What do soil fleas feed on in a house? - briefly
In homes, soil fleas primarily consume mold, fungi, and decaying organic matter, with occasional intake of pollen and other microscopic detritus.
What do soil fleas feed on in a house? - in detail
Soil fleas, commonly known as springtails, survive in indoor environments by consuming a range of microscopic organic materials. Their primary food sources include:
- Decaying plant matter such as leaf litter, dead grass roots, and fragments of houseplants.
- Fungal hyphae and spores that develop on damp surfaces, especially in bathrooms, kitchens, and basements.
- Bacterial colonies that proliferate in moist areas, including standing water, leaky pipes, and condensation on walls.
- Organic residues from food spills, pet waste, and decomposing insects.
In addition to these, soil fleas may ingest minute particles of mold‑infested wallpaper, carpet backing, and insulation fibers that have become damp. Their digestive system is adapted to extract nutrients from low‑quality, high‑moisture substrates, allowing them to persist where moisture levels exceed 70 % relative humidity. Controlling humidity, eliminating standing water, and promptly cleaning organic debris are the most effective measures to reduce their food supply and limit indoor populations.