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Springtails (Collembola)
Identify it, prevent it, and know when to call. A South Florida guide from Pro-Spray.
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What Are Springtails?
Springtails are tiny soil animals that feed on mold, fungi and decaying material. A forked tail tucked under the body lets them snap into the air, so they seem to "pop" when disturbed. Outdoors they can number in the thousands in damp mulch, and they move indoors when soil gets too wet or too dry, or when there's a leak, damp wall or moldy spot inside.
How to Identify Them
They're specks that jump when you get close. People often think they're fleas, but springtails don't bite and won't be on pets. Compare with cat fleas, which are darker, flattened side to side and feed on animals.
Life Cycle
Springtails lay eggs in damp soil, mulch, leaf litter or other organic material. The young look like small adults and keep molting throughout life. Under the right moisture conditions, populations can grow very quickly, which is why they seem to appear out of nowhere after heavy rain or a plumbing leak.
Look-alikes and How to Tell Them Apart
- Fleas: darker and flattened side to side; found on pets, pet beds and carpets, and they bite.
- Booklice: pale and quick, but they scurry instead of jumping.
- Mites: tiny, round, eight-legged and don't jump.
- Fungus gnats: small dark flies near houseplant soil that fly rather than hop.
Where They Hide in South Florida Homes
Around sinks, tubs and showers, in the soil of potted plants, on damp window sills and sliding door tracks, near AC drain lines and air handlers, under pavers and pool decks, and in mulch right against the foundation. New construction and homes with recent water damage also see them.
When to Call a Pro
Call if springtails keep showing up indoors after you've fixed obvious leaks, if you can't find the moisture source, or if numbers are building up on patios and entering through doors. A large indoor population can point to hidden moisture that's worth finding.
Signs of Springtails
- Tiny jumping specks around bathroom fixtures or kitchen sinks
- Clusters on damp window sills, patios or pool decks after rain
- Swarms in the soil of overwatered houseplants
Is it dangerous?
- Harmless
Harmless; they signal excess moisture.
Prevention Tips
- Fix plumbing and AC leaks and dry out damp areas.
- Run exhaust fans or a dehumidifier.
- Let houseplants dry between waterings.
- Keep mulch thin and away from the foundation, and correct drainage.
How Pro-Spray Treats Springtails
Moisture control does most of the work. We find the damp areas inside and out, recommend fixes, and treat the perimeter, entries and outdoor harborage next to the home to cut down the numbers coming in. Our Bug Free Guarantee: If pests come back between visits, so do we, at no extra cost.
New customer offer
$50 OFF your first service
+ FREE inspection
Then stay protected with our $125 quarterly pest control plan, about $42/month.
New customers only. No code needed and no expiration. Mention this offer when you call or text.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are springtails fleas?
Do springtails mean I have mold?
Will springtails damage my home?
Reviewed October 2026 by Pro-Spray's family-run team
Pests don't wait.
Protect your home today.
Get $50 OFF your first pest service and a FREE inspection & estimate. Ongoing protection is $125 quarterly (about $42/month), with no contracts and no cancellation fees.
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