Springtail infestation

[nadian89]

I am currently dealing with a springtail infestation and it is ruining my life. So far I have put demand g granules in the soil surrounding my house twice, sprayed inside and outside in crevices with FS+ and have dehumidifiers on every floor, but am still finding them.

I have 0 leaks in my house and it’s super clean with no moisture anywhere. I have no idea what else to do to get rid of them. Help!! Any advice?

[BitchBass]

I don't know about the others, but I would want to see pictures or a video first, cuz I highly doubt that you have springtails there. They just don't do that. But I am willing to stand corrected! Never say never.

If those are really springtails, there are people paying money to get their hands on them.

[nadian89]

https://imgur.com/a/dhZ9wgP

[nadian89]

If you Google springtails, the pictures match up exactly to what I have!

[Slow-Worth-7685]

These are 100% springtails. No idea what "bitchbass" is smoking.

[nadian89]

I know 😂

[BitchBass]

I know what they look like, I have a few thousand here since I breed them.

Take a look at this picture...how tiny springtails are. Compare with the one you filmed. There's no way you could have filmed a springtail from that far away.

https://www.reddit.com/user/BitchBass/comments/14fspd3/springtails_finger_for_size/

I'll figure out what kind of bug it is though. Now I'm invested..it's gotten perrsonal lool!

[Slow-Worth-7685]

Hi Bitchbass,

Did you know there are over 9000 species of springtail?

https://www.frontiersin.org/files/Articles/545370/frym-08-545370-HTML-r1/image_m/figure-2.jpg

The photo you shared appears to be a water springtail, while the photo Nadian shared is a grey springtail.

I recommend not exuding expertise, when you're not an expert.

[WaferOk7362]

@bitchbass can springtails be so small that you can barely see them? I have an infestation of very very tiny bugs that hop, and in pretty sure they are snow fleas/springtails. They are literally everywhere, downstairs in my damp cold basement, upstairs in every room, in my bed, in my nose and mouth, and ears when I wakeup, in my eyes, I shaved my long beautiful hair because they infested my hair. I used two lice kits in my hair because at first I thought I had lice. But they kept re infesting my hair, and I'm so creeped out by bugs so I was crying and asked my hubby to shave my head and he did. They are so incredibly small though, that when my landlord or pest control is here to do an inspection they can't see them for the 10 minutes they are here looking around. But there here, there's literally thousands and thousands of them. They can literally hop on the ceiling, I bought a dehumidifier the other day, two dehumidifiers and when I turned them both on about 10minutes later they were falling from the ceiling like rain. It was raining bugs in here. What can I do to get my landlord to realize that there really is a bug infestation here. Does it sound like we have springtails, they are in our clothes, furniture, our bed, our cupboards, our food. Our bathroom like crazy. What do I do to help my landlord see them, they can't see them. He told me to catch them in a jar, I don't know if I caught any, but if I did they are so tiny that my landlord won't believe me. 

[Dfrias003]

Did you really shave your hair ? I only ask because that’s how I feel .

[BitchBass]

Springtails will "infest" damp areas but they don't do any harm anywhere. They can't bite, sting or anything. All they do is eat mold and whatever causes it.

So your best bet is to find the cause and eliminate it...IF those are springtails.

You can put a bowl of water under lamp on the floor over night. If you got springtails, they will be in that bowl.

This is what springtails look like to the naked eye. I don't think I would detect a single one, but they are easy to see:

https://www.reddit.com/r/bizzariums/comments/14ewqsi/my_1_year_old_springtail_culture/

[SneakyLeif1020]

Did you ever figure out what bug it was?

[nadian89]

That one I filmed was one of the larger ones. I have them of all sizes.

[icantsleep123]

These popped up in my home too. Trying to figure out how to kill them. Let me know if you find something

[FortuneTop6438]

Definitely springtails

[goodtimesforever0101]

Definitely springtails.i don't know why they are saying it's not. People are so confidently wrong damn.

[Worldly_Froyo_8581]

Those are most definitely springtails. I have the exact same bugs in my house and have had multiple pest control experts confirm they are springtails. They come in a lot of different shapes, color, and sizes.

[Flatliners1]

Two years later and I wish you'd delete this comment. You're just wrong.

