Springtails

Springtails are a group of very small to minute (1-2 mm) wingless insects. They often occur in enormous numbers on the surface of water, on snow, in mushroom houses, in flowerpots and other damp places. They occasionally invade houses and are particularly common in basements, bathrooms and kitchens.

Springtails feed on algae, fungi and decaying vegetable matter. These insects are among the most troublesome swimming pool pests. They also occasionally become pests in maple-sap buckets or on seedlings in greenhouses.

Damp environmental conditions are preferred since springtails respire through their cuticles. If their habitat becomes too dry, they will actively seek a more favorable environment. They may move indoors through window screens, open doors, through vents or with the soil of ornamental plants brought into the house. After entering a house, they are often trapped in sinks, basins and bathtubs. They may also be found in cracks and crevices, or occur in damp wall voids.

CONTROL....

Outdoors:
- Cleaning leaves and plant debris from around the house, especially in window wells, can reduce insect numbers.
- Keep turfgrass from growing near the edge of swimming pools.
- Keep compost piles or mulch away from house foundations.

Indoors:
- Decrease dampness and humidity within the house with de-humidifiers or fans.
- Do not allow food particles to collect in cracks or crevices of cupboards, counters, etc.
- Plants should only be watered after the soil in the pots appears to be dry.
- Seal any cracks or crevices in the house foundation, or other points of entry.
- Use a vacuum cleaner to remove springtails from around the household.

Silverfish

Description: Silverfish are always wingless and are silvery to brown in color because their bodies are covered with fine scales. They are generally soft bodied. Adults are up to 3/4 inch long, flattened from top to bottom, elongated and oval in shape, have three long tail projections and two long antennae.

The firebrat, Thermobia domestica (Packard), is quite similar in habits but is generally darker in color. The firebrat prefers temperatures over 90 degrees F but has a similar high humidity requirement. It is common near heating pipes, fire places, ovens and other heat sources.

Life Cycle: Females lay eggs continuously after reaching the adult stage and may lay over 100 eggs during her life. Eggs are deposited singly or in small groups in cracks and crevices and hatch in 3 to weeks. Silverfish develop from egg to young to adult within 4 to 6 weeks and continue to molt throughout their life. Immature stages appear similar to adults except they are about 1/20 of an inch long when they first hatch and whitish in color, taking on the adults’ silver coloring as they grow. They are long-lived, surviving from two to eight years. Simple metamorphosis (egg, nymph, adult).

Habitat, Food Source(s): Silverfish are chewing insects and general feeders but prefer carbohydrates and protein, including flour, dried meat, rolled oats, paper and even glue. They and can survive long periods, sometimes over a year, without food but are sensitive to moisture and require a high humidity (75% to 90%) to survive. They also have a temperature preference between 70 and 80 degrees F. They are fast running and mostly active at night and generally prefer lower levels in homes, but may be found in attics.

Pest Status, Damage: Primarily a nuisance pest inside the home or buildings; can contaminate food, damage paper goods and stain clothing; medically harmless. Many of their habits are similar to cockroaches and they appear to be more common as household pests in drier parts of the state. Occasionally damage book bindings, curtains, wallpaper.

Saw-Tooth Grain Beetles

Description:
Adult saw-toothed grain beetles are small, slender, dark brown, flat insects about 1/8-inch long. Their most distinguishing characteristic is the six saw-like teeth found on either side of the pronotum (first segment behind the head). The larvae are yellow-white and about 1/8-inch long. They have three pairs of legs and a pair of false legs of the abdomen.

Biology:
Over a four to five month period, females deposit 45-285 shiny white eggs in crack or crevices in the foods they are infesting. They molt two to four times, and the life cycle (egg to adult) usually requires 30-50 days, although it may take as long as 375 days. There can be six to seven generations per year. Adults usually live 6-10 months but have been known to live for up to three years.

Habits:
Saw-toothed grain beetles feed on a wide variety of stored products including flour, bread, breakfast cereals, macaroni, dried fruits, nuts, dried meats, sugar, dog food and biscuits. Since these beetles are very flat, they easily hide in cracks and crevices and often penetrate poorly sealed packaged foods.

The larvae feed on the same materials as the adults. These insects can develop very large populations in seldom-used stored materials, such as flour. The homeowner typically becomes aware of the infestation when the adults are seen crawling actively about the pantry area. The adults are not known to fly and are not attracted to light.