I have springtails. Should I be concerned?

[seanothon]

I just noticed that I have some tiny silvery white bugs in my soil. With a little research I've identified them as springtails. From what I read they are not much of a danger and in fact can be a good thing in small numbers as they eat mold and rotten stuff. There are not that many of them, from what I can see. Should I be concerned or take steps to get rid of them?

 

[rockm]

You should be more concerned about the soil. If it has enough rotten organic material to support springtails, it might not be draining properly and/or holding to much water.

 

[Smoke]

Send them to Klytus, he will eat anything. They go well with a bitter Shandy.

 

[Dav4]

Send them to Klytus, he will eat anything. They go well with a bitter Shandy.

...or spotted dick....

 

[Wilson]

Hoping to revive this thread, and possibly hear some opinions. I have read of beneficial aspects of their habits. I had some in a couple of trees still in large pots in the growing out stage. @ghues and @wireme these are the bugs I was searching to identify. I figure you guys might have experience with these bugs, having worked in the forestry sector. Thanks in advance to any and all contributions!

 

[Wilson]

these guys resemble thrips, but are very small, clear, and can dart away quite quickly. Usually found in the runoff of pots after watering, having a springtail population isn't something to worry about. It is a sign that the soil biosphere (the rhizosphere) is balanced and in check. Springtails are known to eat spores and mycelia of pathogenic fungi that can cause damping off, as well as carry mycorhizzal fungi to root hosts, and control other forms of microlife that become imbalanced or disrupt the rhizosphere. Springtails are estimated to have some of the highest populations of any animals on earth, and play an important role in soil conditioning.
This is one of the things I have read about the positive aspects they provide.

 

[wireme]

Hoping to revive this thread, and possibly hear some opinions. I have read of beneficial aspects of their habits. I had some in a couple of trees still in large pots in the growing out stage. @ghues and @wireme these are the bugs I was searching to identify. I figure you guys might have experience with these bugs, having worked in the forestry sector. Thanks in advance to any and all contributions!

Not me, sorry, don't know a thing about these guys.

 

[Wilson]

All good wireme, I am happy to know they are not a pest. I just thought since I had asked you and ghues about a bug I couldn't identify, I would update you with what I found. They actually sound like pretty beneficial little critters, as long as their population stays reasonable.

 

[ghues]

Not me, sorry, don't know a thing about these guys.

Ditto.....
G

 

[Paradox]

All good wireme, I am happy to know they are not a pest. I just thought since I had asked you and ghues about a bug I couldn't identify, I would update you with what I found. They actually sound like pretty beneficial little critters, as long as their population stays reasonable.

From the Ortho Website:

Behavior, Diet & Habits

Springtails normally live in damp soil. They eat mold and fungus. They are common in flowerbeds, under logs, paving stones and landscape timbers. Woodpiles are also a common place for springtails to hide.

Springtails lose water through the surface of their body. If their environment becomes dry, they try to migrate to a wetter place. They sometimes enter homes under door thresholds. When they get inside, they go to humid areas. Rooms that offer the needed moisture often are basements, kitchens and bathrooms. They also find areas where there has been moisture damage. Springtails have been found inside walls where a pipe has been leaking. They have also been found in furniture that has become wet and mildewed. Overwatered potted plants and planter boxes are also places where springtails live.

Springtails do not bite or sting people. They do not damage buildings or the contents. They develop quickly. It is common to find springtails in very large numbers. The fact that there can be thousands of jumping insects in an area can be very distressing to homeowners.

When the dampness is corrected, the springtails disappear very quickly. Eliminating dampness is very important in preventing or eliminating springtails. A thorough inspection is the first step.

So I have to agree with @rockm

They eat fungus and mold so I cant see how that is a problem for trees.
I would be more concerned with how wet your soil is. If you take care of that, the springtails wont be an issue.