Insects that Jump?

Springtails (order Collembola) are very small, jumping insects that some­times alarm homeowners by appear­ing in large numbers in moist indoor areas such as kitchen sinks, bathtubs, and in the soil of houseplants. They may also be found outdoors in swim­ming pools, moist landscaped areas or vegetable gardens, and on the surface of mud puddles. They usually appear in the spring and summer, but can be found year-round in moist environments. Because they jump when disturbed, springtails are some­times confused with fleas. Springtails in most cases do not bite humans or pets, nor do they spread disease or dam­age household furnishings. They are mainly a nuisance by their presence.