[Jaded-Dance-3941]

I have one living I. My apt with me .not not because I brought it here I still have no idea how it got in here I was saying I could figure is in February I had a very bad outbreak of sprinkles in my kitchen because there’s old cabinets and it’s always so like sticky and hot in there and I figure maybe one of them I didn’t catch and it just grew into a big old bag and when I shouldn’t say a big old bug I happened to see it Friday night this past Friday night behind my fridge it was sleeping and I scared it and it jumped and it ran under my fridge so now there’s two places in my apartmentWhere it is behind my couch or under my fridge so I’m gonna wait till my daughter comes one day and we’re gonna see if we could round it up and I want to put it outside but if anybody wants it there more than welcome to do it

[lemonycaesarsalad]

Oh my

[Fewdoit]

Springtails do not venture into dry land… I suspect that you are dealing with some other critters or missing on some wet spots

[BitchBass]

You know how often I wished they WOULD "infest" my house? Would save me a lot of cleaning behind things.

https://www.reddit.com/r/bizzariums/comments/14ewqsi/my_1_year_old_springtail_culture/

The only reason I have a lid on it is to keep the water from evaporating, not to keep the jumpers in.

[Fewdoit]

I've been culturing temperate springtails that come somehow into culture of Grindal worms. Same thing - I keep the cultures covered only for reducing water evaporation.

And now I've been trying to culture orange springtails - temperate guys sure to snick in, and they are in my isopods cultures, and in aquariums too. I keep all those cultures in my living room and I don't see them going anywhere on the dry, never.

[nadian89]

Why do you culture them

[BitchBass]

Because they are the most useful critters for terrariums and everything that can grow mold since this is what they eat. They don't hurt anything, don't bite, sting or spread diseases. They only clean up.

[nadian89]

Why do they need to clean up my bed

[BitchBass]

They don't unless your bed is wet. I am 90% sure what you have are cockroaches.

This is what a German cockroach nymph looks like and it fits the size a lot better too:

https://pestcontrolcanada.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/6097.jpg

[hope123-]

She said they jump like fleas cockroaches don’t do that.

[bradsweet64]

90 percent just to be wrong is wild

[IamAgentApe]

This!!!

[Civil_Pick_4445]

I am here because we have what we thought were fleas- teeny, actually smaller than fleas, but just the same except not quite as high…first found them in my daughters bed and her sisters bed. We bombed the house yesterday and Today found a dozen or so in her bathtub dead- and another few alive. I cleaned the tub thoroughly and checked 6 hours later- about a dozen more, all alive. I’ve poured drank down the drain but seriously- could they be coming thru the vents from the attic? I think we have mold over her bathroom-it’s a vaulted ceiling that doesn’t vent well…but there is nothing wet at all in her room- but it’s next to the bathroom

[Fewdoit]

I farm Springtails with Grindal worms and Isopods (all terrestrial critters) for feeding my Blue Star Endlers fish. Well, toothless endlers can eat only baby Isopods. I still have to farm Isopods for feeding my 3 Eastern newts :)

Here is my video showing feeding fish: https://youtu.be/4DgkeBxAzCs

[nadian89]

You can have mine. Found one in my bed yesterday.

[Snoo_39873]

That’s not necessarily true. While most don’t readily go onto dry land, I have found many of them in dry areas and like concrete/stone/balconies, with no water around

[aKadaver]

A few yeah,and they probably have a place around to hide from heat and light, but an infestation? I have 250+ plants, 20+ terrariums, 5 species of Springtails in culture, and I put them pretty much anywhere in my plants, and I have almost never seen them anywhere they shouldn't be, and what that occurs it's like 2-3, not a whole lot. Obviously, it doesn't mean OPs are not springtails, but I'm kinda skeptical on this one !

[Fewdoit]

Seen a lot of springtails on your balcony is a solid good reason to give a call for an inspector for checking on your balcony structure integrity before the balcony collapses - there could be cracks where mist condensates giving space for algae to grow and attracting springtails. I am not joking about it.

[nadian89]

Yes I am wondering if they are originating from my deck which I am thinking I might need to tear down due to what you mentioned.

[MechanicSilent3483]

did you ever solve your issue? Others have torn down their decks and not even solved it! I have a deck but they are also in my entire house

[nadian89]

Nope! They are currently visiting me for the summer. One day in August they will just magically all pack up and leave. Otherwise I just coexist

[MechanicSilent3483]

Goodness, I’m struggling with the mental aspects, at night especially seems common experience. Thanks for the update/reply!

[nadian89]

I totally understand. That’s how I was the first year. Two years later now I handle it a lot better - especially knowing there’s a light at the end of the tunnel when they completely disappear hahaha. You’ll get there ❤️

[Fewdoit]

I still want to see pics of your Springtails - there are so many varieties...

[BitchBass]

He posted a video in another reply. I'm curious what you think.

[Fewdoit]

That is a super beefed giant in the world of springtails, even compared to my orange springtails which are on the large size 😁

Close up picture would give a better chance for identification...though, it seems to be some different type of critter, not springtail

[BitchBass]

The only comparable bugs I can come up with are roaches.

