Posted on May 7, 2025

What Are Springtails?

Springtails are tiny, wingless hexapods known for their spring-like tail (called a furcula) that helps them jump several inches when disturbed. Despite their size—usually 1/16 of an inch—they often cause confusion when seen in large numbers indoors or outside.

While they are harmless to humans and pets, springtails are a nuisance and a sign of excess moisture, mold, or decaying organic matter—both indoors and outside.

Common Springtail Habitats Outdoors

Springtails thrive in damp environments , especially those with decaying vegetat ion, fungi, or moist soil. You’ll often find them:

• Along sidewalk cracks or driveway edges, especially after rain
• In mulch beds or compost piles
• Around foundation walls, downspouts, and soffits
• Near leaky outdoor faucets or irrigation systems

Their populations can explode during spring and summer, particularly in shaded, moist areas. These dense populations can migrate indoors when outdoor conditions shift—like after heavy rainfall or landscaping disturbances.

Why Are Springtails Indoors?

Springtails move indoors searching for moisture, often showing up in:

• Bathrooms and under sinks
• Basements and crawlspaces
• Window sills and sliding doors
• Around potted plants, especially with overwatering
• Wall voids with plumbing leaks or condensation

Though they don’t bite or cause structural damage, their presence indoors can be overwhelming—especially since they may appear in the hundreds.

Why Springtails Are Difficult to Control

Controlling springtails can be frustrating because:

• They reproduce quickly, especially in moist, undisturbed environments
• Killing visible springtails doesn’t address their hidden breeding sources
• They’re highly mobile and can reinfest from outdoor reservoirs
• Over-the-counter products have limited residual effectiveness

DIY Tips: What You Can Try First

If you're dealing with a minor springtail issue, here are a few tips:

✅ Reduce moisture:

• Use a dehumidifier in basements or crawl spaces
• Repair leaks under sinks or around plumbing
• Improve ventilation in bathrooms and kitchens

✅ Dry out soil:

• Avoid overwatering houseplants
• Add sand or perlite to potting mix to improve drainage

✅ Vacuum them up:

• Regular vacuuming can remove springtails from windowsills and floors
• Empty the vacuum immediately to prevent re-infestation

✅ Inspect outdoor areas:

• Replace excess mulch with gravel or stone
• Seal cracks and gaps around windows, doors, and foundation walls

But remember—DIY is often temporary if moisture issues persist.

When to Seek Professional Help

If springtails are persistent or spreading, it’s time to call a licensed pest control professional. At KEA PEST CONTROL, we:

• Inspect both indoor and outdoor sources of moisture and infestation
• Use eco-friendly or FIFRA 25(b) exempt products when appropriate
• Apply long-lasting residual treatments in harborage areas
• Help you develop a moisture management plan

Professional treatments target the entire ecosystem—not just the visible bugs.

The Importance of Preventative Pest Control

The best time to manage springtails is before they get inside. Preventative services can:

• Keep populations in mulch, driveways, and patios under control
• Stop infestations before they escalate
• Protect vulnerable areas like bathrooms, basements, and crawlspaces

Regular service also detects early signs of moisture, mold, and organic buildup—stopping future issues in their tracks.

Springtail Performs the Fastest Backflips on Earth

This video showcases the incredible jumping ability of globular springtails, highlighting their rapid backflips.
Watch on YouTube​

FAQ: Springtails in Connecticut

Q: What are those tiny jumping bugs in my bathroom?
A: Most likely springtails. They jump when disturbed and are attracted to moisture around sinks, tubs, or drains.

Q: Are springtails dangerous?
A: No, they don’t bite or damage property, but they’re a sign of excess moisture or mold.

Q: Why are there springtails on my driveway or sidewalks?
A: Springtails thrive in damp cracks, shaded concrete, and mulch lines—common along driveways and sidewalks.

Q: How long does it take to get rid of a springtail infestation?
A: It depends on the source. Minor issues can resolve in days; larger infestations may take 2–4 weeks with professional treatment.

Q: Do I need pest control for springtails?
A: If DIY methods fail or the infestation is widespread, professional pest control ensures thorough, lasting results.

Final Thoughts: Get Ahead of Springtail Infestations

Springtails are persistent, moisture-loving pests that require more than just a surface spray. Whether you're already seeing them or want to prevent a problem, KEA PEST CONTROL can help you manage them efficiently with safe, science-backed solutions.

📞 Call us today or request a free inspection and protect your home the smart way.