How To Get Rid Of Pesky Springtails For Good

If springtails are invading your home, that is a sign there is moisture luring them in. Springtails are a fan of humidity and organic matter. They need moisture to survive and feast on fungi, algae, and mold. You might not mind these bugs in your garden, as they take care of decaying plant matter, but they are an uninvited guest in your home. Fortunately, you can get rid of these pesky critters with a bit of cleaning and DIY insecticides.

Deterring springtails from entering your home is the first step in dealing with these pests. Don't leave standing water around. After heavy rainfall, clear out puddles on top of garbage cans and clear grass clippings or fallen leaves. It is also best to fix dripping hoses, store firewood off the ground, keep mulch away from your home's foundation, clean gutters, and cover pools or hot tubs. These attractions bring the jumping insects into your yard and they can eventually find a way inside your home through cracks, windows, and doors.

Although springtails do not damage the integrity of a building's structure, spread disease, or bite, they reproduce quickly and invade in large numbers. If the critters have already taken up residence in your home, you can get rid of them by removing the moisture that is attracting them. When the dampness clears, so will the springtails in search of a wetter environment. Try adding a dehumidifier and increasing ventilation to dry out the moist areas and hot spots like the attic, bathroom, and basement. Clean any mold or mildew and caulk cracks.

Once all the wet trails drawing the springtails in are gone you can deal with the critters stuck inside with various household products. Soap, detergent, apple cider vinegar, neem oil, and eucalyptus oil all act as an insecticide and kill springtails on contact. Diatomaceous earth takes care of these common pests on your houseplants, and you can use it as a repellent, too. Just sprinkle the powder around your home to deter springtails from jumping your property line. If springtails are a problem even after all the moisture is cleared, it might be time to call the professionals.