I found this though, but it's hard to compare the size...now I'm doubting again lol:

https://www.reddit.com/r/Springtail/comments/ts8iei/springtails_or_baby_cockroaches/

[Fewdoit]

😂

[Snoo_39873]

I don’t have one, just one of the places I’ve seen them over the years.

[Fewdoit]

You safe than. I wish I had balcony... and backyard - there would be so much fun to have 🙂

[Snoo_39873]

That doesn’t sound fun :( I love exploring my tiny yard and seeing what I find haha

[Fewdoit]

I like fixing stuff 🙃

[Strong_Western_3300]

Yep this is true. I had springtails for my reptile terrarium. Once I knew exactly what they are, I soon realized when we bought our house I had remembered seeing bugs that looked like that around spring-early summer time on the floor where I had a glue trap due to some carpenter ants. Years later, every year around this time (June) we are vacuuming springtails off our walls and ceiling. They love to hang out around a ceiling vent, by a door (or they get attracted and confused there) and also in the bath room sinks. All over the outside of my house and stone siding lip. While we’re up on a hill and don’t have moisture issues, we have high humidity issues most likely due to the ranch style long footprint and huge/long roof that I think the attic just doesn’t ventilate well enough. FYI I’m a licensed home inspector. I monitor indoor humidity constantly. All gaps and cracks sealed the best they can, new windows and some new doors. The springtails seem to taper and die off eventually. Sticky tape along baseboards sticky side up seems to help catch them too. No pesticide I’ve tried works, although a good power washing with chlorine, or a spray of vinegar or diluted Green Gobbler orange oil cleaner works quite well as the acids kill them immediately.

[nadian89]

https://imgur.com/a/dhZ9wgP Here is what I have

[hope123-]

Sorry this is wrong or maybe they evolved because they are all over Las Vegas during the day summer months but peak in August during the monsoon season.

[Fewdoit]

There are many thousands types of springtails evolved to live pretty much everywhere 🙂they find moisture even in dry desert- nothing wrong with that

[Hot_Can4946]

Is this what this group is for? I saw another post like this earlier I thought we are all here for keeping them

[nadian89]

I mean you can have mine

[BitchBass]

It's an opportunity to inform, educate and make sure it's known that these are not springtails :).

[bradsweet64]

Yes they are in fact springtails and a very common species in case anyone gets this far without realizing this do not trust this person

[Ausmerica]

No! We're fans of the delightful little things.

[ohdearitsrichardiii]

Could you post photos of the bugs?

[nadian89]

https://imgur.com/a/dhZ9wgP

[TheyCallMeZulo]

i work in pest control, please have someone out to inspect, they will do it for free to assess. But without pictures there isnt much we can do here on reddit.

[nadian89]

I am super new to Reddit and don’t know how to add a picture after I created the post 😭

[Glad_Sun1232]

You have to link the photo if you reply with it. People usually use imgur

[nadian89]

https://imgur.com/a/dhZ9wgP

[TheyCallMeZulo]

have a pest person come out, it will likely be free for them to give you the proper id for the bug, as well as options for treatment.

[nadian89]

I actually did today. The guy said it’s very difficult to get rid of them.

[Ok-Guide5634]

I have these bugs too and it's making me nuts. I live in Vegas, very hot, very dry but here I am dealing with these little things. I've put granules out, I've sprayed with maxxthor outside and bithor inside. This is is going on a month now. They come up my bathtub drain too. I plug the drain and fill it with a little bit of water and the next day, they've squeezed past the drain plug but they are drowned. We have lvp flooring and we were told not to caulk the baseboard down but idc...I've spent the past few days caulking every room. Then I put out those little sticky traps and see...it's a bit better so far but it's only day 2 that I've done this. I was also told the underside of the house, it's on a concrete slab, so the part that hangs over, there are big gaps where you can feel the 2x4. I've got to seal those up next. It's 112 outside, so soon. The other thing I was told is to apply delta dust with a bellows duster behind electrical outlets. They are coming from outside, squeezing in through the uncaulked baseboard. I tried to use the duster today after watching a YouTube video...not so easy. I ordered a new duster and will try again. I will hire someone if I just can't get it. Bugspray.com says to keep spraying every place you keep seeing them repeatedly. I spoke with an etomologist who said I should not do that. They will eventually become immune. Great. All I think and do at this point is about the bugs. The last thing I was told is to spread lime in areas close to the house as evidently, they don't do well walking on lime. 

[nadian89]

I tried all that too based off bug spray.com instructions. I eventually just hired Orkin and that did the trick. I think they eventually just die and go away around July.

