Springtails Guide

Springtails can become a nuisance in homes or businesses, often appearing in large groups and seemingly out of nowhere. These small, wingless, hump-backed pests feed on specific organic matter and thrive in damp or humid environments.

If you're unsure whether the bugs you've spotted are springtails, take a look at our guide on identifying springtails and where they hide in your home. The key to controlling springtails is locating their nesting sites. Once you've found them, follow this guide to effectively manage the infestation.

Spraying or removing springtails from around your home won't effectively control the infestation until you locate their nesting site and remove the source of the problem.

Springtails prefer damp, dark environments for nesting. Check areas where you've seen large numbers of springtails, as their nests are typically close to these locations, since they don’t tend to travel far from their nests.

Common nesting sites for springtails include:

• Under mulch and damp soil
• Beneath patio slabs
• In compost piles and decaying organic matter
• Inside flower pots
• Around pool decks
• Under logs, pine straw, and wood chips
• Under wooden decks
• Indoors in bath traps, under kitchen or bathroom sinks, or under linoleum
• Near jacuzzis or hot tubs
• In damp crawl spaces and wall voids
• Under siding, insulation, or sheetrock where moisture is prevalent

Springtails thrive in moist, decaying organic matter and cannot survive in dry conditions. To discourage them from lingering around your home, address excess moisture around the exterior:

• Remove unnecessary mulch layers in gardens and landscaping
• Relocate or remove firewood or lumber piles that retain moisture
• Clear yard debris near the home
• Fill low spots with dirt or gravel to prevent standing water
• Seal cracks or entry points in the foundation or exterior walls

Inside your home, take the following steps to reduce moisture and eliminate suitable springtail habitats:

• Under Cabinets, Inside Crawl Spaces & Wall Voids: Investigate the source of moisture and improve ventilation. If leaks around windows, light fixtures, or door frames are the cause, seal these areas to prevent further water buildup.
• Beneath Sinks: Check for leaks, fix them, and eliminate any standing water to make the space inhospitable to springtails.

Liquid insecticides specifically designed for springtails can effectively eliminate these pests from your home or business. When combined with the methods outlined earlier, these products can help you manage a springtail infestation quickly, provided you follow the instructions closely.

To apply a springtail-killing spray, mix the insecticide with water according to the product label. For example, with products like Talstar P, the recommended ratio is one ounce of insecticide per gallon of water. Always read the product label thoroughly to determine the correct mixing and application rates.

Once mixed, transfer the solution into a hand-pump sprayer and shake the sprayer to ensure the insecticide is well-mixed. Wear protective gloves and long sleeves when handling and applying insecticides.

Target areas where springtails are likely to nest or enter your property, including:

• Door and window frames
• Under sinks and around pipes
• In closets, attics, and basements
• Beneath kitchen appliances
• Behind toilets
• Any other areas where you’ve observed springtail activity

For sustained control, apply insecticide dust like EcoVia WD in cabinets, crawlspaces, and wall voids. Dust products can be applied using a bellows hand duster, which allows you to reach difficult spots.

For additional outdoor perimeter control, apply a granular product, such as Demand G, around mulch, pine straw, wood chips, and other organic matter around your home.

Once you've applied the insecticide, set up glue boards around your home to monitor any remaining springtail activity. Position the traps in areas where you've previously spotted springtails, particularly in damp areas like bathrooms or basements.

By following a few simple steps, you can lower the humidity in your home and make it less appealing to springtails that may be nesting nearby outside.

Running a bathroom fan during and after a bath or shower will help reduce moisture levels in the bathroom, which is a common area where springtails are drawn to when they come inside.

If you're unable to control excess humidity with fans or your home's HVAC system, consider investing in a home dehumidifier. These devices can be installed in basements or other secluded areas and work alongside other climate control systems to remove excess moisture from the air. This will help make your home less hospitable to springtails.