Learn how to get rid of springtails? The common name “springtail” is derived from the springtails’ ability to “spring” or “jump” away by snapping its tail-like structure against the ground when frightened.
Springtails get their names from a fork-shaped little appendage at the end of their 1/16 to 1/8 inch long bodies called a furcula it’s like the spring, set and ready tucked under their tiny bodies until it is needed. Once the Springtail is aggravated in some way, the furcular releases and the impact of it hitting a surface propels the bugger forwards upwards of several inches to near a foot in distance.
If springtails persist indoors, the best control is to do everything possible to prevent their entry from the outside, decrease the humidity and moisture, and remove anything found to be moldy or in a state of decay.
Because they are usually a garden pest, keeping springtails outside of your home is the most effective way to keep a large infestation from occurring. The best way to achieve this goal is to treat the exterior of your home with some kind of barrier insecticide, usually a pyrethroid or similar product. This will kill any insects that try to enter your home, whether they are springtails or one of the more common household pests.
How to get rid of Springtails in bedrooms
Getting rid of an advanced collembola infestation can be difficult because springtails aren’t classified as insects. They are defined as hexapods, primitive ancestors to modern-day bugs. According to organic scientist David Glassel, chemical pesticides have no effect on the hexapod. Only natural insecticides will do the trick, and the best remedy is cedar oil.
Springtails bite
Springtails do NOT bite; they do NO damage inside a home and do NOT transmit human disease. However, some species may cause itching and/or itching dermatitis. Fleas transport themselves into your home on rodents and other mammals. Springtails are very small insects. They range in size from 0.25 to 6 mm. There are hundreds of springtail species in the United States and Canada. Most springtails live in damp environments such as in leaf litter and soil where they eat fungi, algae and other detritus that they find. Springtails get their name from the shape of their abdomen. Part of their abdomen forms a tail-like appendage that scientists call the furcula. Most of the time, the furcula is locked under the springtail’s body. When it is released, it causes the insect to jump. Springtails can jump several centimeters at a time.
Springtails in bed
Springtails normally live in damp soil. They eat mold and fungus. They are common in flowerbeds, under logs, paving stones and landscape timbers. Woodpiles are also a common place for springtails to hide. Springtails are attracted to excessive moisture and organic material. Springtails live and hide in dark places as they have a place like bed to live in.
Springtails extermination
Springtails do not cause damage to homes, but their presence can be disturbing as they are often found in very large numbers. They are prominently found in basements, bathrooms, and kitchens. Infestations usually occur because they are attracted to damp areas, decaying debris, and mold. Once dampness has been eliminated, springtails will leave quickly or immediately die from dehydration. Here are some tips to prevent and treat a springtail infestation:
- Repair water leaks.
- Remove wet, moldy wood or other decaying debris.
- Use a fan or increase the air circulation to dry out the area.
- Allow the soil in potted plants to dry between watering.
- Reduce mulch and debris from around the foundation of your home.
- If you are building a new home, consider Taexx, a built-in-the-wall pest control system that prevents common household pests including springtails.
Springtails infestation
Springtails become a nuisance in and around the home in the spring and summer months, appearing in shockingly large numbers in and around puddles, patios, garages, pools, and indoors in basements, sinks, and bathtubs. It may be tempting to spray a large pile of springtails on the patio or in the sink, therefore eliminating that one group and thinking this will solve the problem. Not so. You may successfully eliminate a pile of springtails in an area, only to find another pile has formed in the very same place several days later. This is because the source of the springtails-their nesting spot-is actually hidden in a less conspicuous place.
Large numbers of springtails will continue migrating from the nesting site to these smaller habitats of moisture. Springtail infestations must be attacked at the source, or you will continue to see Springtails piling up in the same places over and over.
Springtails Traps
Springtail traps, few are here to help you to treat them. If you want to deal with springtails for good or prevent them from relocating to your place, you need to minimize the moisture that accumulates in your home. The best way to do this is by enhancing air circulation. If you do not want to spend a lot on vinegar, your next best option is to wash the infested areas using detergent and water.
All you need to do is mix soap and water until bubbles or froth appears. Then, simply apply the mixture on the affected areas. The soap solution will burn and even drown large numbers of springtails. For larger droves of springtails or for best results, make sure to repeat the process several times on each infested area. Springtails are a very resilient type of infestation and using soap solution or vinegar can only do so much. If you want a stronger and faster-acting remedy, you can opt to use bleach.