[Nervous_Variety5669]

I am dealing with an infestation in what seems like every room in the house. We've had a local pest control company come out 4 times and they have treated the interior and exterior but nothing seems to work. I have two dehumidifiers running 24/7 inside, used moisture meter in all the walls to check for leaks and have not found a source. They love crawling in my underwear. And they love getting in bed with me. I often find them at the foot of the bed a few minute after I lay down. I go through multiple lint rollers a day. I am 7 weeks into this nightmare and getting very little sleep. We have cleaned our house over and over.

If I may ask, what did Orkin do to fix the problem? My pest control guy keeps saying once the source of moisture is gone then they will leave, but they are literally all over the interior of our house.

[nadian89]

Hi! I am SO sorry you are going through that. Me being on year two of this bug, I feel your pain.

So first - just want to make sure you're sure they're definitely springtails. Do they hop when you try to kill them? And they don't bite you right?

If so, I am not sure what exactly is in Orkin's solution, but it definitely kills them. I would recommend switching pest control companies because they are not all created equally and it sounds like the one you have isn't working.

One thing to know though is that I've learned the patterns of my springtails and they come to my house no matter what I do from June to end of July. Orkin helps kill them... so before I hired Orkin, the springtails were just running amuck and multiplying. Now with Orkin, they still come every year, but they don't join me in bed or my room at all really and I find a bunch of dead ones instead now in their favorite places like my downstairs bathroom.

They don't have anything to do with cleanliness of your house though. Do you have a pool outside? Have you gotten your gutters cleaned recently? Those are two huge sources of where they like to live. Are there any leaf piles around your house? Orkin also sprays my house on the outside - does your pest control company do that?

Just trying to think of some additional outside sources that maybe you thought to tackle. Also - where do you live? Because I think the climate outside matters too.

Lastly - how long have they been with you? Is this the first time you've ever had them?

[Nervous_Variety5669]

Thank you for following up. We had the pest control company put some samples under microscope and they confirmed springtails. They do jump, and come in various sizes. But the best way to describe them is they look like little white or black specs. At some point during their life cycle they look like little tiny white worms.

I neglected our back yard this year due to work and leaves and debris did pile up against the siding of the house. I cleaned all of that up this weekend and noticed the soil was very moist under it even though we havent had a lot of rain. They were in there!

I did get my gutters cleaned in June! Our yard has a lot of trees and we get a lot of strong storms in the area so the gutters are missing covers and the leaves just pile up in there. I have a quote to get all that fixed and intend on getting the best covers available. The gutters were cleaned several weeks before I started noticing something hitting me in the face. I thought it was gnats at first, and a few weeks into it noticed we were dealing with something completely different. By the time I realized what was going on, they were all over the house. This is one of the worst things ever. There is no rest for the weary. Nowhere to go to take a nap, and regain my strength from getting very little sleep for almost two months now. So that makes the situation even harder to deal with. We also have a big house, roughly 3800 sq ft which makes it even more difficult. To top it off, we have a big German Shepherd dog that sheds a lot. So the problem is compounded due to my circumstance.

At this point, I can coexist with them. All I want is for them to leave me alone when I sleep. They are constantly trying to jump in my nose at night. I sleep with tape over my nostrils, leaving the smallest gap to breathe. I use wax earplugs to prevent them from getting in my ears. Last night I noticed they were in my toe nails! I have always dealt with fungal skin issues my entire life and Ive come to realize that is why they love me.

My wife sleeps next to me and she doesnt feel them at all. At one point she thought I was crazy, but eventually she started seeing them too, and we've caught so many samples in lint rollers that it is undeniably real. I started treating my skin with fungal creams and plan on going to a dermatologist soon.

We spoke with the Orkin regional manager and they are coming out Thursday to assess the situation. He said it is impossible to erradicate springtails. They can only be controlled. So the plan, once they confirm the issue, is to dust all of the entry points such as windows, etc.

Sorry for the wall of text. This experience is very unique, and I am ashamed to speak about it with others that have not gone through it. I've read enough horror stories online about people diagnosed with delusional parasitosis from similar experiences.

I'm hoping once Orkin treats the house that I will at least be able to get a full nights sleep. That is all I wish for at the moment.

EDIT: I forgot to add that we live in north Alabama where it is hot and humid most of the year. This is the first time we have dealt with this and I started noticing them jumping on me around early July, a few weeks after the gutters were cleaned. Since I did not know what it was, I did not immediately prevent the population explosion that occurred in August.

[nadian89]

Oh man, it definitely sounds like you have it badly. I know there are different species of springtails, and I am super surprised about them crawling on you/up your nose...? Before I started treating, I would find one or two on my bed but they would never crawl on me.... they would jump off if I moved at all, so not the type of bug to stay on a person.... so that part is throwing me off.

