Troubleshooting
Start from what you see. Answer a few questions and get a likely cause, how sure we are, and what to do. Every ending cites its sources.
- My culture has slowed down My springtail culture has slowed down or is crashing Work through the usual causes in order, from food and moisture to air, age and mites. Each ending says what to do and where the advice comes from.
- Mites in a culture There are mites in my springtail culture Most advice from sellers is about keeping mites out. Check the barriers first, then the medium.
- Mold on food, in a culture or in a terrarium There is mold in my springtail culture or terrarium Mold in a culture usually means too much food. Mold in a terrarium is something springtails help clear. Find out which you have.
- Springtails escaping Springtails escape when I open the culture Many species gather on the walls and lid, so some get out whenever you open the culture. Check the seal, then add a barrier.
- Springtails in the house or yard I have springtails in my house or yard Springtails are harmless and show up where it is damp. Find where they are, then fix what lets them in or breed.
- Springtails not surviving in an enclosure My springtails died out or vanished in the terrarium Check when you added them, what eats them and whether the species suits the moisture of the enclosure.