||Found throughout U.S.
Certain species of springtails are referred to as "snow fleas"
when found in winter, but they are not fleas at all. Springtails
are found year round, but because of a special protein that acts
like anti-freeze, this type of springtail is able to survive in
cold winter temperatures. Springtails don't have wings, instead
they get around by jumping, using a unique catapult system. Their
jumping is especially noticeable in winter when they are contrasted
against white snow.
Springtails are very common around pools with nearby vegetation,
around air conditioning condensate drain lines and other moist
areas. In winter, snow fleas emerge on sunny days and gather in
large numbers around bases of trees where snow has melted. Because
of their small size, they look like flecks of pepper or ashes on
the surface of the snow. Snow fleas feed on decaying plant
Snow fleas prefer damp soil, leaf mold, decaying logs and
Snow fleas do not cause any structural damage and should not be
of concern to homeowners. In addition, snow fleas are not a threat
to family pets as they are not a flea at all. Their sole diet
consists of rotting plant food.