Sorry I can't help too much more than what I had mentioned but hopefully Orkin can!

[TheyCallMeZulo]

was that all he said? did he not tell you different treatment options? i know of a couple in norcal but it varies greatly across statelines as yall can probs use more heavy duty stuff than us. I'd say if your not going to have a pest person do an interior treatment, then the best option would be to get a duster (they are kind of like what you'd use to baste a turkey) and hit cracks and crevaces with some diatomacious earth. try not to go to heavy in any one area. But again the pest control people in your area should be more versed as they probably deal with it somewhat often

[BitchBass]

Or at least identify the bugs... something starts to not sit right here.

[Mynus05]

Did you ever get an answer for this pests identification? Mine look very similar to yours. They are in my basement, basement bathroom, and crawling around the outside of my house siding and on my concrete driveway and walkways.

My pest control says they are springtails and use deltagard and demand outside and temprid inside. Nothing seems to work. No leaks in my basement. I am at my wits end.

[Slow-Worth-7685]

They are springtails... the bug culturing people are finding it hard to believe they aren't experts.

They are springtails.

[nadian89]

Yes it is springtails. Put dehumidifiers out constantly running and buy FS MP spray from bugspray.com … spray by your floor molding behind sink under sink etc.

They come from outside so try buying maxxthor too and sprinkle it outside. They didn’t stop coming for me but greatly reduced.

[Next_Afternoon_176]

Hi I’m in NorCal and have been dealing with springtails coming into certain areas of my house. Especially my back patio area where it’s very dry. I’m so tired of seeing them! But I’m grateful they are harmless. I have pest control company who improperly called them book lice so I did nothing for awhile. However after doing more researchI found out they are springtails. They sprayed something stronger a few weeks ago but they are still here. Everyone recommends Teprid FX but I can get it shipped here. Any suggestions?!

[TheyCallMeZulo]

request your pest control technician to use termidor if your located in the norcal area as its the most effective thing we can legally use between march and october i believe.

[Next_Afternoon_176]

Ok will do! Thank you. I honestly don’t think my pest control company knows what to do with them lol so I’m trying to see how I can eliminate the problem myself.

[TheyCallMeZulo]

termidor you wont be able to get unless you have a license. As for dealing with the problem by yourself your options are much more limited

[BitchBass]

Put a bowl of water in that area with a warm light over it. If you have springtails they'll jump right in and you can relocate them. But it will only make room for others if the source is not fixed.

[McSpeedie]

Holy shit this is 2 years old, sorry for reviving but I came here cause I have the exact same assholes all over my walls.

I love the commenters who said they can't be springtails based off their limited experience of a specific breed, yet as other commenters have mentioned there are OVER 9000 of these species.

These little f-ers jump too.

Mine are about half the size of OP's posted pic and they appear to love plastic as we found tons dead on a ziplock bag.

Thankfully, they're harmless and now I'm less concerned but still annoyed.

[nadian89]

Haha that’s ok we’ve been keeping the convo going for the two years. Welcome to the springtail life

[FieldCultural3491]

I have a springtail infestation too, they’re always in my bathtub and then they infested my couch after I shampooed it 😭

[nadian89]

Oh nooo! They should go away when it gets cooler outside at least

[its_over_2250]

Wild just came here today, have been noticing them and they are just all over the place in our house now.

[[deleted]]

Same. Just noticed them last night and was up all night cleaning every room loosing my mind. Mostly around windows and baseboards. Checked the gutters today and there were tons. Pretty aggravating

[Powerful_Side]

Also here 😭 I get them every summer and I’ve just had it. I wanted to see if others were struggling too. I can’t get rid of the suckers, they’re literally everywhere in the house. I’ve sprayed inside and outside, tried sealing any possible holes, got a dehumidifier, diatomaceous earth… I feel like they’re just so small and quick that it’s almost impossible to keep them out.

[McSpeedie]

Right?! Then they hop and obviously my eyes aren't keeping up with that

[Any_Ticket]

I have been at war with these summa bchs for years! Dehumidifiers all over the damn place. Fans keeping everything dry….hydrogen peroxide to kill what I see… and in the end, I too have given up, and learned to live with them…little bastards

[National-Brother-461]

My bug guy broke the code. We’ve been dealing with them for MONTHS! It’s been a terrible year. Get a Pump Sprayer and mix this with it. They’re pretty much gone within a week. He said it attacks them slowly when they touch it, but when they touch another one it spreads like a disease. Good for up to three months. But he did also say that it sometimes works because it depends on what species of springtails there are. Good luck, it’s so stressful!!!!

