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.
Often mistaken for fleas, these small, jumping pests come indoors during dry weather or after a heavy rain. While they can live in any climate, springtails seek out moisture, dampness, and humidity. They are also attracted to light, and all of these things might lead them into a home.
If springtails find it an attractive home, there's a good chance you've been over-watering your plant in the first place. Allow the soil to dry out completely, then sprinkle diatomaceous earth on the soil surface. This combination should kill off the insects.
Springtails are not a danger to people, pets, or to the structures of buildings; they are, however, an invading pest that can enter homes in large numbers and can become quite a nuisance. Because of their ability to jump and their small size they are often confused with fleas that do bite and do transmit diseases.
Springtails do not have wings and cannot fly. But they can jump up to several inches using a special forked structure under the abdomen. Springtails and fleas may be the same size but have differences in their structure.
When their environment outdoors becomes dry, springtails search for moisture. They may invade homes or move to more favorable outdoor areas such as areas near swimming pools. They enter homes through window screens, open doors, vent pipes, or in potted plants.
Common gnats in homes are fruit flies and fungus gnats. These pests breed frequently, so it can be hard for homeowners to get rid of a gnat infestation.
While springtails can go away on their own, it's really unlikely. With daily use of sinks, tubs, drains, etc.
Sometimes, Springtails get in your house and flourish when they find hidden leaks, damp areas, and a food source (like molds, algae, and bacteria). Look for these areas and address: Look for damp crawl spaces, basements, intermittent foundation leaks.
Flies Often Called Black Gnats
In addition to black gnats, people also refer to biting midges as no-see-ums, sand flies, or punkies. These pests may look like just a dark speck to the naked eye, but their bites create a noticeable burning sensation. Biting midges may leave behind itchy welts on skin.
Lavender, eucalyptus, and tea tree oil repels springtails but does not kill them. Once the source of the moisture in a building has been discovered and fixed, these scented oils may help drive them away permanently. Mix a combination of all three scented oils and spray them where springtails are most active.
Springtails hang around leaky pipes, overflowing potted plants, and other built-up moisture like plumbing problems and poor ventilation. Fix any water-related problems to deter them. You can also wipe down infected areas with store-bought remedies like cider vinegar and baking soda.
Springtails may be found in bath traps, around hot tubs, in humid crawl spaces, under mulched areas, under patio slabs, under logs, wood chips, pine straw, and other areas that are prone to high moisture.
Mites are extremely tiny round black bugs with no wings and eight legs. While they are rarely harmful to humans other than mild irritation to the skin or allergies, black mites in the house could signal elevated moisture levels or a more significant water issue. One of the most common types of mites is the Clover Mite.
BEST OUTSIDE SPRAY FOR SPRINGTAILS
If you have a large home or lot and expect to be spraying on a regular basis, get MAXXTHOR EC. This concentrate will cover a lot more area and save cost over time. Mix it at 2.5 oz per 5 gallons of water and use this to cover up to 5,000 sq/ft.
In homes with high humidity and mold growth, springtails can sometimes maintain an indoor population. This is more common in bathrooms and basements but can also occur within walls of newly built homes that are supporting mold growth because of rains that soaked the floor and walls before they were covered.
Springtails require a moist environment to survive. If you are unable to see them in your terrarium, they may be burrowed under the surface in an attempt to reach moisture or are disturbed by a breeze.
Springtails also thrive in damp crawlspaces. From these areas, they can easily move into the living space. People also find springtails in unusual places. There have been reports of springtails living in storage sheds inside of damp mattresses or upholstered furniture that has gotten wet.
These pests can be a wide variety of colors, but often look grayish purple to the human eye, due to their small size. They have elongated bodies that are covered in tiny protective scales. Springtails don't have wings, so they can't fly, and they crawl very slowly, but they can uniquely jump short distances.
Essential Oils: Choose an essential oil such as lemon or eucalyptus and mix it with a carrier oil such as almond or coconut. Natural Repellents: Harness the power of nature to repel springtails by using essential oils such as peppermint, eucalyptus, and tea tree oil.
While springtails prefer the outdoor environment, they will start looking for dark, moist places when their environment gets dry. The most common places include your gardens and your home. They can enter your home through any openings they can fit.
The only way to get rid of gnats without killing them is to repel them with scents they don't like: vinegar, vanilla, pine oil, peppermint, lemon, eucalyptus, and lavender. Even dryer sheets could help. Of course, the first line of duty would be to get rid of the infestation's root cause.
To control these bugs naturally, you can try using remedies such as vinegar, baking soda, or essential oils. These substances can help deter and eliminate bugs without the use of harmful chemicals. Remember to keep your bathroom clean and dry, as this will make it less appealing to these pests.
The source may be rotting produce, old food spillage in a sink or a trash can, a houseplant or anything else that creates a good food source and breeding site for gnats. Purchase a gnat trap or bug zapper or create a DIY gnat trap to catch and kill the gnats in the house.