Snow Fleas
Snow fleas, a type of springtail, often surprise homeowners when they show up in large numbers across melting snow. Despite their name, they’re not actual fleas, and they don’t bite or spread diseases. Instead, they’re tiny soil insects, usually no bigger than 1–2 mm, that thrive in moist environments. You’ll see them most during late winter and early spring, when they gather on snowbanks and look like black pepper sprinkled on the surface.
Are Springtails and Snow Fleas the Same?
Snow fleas are a type of springtail. All springtails have a forked structure called a furcula that allows them to “spring” into the air when disturbed. The only difference is that when people say “snow fleas,” they usually mean the springtail species that become visible on melting snow.
Snow fleas feed on organic matter, such as decaying leaves, fungi, mold, and other natural debris. If your property has areas of heavy moisture, mulch, or poor drainage, it can become an ideal environment for them. When snow begins to melt, these conditions draw snow fleas out into the open.
What Causes Snow Fleas in a House?
Snow fleas and other springtails can slip indoors if your home has enough moisture for them to survive. Common causes include:
- Leaks around foundations, windows, or plumbing
- Damp basements or crawlspaces
- Overwatering houseplants
- Mold or mildew growth
Most of the time, snow fleas disappear once the area dries out. But if they don’t go away on their own, it usually means the moisture problem hasn’t been fixed. For example, a hidden leak, poor drainage, or ongoing humidity can continue to attract them. In these cases, the key to solving the issue isn’t just sweeping them up.
Where Are Snow Fleas Found?
Snow fleas live all around the world, especially in places with cold winters. Outdoors, they thrive in moist, shady environments like soil, leaf litter, mulch, compost, and rotting wood. You’ll often see them most clearly in late winter and early spring, when they gather in huge numbers on top of melting snow. Against the white background, their dark bodies look like pepper sprinkled across the surface.
While they prefer the outdoors, snow fleas can sometimes be spotted indoors if the conditions are damp enough. Basements, bathrooms, crawlspaces, and areas around leaky plumbing are the most common indoor spots. They won’t hurt your home, but their presence usually points to excess moisture that might need attention.
Are Snow Fleas Around in Summer?
Snow fleas get their name because they stand out the most on top of snow, where they look like tiny specks of black pepper jumping across the surface. But that doesn’t mean they only show up in winter. In fact, snow fleas are active all year long. During the warmer months, they stay out of sight in soil, leaf litter, mulch, and other damp places where they feed and help break down organic matter.
How to Get Rid of a Springtail Infestation
Getting rid of springtails, including snow fleas, is really about fixing the environment they live in. Since they thrive in damp, organic matter, the key is to remove moisture and clean up areas where they can hide.
Steps you can take include:
- Fix leaks and drainage issues around your foundation, windows, or plumbing.
- Lower indoor humidity with a dehumidifier in basements, bathrooms, or laundry rooms.
- Clean mold or mildew since springtails often feed on fungi.
- Avoid overwatering houseplants and replace soggy soil.
- Seal cracks and entry points around doors, windows, and foundations.
- Vacuum up visible springtails for quick relief indoors.
Most of the time, springtails will disappear once their environment dries out. But if they don’t go away on their own, it’s usually a sign of an ongoing moisture problem.
Professional pest control services offer better solutions for challenging infestations. Our technicians not only treat the pests themselves but also identify the damp conditions that keep them coming back. With safe, targeted solutions and year-round maintenance, we make sure your home stays comfortable and pest-free.
Contact Alta Pest Control today if you need help dealing with springtails. Our friendly technicians take care of all kinds of pests.