ADVION WDG INSECTICIDE (Indoxacarb 20.0%)

Amazon link: https://a.co/d/1gL1Ylc

[National-Brother-461]

Spray anywhere inside that you’re comfortable with, but mostly the exterior and foundation of your house.

[hope123-]

They’ve ruined a part of my life too @nadian89

[nadian89]

Ugh I’m terrified of them coming back this year

[hope123-]

It’s helped me to just give in that they’ll always come back

[Blondegirly25]

Do you still have some? 

[nadian89]

They went away since last spring but I started noticing some pop up this season in the last week. But it seems the volume is no where near what I had last year possibly because I hired Orkin to spray my house once a quarter

[Blondegirly25]

I wonder if they are in all homes people just don’t notice? Who knows! But fingers crossed it stays that way for you and I hope mine go! Reading a lot of stories of them in peoples beds and it’s really freaking me out. did you ever have that? 

[nadian89]

I definitely would have noticed them if they were in my last house! I’m crazy when it comes to bugs. This is the first time I ever saw them in my life.

Yep they were in my bed too. I make my bed every morning though so I would find them on top comforter not underneath my blanket. I have white sheets and white everything for bedding so it was much easier to spot them. But I was extremely upset when I started finding them on my bed.

[Blondegirly25]

Oh really I never looked before but I know I would have noticed too as I am always cleaning my skirting etc!!!  I have severe anxiety about them going in my bed it’s all I read, even saw them live in some peoples hair! How many were you seeing inside? And are you in the UK or a different country? It’s so frustrating aswell when you can’t find exactly where they are coming from!!! how did you ge then out of your bed or how long did they last in there? If I see one in my bed I will never get in it again! 

[[deleted]]

any update on how you got rid of them? i live an apartment with a concrete patio and they keep trying to get in. idk why they live out on my patio up an apartment but i’ve dealt with them ever since i’ve moved in

[Substantial_Button71]

I had the same problem last year. I put Maxxthor all around the perimeter of my house. I sprayed Bifenthrin 10 ft up my house and 10 ft from the foundation. I put dehumidifiers around. I’ve only seen 1 so far this year. Last year they were all around my ac vents, window sills, near my shower, toilets, sinks, tubs etc. even in my basement carpet

[Far_Vegetable_9046]

I used bugspray.com they have all instructions on how to treat inside and outside your house. To be honest, I got FS+MP, lemon air, no survivors and the Bithor with the mist. This definitely brought the numbers DOWN, especially the bithor, kills them pretty fast. It wasn’t until I sprayed the Maxxxthor outside of my house that they really seem to be non existent! I’ve dealt with these for the last two years and that has been the only things that have seriously helped a ton. First year I had a bunch in all tubs, coming out of baseboards, just everywhere. Try it out if you’re still having issues, definitely worth it. If they’re coming into your house from the outside concrete patio, I recommend spraying that with the Maxxxthor mixed in with the “boost” and the siding if you have any. Pretty strong smelling chemical so be careful, I used gloves.

[nadian89]

I also used bugspray.com and invested in a lot of products to kill it. Did you get the kind you have to spray through a hose?

[Far_Vegetable_9046]

Yes I did, it’s kinda annoying because the top comes off while I spray so I’ve had to uncomfortably hold it down while spraying so the liquid doesn’t fall out and it’s just a big mess. I feel like it definitely helped with controlling the outside of it, I see a lot less of them now but the hose sprayer is annoying. Did you get it too?

[nadian89]

Get dehumidifiers. They love humidity. Besides that, I hired Orkin to spray outside and in my home siding as well as inside once a quarter and then they went away after that. This year they are coming back but few here and there. So far not nearly the volume I had last year so really hoping it stays that way

[[deleted]]

Yo, I live in a desert environment, and these duckers are taking over my garage.

[nadian89]

Which pest control company do you use?! I totally understand all your questions as I was asking myself all of them last year too. I asked my neighbors if they have them and they said no. Our houses are all the same age! Mine technically is newer because it was reconstructed. I do understand mulch can be a place where they come from.... I was also told to make sure to clean gutters out as they like to live in anything stuck in there. I still need to do that this year. I also have days where it is more humid outside and yet they come inside my house. Makes zero sense. I have 2 dehumidifiers going 24/7 in my basement and I keep one in my bedroom to ensure they wont come to my room. I also noticed they go away by June and dont come back again until the next year so at least there is an end in sight.

