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How to get rid of stuff » Pest Problems » How to Get Rid of Springtails
 

How to Get Rid of Springtails

April 13th, 2009 by Paul
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Springtails are pests that come in huge numbers, which is why they are feared by many people. These creatures don't really do any harm, but can be quite bothersome when they appear in thousands. They are also known to withstand extremely cold temperatures, so can infest your home even in winter. You can't let these creepy crawlies take over your abode. Learning how to get rid of springtails is a must.

Springtails at a Glance

springtailsSpringtails are found in damp and dusty areas, particularly the kitchen, behind the walls, bathrooms and other areas where moisture is prevalent. They feed on decaying matter, fungi and molds, all of which often found in the given areas. Since they don't breed inside homes, they are all bound to perish, but with their great number, you need more immediate solutions. Good thing many of them are available in your home and on the market.

Household Remedies

Springtails don't usually appear in dry and clean places, which you clearly have to maintain. Although, there are times, especially during summer, when the conditions are humid, so moisture becomes prevalent. An infestation becomes is quite possible, given the humidity. You must have ready solutions in this case. Here are some of them:
  • Soap and Water - Washing with soap and water comes as the basic way to get rid or at least control springtails. The frothy mixture created by soap and water harms, not to mention drowns, torrents of springtails. The problem is, sometimes there are too many of them that a simple washing won't hold them off. Just apply this remedy when the pests don't appear in thousands.
    • vinegar
  • Vinegar - Vinegar, being a highly acidic liquid, will burn through the pests exteriors, making it a more efficient solution than soapy water. Given the sheer number of springtails, you may need to pour it three to four times for every torrent of pests that appear, which can be quite pricey.
  • Bleach - Bleach is a slightly corrosive substance that can instantly kill springtails. Mix it with some water then flood the pests' source, which will probably eliminate hundreds, or even thousands.
  • Improve Ventilation - Maintaining a cool temperature inside the house minimizes the appearance of moisture. Just leave your air-conditioner turned on when you're at home and apply insulation on the ceiling (Learn how to insulate a crawl space). The springtails will eventually switch locations, as they search for damper areas.
Each remedy works well against springtails, but if you are faced with a seemingly insurmountable number of them, better arm yourself insecticides.

Insecticides

Just like any bug, a springtail is killed in an instant upon applying insecticide. These chemical-based solutions, sprays, or granules are poisonous to insects. With just a few applications, you can massacre many of the springtails lurking around your house. Some insecticide types work better than others, depending on where they are applied, so having more than one type is advisable, especially when up against a colony.
    bifen granules
  • Bifen Granules - Bifen granules are potent and can be used indoors and outdoors, making them a pretty versatile solution. Their effect also lasts longer than most insecticides. Each granule emits fumes that are harmful to springtails, which is why a 25-pound bag is enough to cover two acres of land. Apply these babies around your property and your springtail problem will soon come to an end. Just keep your pets way from them since the granules are poisonous.
  • Insect Spray - Insect sprays work best when applied on cracks, crevices and hard to reach places. The poisonous cloud emitted will take out any pest that it touches, including springtails. Make sure you wear a safety mask when applying. Long exposure to the gas may damage your respiratory system.
  • Liquid Insecticide - Bifen granules work even better when partnered with liquid insecticide. Not only does liquid insecticide kill springtails instantly, it also increases the effects of the granules. Spread the granules around the springtail havens, preferably near the exit points. Once done, spray the insecticide onto where you placed the granules. If the springtails are hiding beneath an object, simply lift it up and exterminate everything that's moving.
    • insecticide dust
  • Insecticide Dust - Insecticide dust is highly corrosive, so you better wear safety gloves when handling it. Place a generous amount in a hand duster and blow the particles onto a springtail colony. Within minutes, the dust will eliminate them all. This solution is perfect for the smallest crevices.
  • Fumigation - In extreme cases, in which the springtails number to over ten thousand, the only available solution is fumigation. Hire an exterminator to fumigate the area. The insecticide used contains powerful chemicals, which can eliminate all the pests in your home in just a few hours. It can damage your lungs, so you have to leave the premises while the exterminator is fumigating.
Insecticides deliver results, as set by their potent formulations. They are pretty effective , but can sometimes come with stiff prices. Just apply in conjunction with the household remedies to maximize the insecticide you're using. If you're interested in reading this article, might as well read how to get rid of gnats.
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  1. August 12th, 2011 at 10:24 pm    Sharon Says:

    Be aware they live in the bark you spend so much money making your garden look pretty with. As the bark breaks down, the springtails thrive. Get rid of the bark! They live in the grass, too, and ride in on your clothes.

