Springtails (Collembola) are microscopic pests that often appear by the thousands overnight. While they don't cause damage, their sudden appearance in bathrooms and kitchens can be startling.
The SizeThey are tiny—roughly the size of a grain of pepper (1/16 inch).
The ColorIn Utah, they are usually dark gray or black, though some are white or translucent.
The "Spring"They have a unique forked structure under their abdomen called a furcula. When threatened, it snaps against the ground, launching the insect into the air.
Nocturnal SwarmsThey thrive in environments with 90%+ humidity. You will find them in damp soil, over-watered potted plants, and around swimming pool decks.
The Indoor LeakIf you find springtails in your bathroom or under your kitchen sink, it is a "red flag" that you have a hidden moisture problem or a slow leak.
DietThey eat mold, fungi, and decaying organic matter. They do not bite, sting, or damage furniture.
I have thousands of tiny black 'fleas' in my bathtub—what are they?If they jump but don't bite, they are Springtails. Fleas require a host (like a dog); Springtails just require a damp drain.
Will a standard bug spray kill them?It will kill the ones it hits, but they will keep coming back until the source of the moisture is dried out. They are the "canaries in the coal mine" for home leaks.
Are they in my mulch?Yes. In Utah, Springtails are most common in heavy bark mulch beds that stay damp underneath.