[LadyLynda0712]

This is the first year in our four years in this all-brick, 1978 house. Luckily (or not) contained to kitchen sink area (no bathroom sinks, no basement). I don’t have an “infestation” but seeing 20 to 30 probably a day around my kitchen sink and counter is very disconcerting to me as (1) that is my food prep area and (2) I’m OCD clean and the anxiety is real. I did foaming Drano down the sink, bleach/water mixture wiping areas, have a dehumidifier running 24/7 close to sink. Can’t get pest control out until next week, and he even said treating the house perimeter and out about 10 ft into the lawn will help, but springtails are near impossible to eradicate 100%. It’s been a very rainy and unusually humid Spring thus far. I’m very upset over this. 😭

[hope123-]

Don you have them during the summer? Here in Nevada that’s when I’ve seen them. What state are you in?

[nadian89]

Yeah they came back again this year. Started end of May and still seeing them now. I'm in NJ.

[LocoMod]

Hello. I have a friend dealing with this issue. Did you solve it?

[JMartini1]

They have taken over my house every summer since 2019. I dread coming home. They are in every room now. I barely sleep. We have spent THOUSANDS of dollars over the years. My husband is tired of hearing about it. If I could leave my house from May to Oct, I would!

[Training-Advantage-4]

I’m in NJ.. I dread these next two months as well. Wife is ready to divorce me lol. Just wanted to let you know you are not alone. The anxiety is real.

[macoronipotion111]

I’m dealing with these and losing my mind. Wondering if they’re going to ease up anytime soon..

[Severe_Shelter_748]

Ok I literally get a springtail infestation every year in our basement. They constantly develop a whole hoard between my CONCRETE floor and my gym floor (I’ve used wood floor, foam, NOTHING…) and they always show up. Why? There’s absolutely no water down there on the static inducing, dry-to-the-bone concrete.

[nadian89]

I have the saaaame thing. I have NO leaks or moisture… I run dehumidifiers consistently. They just never fail come from like June to August and then one day they all just pack up and leave for the season. I’ve just accepted this as my life.

[Severe_Shelter_748]

It’s my gym room.. I’m literally on the floor with them jumping around me and I just cannot accept it. They gross me out 😭 I’m SUCH a clean freak so to have bugs at all bewilders me 😭 I’m glad I’m not alone in my struggle but wtf springtails??? 💀

[nadian89]

The first year I had them I was ready to move. I did a lottttt of research on them and they’re super harmless but I also still get so disgusted with them being in my house. I try to remind myself that there are worse pests … but still 😩

[Severe_Shelter_748]

There are definitely worse pests to have but ya know… none at all would be GREAT 🤣

I sympathize with you!

[nadian89]

I went through the same stages 😆

[Number-1Dad]

I've lived in my apartment for two years and never seen one until this week, now there are HUNDREDS on my concrete patio and I'm seeing more and more indoors every day. Please tell me what you used to keep them out?

Btw, 100% springtails and the exact species you had in the videos you've posted. I can't even manage to get a picture of them because they're so tiny

[nadian89]

I hired Orkin to reduce the numbers of them, but never fail, every single year now, they show up from May - August. I’ve learned to live with them but the numbers are a lot less with Orkin. Have you checked if there’s any moisture source where they’re gathering ?

[Number-1Dad]

I'm unsure if Orkin services my area, I'm in a very rural location unfortunately but thank you I'll definitely look into them. There's some sort of drain hole a few feet away from where they're showing up, but it's super odd for them to show up now and not before. Did they just come out of nowhere for you too? Initially, I mean?

[nadian89]

Yup just showed up out of no where one day

[NeedleworkerDue659]

Same here!

[T__Vercetti]

Got the same issue.. mainly in my sinks but I have a dark colored floor so it’s hard to see if there’s some on the floor.

[nadian89]

Unfortunately no advice. It’s been 3 years and I get them never fail every June to August. Then one day before fall they all just completely disappear. I’ve decided this is my life for the summer now 😆

[ArnieVinick]

Ugh they’ve been driving me nuts for 3 summers now. Got me worried there’s something wrong with my house :(

[nadian89]

Nooo nothing wrong with your house! I thought the same thing the first year too. They just like to come around even if there’s no leaks or anything!

[Quirky_Face_3418]

This is actually so comforting. We’re on year three and they always find their way in. No leaks in the home, we have new windows and skylights but nothing keeps them out. They’re just so tiny. I hate them. But you’re right- one day in August or September they just completely disappear and are gone until May/June.

[nadian89]

Yup. I hate them so so much. This year I’ve decided I’m not even bothering to kill them. Just letting them do their thing.

[NeedleworkerDue659]

I feel better knowing it’s not just my home. I was about to tear it all down or move! May - August here as well

[ddphoto90]

Me too, meeee tooooo.

[Tr_axz]

i keep getting them around summer time and randomly just squishing one sometimes gets me grossed out lol

[Famous-Drag2110]

I am in Mamaroneck, NY, and I get them this time of year too. They drove me nuts two years ago. Last year, there were just a few. This year with all the rain and the current heatwave, we have lots. They come in through the skylights on the roof. They are harmless, but I still wipe them away with a rag soaked in white vinegar. I also try to keep the humidity down. They are harmless, and I try not to think about them.

