long look at them since you may never get this chance again. Thanks for asking.
John Wiessinger ( January 30, 2006)