Despite both fleas and springtails possessing the ability to jump, there are many important differences between these two insects that will help to identify if you are dealing with a springtail or a flea.
Fleas are small, wingless insects and are reddish-brown in color. They are compressed (flattened) from the top to the bottom of their body, a shape that enables them to easily move through the fur of their hosts. They have strong, muscled legs that enable them to jump long distances relative to their size.
Springtails are multi-colored insects that jump by using a spring-loaded body structure called a furcula, which is located on their abdomen. When springtails coil and release their furcula it causes the insect to be “launched” into the air and avoid a perceived danger.
Flea adults are blood-feeding insects that have piercing mouthparts which enables the insect to bite. Infestations of fleas usually are the result of an infested pet that spends most of its time inside.
Flea eggs are laid on the host and when the eggs hatch, the larval stage drops off the host and seeks a hidden, protective location to develop into the pupal stage.
Flea pupa are immobile and when the pupal stage has sufficiently developed, they will become adult fleas, which will jump on a host, feed on blood and produce another batch of flea eggs.
Springtails normal habitat is in the soil, but they can be found in other places where the moisture content is high. They are common in:
Springtails are usually outdoor critters, but if outside conditions become too dry for them, they will move inside where conditions are more humid. Typical indoor locations include:
They are very hard to see unless they jump. Springtails feed on mold and fungi and do not bite.
Finding bizarre looking black bugs hopping around your house can be unsettling You flick on the light to see a creepy dark insect quickly scurry under the couch or disappear into a crack in the wall Just what are these mysterious jumping bugs invaders in your home?
In this article, we’ll uncover the most common types of big black bugs that can jump and hop Learn how to identify these pesky home invaders, plus get smart tips for effective control and prevention With the right know-how, you can kick those creepy crawly jumpers out of your house for good!
What Are The Most Common Big Black Jumping Bugs?
If you’re seeing fast-moving black insects bounding around your home, chances are they belong to one of these common pest groups:
Fleas
Fleas are tiny wingless parasites, dark red-brown in color and compressed side-to-side to easily move through fur and hair. They have incredibly powerful hind legs that let them jump distances over 100 times their tiny size – up to 8 inches high!
Seeing fleas indoors likely means you have a pet with an infestation. Fleas feed on animal blood, laying eggs that fall off into carpets, bedding and furniture crevices. The larvae hatch and go through pupal stages before emerging as adults that hop on pets and bite.
Springtails
Also called snow fleas, springtails are microscopic wingless bugs less than 1/5 inch long. Usually silver-gray, they have a “spring” under their abdomen to catapult themselves into the air, often when disturbed.
Springtails live in damp areas and sometimes come indoors through cracks seeking humidity. Look for them in basements, bathrooms and kitchens. They’re harmless but can be a nuisance bouncing on floors and walls.
Boxelder Bugs
Boxelder bugs are 1/2 inch long, black with red lines on wings and abdomen. Nymphs are bright red. They feed primarily on boxelder and maple trees, sucking juices from seeds, leaves and stems.
In fall, boxelder bugs come inside in large numbers seeking warmth. While not harmful, they can be a nuisance staining walls and surfaces with feces.
Leaf-footed Bugs
Elongated true bugs over 1/2 inch long, leaf-footed bugs vary in color from brown to gray, often with flattened leaf-like expansions on hind legs. They feed on plant juices and shelter in homes, where they can be a nuisance.
Other Suspects
Other occasional big black bug home invaders to watch for include stink bugs, spiders, beetles, earwigs, and various other true bugs. Examining them closely or capturing one can help identify which pest you’re dealing with.
Now that we’ve spotlighted the usual jumping black bug suspects, let’s explore smart control solutions.
Effective Ways To Control Jumping Bugs At Home
Dealing with occasional pest invaders calls for safe, targeted actions:
-
Seal up entry points – Caulk cracks and install door sweeps to close off access.
-
Clean up food sources – Eliminate crumbs, spills, and pet fur/waste that attract bugs.
-
Use traps – Pheromone or sticky traps can catch stink bugs, boxelder bugs, and fleas.
-
Vacuum thoroughly – Suck up bugs and eggs hiding in carpets, drapes, furniture crevices, etc.
-
Apply low toxicity sprays – In targeted areas only, use soaps, oils, or other gentle treatments if pests persist. Never broadcast spray indoors.
-
Treat pets – Flea prevention medications for pets stop infestations at the source.
-
Monitor and seal entryways – Caulk and seal any outdoor cracks where seasonal swarms may enter.
With vigilance and integrated pest management, occasional jumping pest invaders can be managed without needing heavy-duty chemicals. But when should you call in professional help?
