What do earth fleas not tolerate? - briefly
Earth fleas cannot endure dry conditions; they require consistently moist habitats to survive. Desiccation rapidly leads to their mortality.
What do earth fleas not tolerate? - in detail
Earth fleas, commonly known as springtails, survive only under very specific conditions. Their physiology demands a consistently moist environment; exposure to dry air quickly leads to desiccation and death. They are also extremely sensitive to chemical contaminants. Pesticides, especially organophosphates and pyrethroids, disrupt nerve function and prove lethal even at low concentrations. High levels of salts or heavy metals in the soil impair osmoregulation, causing rapid mortality.
Temperature extremes further limit their tolerance. Temperatures above 30 °C accelerate metabolic rates beyond sustainable levels, while prolonged exposure to temperatures below 5 °C slows activity and can halt development. Soil pH outside the neutral to slightly acidic range (pH 5–7) interferes with enzymatic processes essential for digestion and reproduction.
Key intolerances include:
- Low humidity: desiccation within minutes.
- Synthetic insecticides: neurotoxic effects at sub‑ppm concentrations.
- Elevated salinity: disruption of water balance.
- Heavy metal contamination: inhibition of cellular respiration.
- Temperature spikes: metabolic overload and protein denaturation.
- Acidic or alkaline extremes: impaired enzymatic function.
Maintaining optimal moisture, moderate temperature, neutral pH, and minimal chemical exposure is essential for the survival of these minute arthropods.