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What are springtails and clover mites? They are both tiny pests that tend to infiltrate homes, sometimes by the thousands, in springtime. And although they do not transmit diseases the way cockroaches and ticks can, and they won't eat you alive, the way mosquitoes and bed bugs do, they are still a nuisance and a hassle to deal with, and they can be damaging to your belongings. Worse than this, they could be an indicator of larger problems.
Springtails
These are tiny insects ranging in length from .25 to 6 mm that get their name from a spring-loaded appendage called a furcula which is located on the underside of their abdomen. If this insect is disturbed, it releases its furcula, causing it to be hurled through the air. Aptly named "springtails" these insects can jump as far as 10 centimeters. Typically they live inside moist soil where they eat mold and fungus. They are commonly found in flowerbeds, under logs sitting on damp ground, under paving stones and landscape timbers, and underneath anything else that is damp and lying on the soil.
Clover Mites
These tiny red bugs are so small they look like moving specks. Red in appearance, these cute little critters sometimes suck the sap from plants, but they prefer grass. If they get into your home, and someone accidentally crushes them (or they are crushed on purpose) they will leave a red stain. Items they commonly stain are walls, floors, curtains, and upholstered furniture. One interesting fact about clover mites is that females do not need males to reproduce. In fact, in the United States, the clover mite population is 100% female! And those females, if left alone, can lay up to 70 eggs each. This means a small infestation can become a large infestation quickly.
Why do I have springtails or clover mites in my home?
If you are seeing either of these tiny insects inside your home, this is a warning sign that you may have a moisture problem. If moisture is left unaddressed, and holes in your walls or foundation are left unfixed, it could lead to other, larger insects, and even rodents, getting into your home.
To help reduce the chances springtails or clover mites get into your home, you can:
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Reduce moisture! Keep basements, crawl spaces dry. Run a dehumidifier if the humidity is high.
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Seal cracks, crevices and gaps. This will help keep these and other pests out.
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Keep gutters clear so water flows smoothly. Clogged gutters hold moisture allowing these pests to make your home their own.
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Trim back trees and shrubs. Overgrown vegetation holds moisture, which attracts pests.
How can I get rid of clover mites and springtails?
While there are a number of steps you can take to try and keep these pesky critters out of your home, once they have taken root it is best to have the problem addressed by a professional. Our home pest control in Mt. Juliet and throughout our Middle Tennessee service area is designed to get rid of clover mites, springtails and other pest infestations as well as prevent future ones from occurring If you need assistance with these or other invasive pests, reach out to us. We would be happy to assist you.
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Since 1961, All-American Pest Control has been your go-to team of trusted pest experts for homes, businesses, and home builders throughout Nashville and Middle Tennessee. Our expert team offers termite treatments, mosquito reduction, rodent removal, ant and spider control, and wasp nest removal—keeping your property protected year-round. As a local, family-owned company, we take pride in offering reliable, professional pest solutions with outstanding customer service.
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For trusted pest control in Nashville, TN, and these surrounding communities, contact All American Pest Control today! Call (615) 824-8814 or contact us online.