Call An Exterminator If:
-
You’ve thoroughly treated infestations yourself with no success
-
Major seasonal swarms of boxelder bugs or stink bugs emerge
-
Sensitive individuals like babies, elderly, or sick reside in the home
-
Pest allergies make self-treatment difficult
-
Flea or other pest problems are severe or hiding in walls/floors
Licensed exterminators have access to stronger pesticides and extensive treatment methods if DIY options fail. Just be sure to choose a company that uses an integrated pest management approach.
Keep Those Pests From Jumping Back In!
Don’t let occasional invaders turn into full-blown infestations! Implement these integrated pest management prevention tips:
-
Install weatherstripping, door sweeps, screens, and caulk cracks
-
Clean gutters and direct rainwater away from the foundation
-
Stack firewood and mulch away from exterior walls
-
Use mint, thyme, eucalyptus or cinnamon oils to deter bugs
-
Prune back trees, shrubs, and remove leaf litter near the home’s perimeter
-
Spot treat outdoor nesting areas if needed
Damage and Health Implications
Fleas are important medical pests that cause painful bites that may become infected if not properly cared for. Sometimes fleas will cause hair loss on pets as the result of a pet’s continuous scratching and biting of their fur where the fleas are located.
Fleas are also transmitters of diseases for both pets and humans and may cause allergic reactions as the result of their bites.
Springtails do not bite and their impact on homeowners is limited to being a nuisance. However, springtails located inside a home may indicate moisture from a plumbing leak, leaking roof or some kind of a moisture source that caused mold and mildew.
So, whenever springtails or fleas become a problem, contact Orkin for science-based, integrated plans for controlling these pests.
Dig Deeper on Springtails
Get a quote today
You won’t believe this giant Mexican bug
FAQ
What kind of black bug jumps?
Springtails get their name from the ability to jump up to several inches high by means of a tail-like mechanism (furcula) tucked under the abdomen. When disturbed, this appendage functions as a spring, propelling them into the air away from the danger.
Are springtail bugs harmful?
- Not a threat: Springtails don’t bite, spread diseases, or damage household furnishings.
- Harmless scavengers: Most springtails feed on decaying organic matter, fungi, and bacteria, making them natural recyclers.
- Nuisance: While not harmful, a large number of springtails can be annoying.
- Moisture indicators: Their presence, especially in large numbers, can indicate moisture problems in your home, such as leaky pipes or damp areas.
- Beneficial in some contexts: In natural settings, springtails play a role in breaking down organic material and returning nutrients to the soil.
- Not a danger to plants: Springtails are not known to actively infest living plant tissue.
- How to deal with them: To manage springtails, focus on reducing moisture levels by addressing leaks, improving ventilation, and drying out wet areas.
Why do springtails keep jumping on me?
When threatened or disturbed, they can release this furcula to catapult themselves into the air, effectively escaping predators or relocating. This jumping mechanism is where their common name, “springtails,” originates from.
What are black bugs?
“Black bugs” refers to small pesky insects, arachnids, and mites with black bodies. Examples of small black bugs include beetles, spiders, bed bugs, fleas, fungus gnats, and black aphids. The tiny pests, like aphids or fleas, could be as small as poppy seeds or relatively large, like black cockroaches.
What is the Ting black bug in the House?
The ting black bug in the house is also known as the straw-mattress beetle. The velvety small beetle can grow up to 1.5-3.5mm long. These black spider beetles dwell in damp environments. They can infest the wall cavities, attics, and pantry cupboards. Maintaining good sanitation will help prevent their occurrence in your house.
What are the different types of black bugs?
One of the most common types of black bugs you might find in your home is carpet beetles. However, many other kinds of adult beetles, bed bugs, aphids, fleas, ants, spiders, and centipedes also have black bodies. They can infest kitchens, bathrooms, and living rooms.
How big do jumping bristletail Bugs jump?
Jumping bristletails can jump up to 6 inches. These bugs resemble Silverfish but they have 3 tails. One of these tails is longer. These bugs have no wings but they compensate for their movements with jumping abilities. Known as some of the oldest bugs in the world, Jumping Bristletails have a glossy color that appears metallic.
What is a black jumping spider?
They’re known by several names, including Phidippus audax, the daring jumping spider, and the bold jumping spider. They’re usually found in Southern Canada, Northern Mexico, and the United States. The black jumping spider has some features that distinguish it from other insects.
What does a black bug look like in a house?
It has a large and glossy rounded body with an orange to redhead, legs, and antennae. The ting black bug in the house is also known as the straw-mattress beetle. The velvety small beetle can grow up to 1.5-3.5mm long. These black spider beetles dwell in damp environments. They can infest the wall cavities, attics, and pantry cupboards.