I have discovered al... - Ask Extension
I have discovered almost all of my backyard patio furniture, firepit, and grill covers are covered with the attached bug. I think they are springworms...
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I have discovered al... #574172
Asked June 25, 2019, 10:40 PM EDT
I have discovered almost all of my backyard patio furniture, firepit, and grill covers are covered with the attached bug. I think they are springworms, but nobody locally seems to know what to do.
I've noticed them on my siding tonight after I found on in my bathroom sink. It's possible it came in from an open window the last few days. They seem to be on my windows as well and I'm starting to get concerned.
They can jump around I've noticed but most are extremely small and scatter around of the time. They give off no color then killed.
Thank much,
Kalamazoo County Michigan
Expert Response
The correct name for these is a springtail. There are many species, and some of them can be incredibly numerous, especially in the upper layers of soil in woodlands and other natural areas. They are very sensitive to moisture levels-- if it is dry they work their way deeper into the leaf litter or soil to stay moist.
The frequent rains that your area has received this year has probably allowed for a very high rate or reproduction and survival of springtails, and the increased activity of them in places where they normally would not be found.
I do not know of any treatment or action you can take to do much about them. A week of dry, warm weather would likely do better than anything else.
Asked June 25, 2019, 10:40 PM EDT
I have discovered almost all of my backyard patio furniture, firepit, and grill covers are covered with the attached bug. I think they are springworms, but nobody locally seems to know what to do.
I've noticed them on my siding tonight after I found on in my bathroom sink. It's possible it came in from an open window the last few days. They seem to be on my windows as well and I'm starting to get concerned.
They can jump around I've noticed but most are extremely small and scatter around of the time. They give off no color then killed.
Thank much,
Kalamazoo County Michigan
Expert Response
The correct name for these is a springtail. There are many species, and some of them can be incredibly numerous, especially in the upper layers of soil in woodlands and other natural areas. They are very sensitive to moisture levels-- if it is dry they work their way deeper into the leaf litter or soil to stay moist.
The frequent rains that your area has received this year has probably allowed for a very high rate or reproduction and survival of springtails, and the increased activity of them in places where they normally would not be found.
I do not know of any treatment or action you can take to do much about them. A week of dry, warm weather would likely do better than anything else.
The frequent rains that your area has received this year has probably allowed for a very high rate or reproduction and survival of springtails, and the increased activity of them in places where they normally would not be found.
I do not know of any treatment or action you can take to do much about them. A week of dry, warm weather would likely do better than anything else.