| Scientific name | Collembola class |
|---|---|
| Group | Centipedes, Millipedes & Crawlers |
| Size | 1–2 mm (up to about 0.08 in) |
| Colors | Gray, Black and White |
| Legs | 6 legs |
| Wings | No (as usually seen) |
| Where found | Bathroom, Basement or garage and Indoors, anywhere |
| Most active | Spring and Summer |
| Bites | No |
| Stings | No |
| Risk level | Harmless |
How to identify it
The springtail is a tiny member of the centipedes, millipedes & crawlers group. Wingless ground crawlers, many with far more than six legs. Check for these three features:
- Pinhead-size gray, white or black body
- Jumps like a flea when disturbed
- Found in large numbers in damp spots
About this bug
A tiny, wingless hexapod that jumps using a tail-like spring folded under its body. Springtails swarm in damp soil, potted plants and around leaks.
You'll usually find springtails in the bathroom, in basements and garages and indoors. They are most active in spring and summer.
Is it dangerous?
Springtails don't bite or damage homes; large numbers usually point to a moisture problem.
Our rating: Harmless, meaning it poses no real threat to people, pets or property.
When you'll see springtails
Springtails are most active in spring and summer. In spring, overwintering adults become active and many species lay their first eggs. Summer heat speeds up development, so populations can grow quickly.
Typical places to check: bathroom, basement or garage and indoors, anywhere.
About centipedes, millipedes & crawlers
The springtail is one of the centipedes, millipedes & crawlers. This group gathers wingless crawlers that people often lump together: centipedes, millipedes, silverfish, earwigs, springtails, booklice and pill bugs. Most need high humidity to survive and dry out quickly in dry air.
Because moisture is the common thread, a dehumidifier and fixed leaks often do more than any insecticide.
What to do about it
- Fix leaks and dry out damp areas
- Let houseplant soil dry and remove excess mulch near the foundation
- Vacuum springtails and run a dehumidifier
Bugs that look similar
Group: Springtail belongs to centipedes, millipedes & crawlers, while cat flea belongs to other insects. Wingless ground crawlers, many with far more than six legs.
Group: Springtail belongs to centipedes, millipedes & crawlers, while clover mite belongs to ticks, mites & other arachnids. Wingless ground crawlers, many with far more than six legs.
Color: Springtails are gray, black and white; booklice are white, tan and gray.
Frequently asked questions
What does a springtail look like?
Pinhead-size gray, white or black body. Adults measure 1–2 mm (up to about 0.08 in).
Does the springtail bite or sting?
It does not bite. It does not sting. Springtails don't bite or damage homes; large numbers usually point to a moisture problem.
Where do springtails live?
Springtails live in the bathroom, in basements and garages and indoors.
When are springtails most active?
Mostly in spring and summer.