Springtails are strongly repelled by strong, botanical, and acidic scents, particularly essential oils like cedar, eucalyptus, tea tree, lavender, and peppermint. They also hate the sharp, pungent smell of vinegar.
Natural Repellents: Harness the power of nature to repel springtails by using essential oils such as peppermint, eucalyptus, and tea tree oil. Mix a few drops with water and spray in areas prone to springtail activity.
Springtails may infest wells, toilet bowl tanks, wet insulation, drains, moist basements and damp walls. To control indoor infestations, (1) remove the dampness and organic matter causing the problem; (2) vacuum up springtails; or (3) kill them with short lived pesticides such as pyrethrins or allethrin.
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.
The key to managing springtails is to reduce moisture and excess organic matter in gardens, plant pots, and around building foundations. Also screen or caulk cracks that provide entryways for springtails into homes. Pesticides should not be necessary and won't provide long-term control by themselves.
During the warmer months, or year-round in non-snowy areas, they are more active on cooler days. Springtails need moisture, so they are not typically very active on hot, dry days. Most of their activity occurs during the afternoon and early evening, when temperatures are cooler.
That depends on your definition of hard, but termites, bedbugs, and cockroaches top the list. In the pest control world, the top most challenging cases are those that involve severe infestations of termites, bed bugs, and cockroaches. Each of these sends shivers down most people's spines, and for good reason.
Springtails prefer an outdoor environment that is damp and has plenty of mold and organic debris to feed on. However, if their outdoor habitat becomes too dry, springtails may move indoors seeking a more supportive habitat through openings around and under doors.
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.
Why do I suddenly have springtails? Sudden springtail outbreaks usually follow heavy rainstorms, long humid stretches, or hidden water leaks. These tiny insects need moisture and will quickly move indoors when conditions are right. Check for plumbing issues, damp basements, or overwatered plants.
Thrips are one of the hardest houseplant pests to get rid of — mostly because people stop treatment too early 👇 Signs of thrips: Silver or streaky leaf damage. Tiny black dots on leaves.
Springtails are the most commonly confused with fleas because both jump. Other small insects like [carpet beetles](/pests/carpet-beetles/) or book lice might also be mistaken for fleas, but they don't jump. The jumping behavior is usually what leads people to think they have fleas when they actually have springtails.
Simply mix equal parts of vinegar and water and spray it in affected areas. Neem oil is another natural insecticide, effective because it repels and kills springtails on contact. Diatomaceous earth is a widely known natural option.
Common Smells That Pests Hate
Places where you may find springtails nesting include:
The Good News About Springtails
The good news is that infestations are usually short-lived, typically less than a couple of weeks. Treatment includes a recommendation to vacuum up as many as possible, including the floor/wall junction in which they were noted.
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.
Cave-dwelling springtails are a food source for spiders and harvestmen in the same environment, such as the endangered harvestman Texella reyesi. Predators also include various soil centipedes.
Springtails go inside or hide under porches and decks when the weather heats up outside. This is because springtails are looking for wet, moist areas. It is not uncommon to find springtails in the following areas: Soil, moss, mulch, and leaves around the home.
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Springtails feed on decaying vegetation, fungi, bacteria, pollen, and even decaying flesh of dead animals. And though it is very uncommon, some species can cause an itching dermatitis in humans, some have nested in hair. Most, however, are not parasitic like this, they are just a nuisance.
No, springtails are completely harmless to humans and pets. They don't bite, sting, or spread disease. But their presence means your bathroom has high moisture levels that could support mold growth or draw in other pests.
Springtails are beneficial arthropods because their sole diet consists of decaying plant matter, helping with the process of natural decomposition. However, springtails in the house could indicate a moisture issue and should be investigated. To get rid of springtails in the house, reduce sources of excess moisture.
This can be very helpful as it often turns out to be a place no one thought to look. Remember, springtails will try to live anywhere. And since many bathrooms have enough moisture in the air, there will be many more nest site opportunity for them to live and hide from view.