    You see them most in the bathrooms not just because there is moisture for them to breed, but because they show up against the (most likely) white sink and tub. What do you do when you’ve come in all sweaty from yard work? You go straight to the shower – you and your little friends. The ones that drop off your clothes in the dry carpeted areas of the house won’t survive. The ones that drop off in an area with an adequate food and moisture source will breed. Keep wet towels off the floor, keep the under-sink areas (all sinks) clean, caulk, grout, vacuum, spray-foam, check your plumbing. Check the exhaust fan in the bathroom – if you take hot showers and it’s not venting well enough, the bathroom will get very wet all over from the shower steam – even the baseboards and drywall.

    My oldest daughter developed a severe allergic reaction to the little stings from their springs. As we describe them to people; “They don’t bite, they don’t sting, they’re just pokey on the bottoms, and they jump a lot!” She hasn’t been able to go outside much at all this summer. With the recent heat wave (100+ degrees for several days) I noticed no springtail stings when I went outside! For her health, though, I will have our pest control service create a granule barrier along the sidewalks and driveway during our fall service. Poor kid, what an awful allergy.

  2. August 10th, 2011 at 8:25 am    loey Says:

    Dry your sinks with towel after each use keeping drain plug sealed after. I find alot less of the little bugs by doing this. Also don’t rinse them down the drain, use a piece of toilet paper or tissue and flush.

  3. August 2nd, 2011 at 12:57 am    christina salazar Says:

    I have been dealing with springtails for 2 years now. NOTHING WORKS!!!! Spent hundreds of dollars. I have them in my bathtub and everywhere outside. My poor kids can’t even play outside anymore. I really wish someone would figure out how to rid ourselves of these lil annoying pest!

  4. June 29th, 2011 at 10:56 pm    Gogi Says:

    Going on three year battle. I’ve tried everything. This year seems to be the worst. There are more and more of them. First noticed them in my wood pile. No I find them in the house. My wife will find me on my knees looking at the edges around the windows looking for these bugs. She thinks I’m crazy. The kids like to leave their toys oustside. I’m always checking if they bring it back in the house. I’ll shake it onto a white surface and there will be some bugs after.

  5. June 24th, 2011 at 3:32 pm    dee Says:

    Here is my problem they are in my windows, sometimes crawling on the window ledges around my sink also. I am an extremly clean person who is disgusted with these bugs. I have bleached kept windows extra clean along with the sils. Im just not sure what else to do about these bugs. being they are in the kitchen and basement and i do have children i am very hesitant on spraying chemicals.

    these bugs are grey very tiny almost the size of a pencil tip. If you go to kill them they hop about 4 or 5 inches away. I have used orkin in the past but was not very successful in eliminating the. ANY IDEAS

  6. June 15th, 2011 at 10:48 am    anthony Says:

    Sprays and powders dont work. dont call exterminators either. waste of money. the only solution is get rid of all moisture sources in the house and apply ground treatments. granules. create wide barrier around outside of house with it. look on bag. it will say it kills springtails. have to reapply every three months. kills the bugs above and below the ground. kills many other bugs also. then spray it down with a liquid solution that attaches to hose also. wont see any more of them.

  7. June 14th, 2011 at 9:50 pm    JEN Says:

    I DON’T KNOW ABOUT THE ADVICE BUT I AM SERIOUSLY CONSIDERING A PEST CONTROL COMPANY… I JUST RECENTLY PAINTED MY BEDROOM AND TAPED OFF THE TRIM WORK. I RETURNED TO MY BEDROOM THE NEXT DAY TO PAINT THE TRIM AND THESE WERE ALL OVER. I WANTED TO FREAK!!! I DEF CAN CONFIRM MOISTURE ATTRACTS THEM. WE TURNED THE SPRINKLER ON TO HIT THE PLANTS NEXT TO MY WINDOW AND VOILA THESE THINGS APPEARED. I AM MORE CONCERNED ON HOW THEY’RE GETTING IN MY ROOM THAN HOW TO KILL THEM. THINKING STRUCTURE DAMAGE OR SOMETHING… BUT IF ANYONE KNOWS HOW TO GET RID OF THESE CREEPY THINGS PLEASE POST. I’M SECONDS AWAY FROM RIPPING UP THE FLOOR BOARDS AND TRIM WORK – I MIGHT EVEN GET MIKE HOLMES IN HERE LOL THIS IS RIDIC!!

    GOOD LUCK TO EVERYONE IN THE SAME BATTLE!!

  8. June 9th, 2011 at 11:59 pm    susan mcquestion Says:

    We are being overun by little black bugs that look like fleas but do not bite but they jump like fleas we have pets so we can not use bug spray in the house please help

  9. June 2nd, 2011 at 12:19 am    Jennifer Says:

    This is the worst advice for springtails.. i have tried all of this including pure chlorine bleach…I nearly killed myself with that one.. had the exterminator here today.. did not good at all..don’t waste your time with this advice.

  10. June 1st, 2011 at 12:29 pm    Tyrone & Vicki Says:

    We have been fighting with these freaking bugs for about a year and a half and nothing seems to work. Pest controll center has no answer for these bugs. We’ve tried some of everything you can possibly name to rid these guys. Does anybody have the solution to this bug problem.

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