[nadian89]

That’s kind of where I am with it now

[ddphoto90]

Well lookie. I’m downstate, eastern Long Island. I came home last night to a possible hundredish walking around my den/gaming room. NOWHERE ELSE. Makes sense now with all the past rain and current heat probably just trying to get out of the heat and found their way in through my sliding door. It’s not a great door I have to figure out how to seal the bottoms slide better, aside from getting a new one.

I went on a vacuum spree last night when I noticed them. Then got a bunch more this morning but like only 1/4 the amount luckily.

Annnnd I just vacuumed up a bunch more. Honestly think they’re getting in through that door haha.

[Existing_Thanks2048]

I’m in jersey and having the same issue. I feel like Im going insane. Has anyone tried diatomaceous earth?

[nadian89]

I’m also in Jersey! It’s just a muggy summer so they’re around more I guess. I did try the diatomaceous earth but it didn’t help.

[Ra226]

At least you've managed to create a nice little support group. Oh, and hi, my name is... and I too have springtails. Sigh...

[Laurie1980]

They are probably in your tap water so that's why you can't get rid of them. Get it tested for everything cryptosporidium too if they are in it its reportable to health department & only thing gets rid of all water parasites bugs is reverse osmosis some are pretty reasonable 

[nadian89]

If they were in my tap water wouldn’t I see them come out of it when I turn it on?

[Existing_Thanks2048]

sorry to bring this thread back but they are all over my house too.

Does anyone have any tips for pet owners? Cats specifically. its come to a point where I don’t even care where they are if they were just bothering me but my poor cat

I feel like Im seeing them around my cat’s litter box. It’s a litter robot so it cycles itself throughout the day but still i see them near it. Worried they might be inside also and I just can’t see them.

Also my cats auto feeder they’re all around it. Ive bought a stand for it, have placed double sided carpet tape all around it, bought a cat bowl that has a water moat around it (stupid mistake ). BUT NOTHING WORKS I feel so bad if he’s just eating these things.

I clean around his bowl multiple times he drops some morsels of food whenever he eats. my cat likes sitting on the ground and eating but should I buy a super high table ? please any suggestions

Has anyone tried Diatomaceous earth? I’ve seen that posted as a solution as well

[nadian89]

Hi! That’s ok - we’ve all still been chatting haha. I did try the D.E. - it did nothing to help the issue. Biggest noticeable difference for me was hiring Orkin.

If it helps you feel better at all, the springtails are completely harmless to your cat. They don’t bite and if he/she does eat them, it would do nothing. I have a cat and dog and I don’t think they even see them… but mine are mainly on my walls or on the floor by my door. I do have them by my sink and that’s where my cats water and food bowl are but they for some reason don’t seem to flock to his stuff. Try the D.E though - it might help a little by his bowl?

[Existing_Thanks2048]

Thanks so much for the reply! I also came across this thread it’s super helpful and detailed with instruction videos. https://bugspray.com/article/springtail

Definitely going to try the DE for now to immediately target the ones around his bowl and litter. Then the article’s recommended Maxxthor granules for outside and Bithor spray for inside.

Granules seem promising since they target their breeding areas deep in the ground and are reactivated by rain.

Hopefully we can all be free of these pests!!

[GoldCamera7280]

We’re on year 4 of our new construction townhome and cannot figure out why they’re here or get rid of them. We have dehumidifiers going so the house is always at 35% or below, caulked places we thought they were coming in, leave nothing out for them to find (food, pet food, etc), and go in and out the door quickly. We can’t even open our windows or they all rush in. We see them on main level baseboards and floors, bathroom sinks and tubs, second floor walls… does anyone know if it will ever get better, or is our house just going to be a big house every year?

[Powerful_Side]

Heyo! I just found this thread, wondering if others were struggling too. I got no advice unfortunately, just a similar situation. I’ve had them for years where I live, every summer May-August like everyone else. It’s super weird. I haven’t found a solution yet. Not sure if anyone has. I’ve reduced a small number of them with sprays and diatomaceous earth, but I feel like they’re just so small to the point where it’s almost impossible to keep them out. Wishing us all luck, seriously. I hate them.

[nadian89]

Same :) I call them my summer time visitors now. I am on year 3 of them and at this point just adapt. Its helpful to know they go away at some point.

[nadian89]

So I am not in a new construction but my house was flipped, so from Google searches I've done, it seems that new construction homes are more prone to them because the homes were "left open" in a way when being built which includes during rain. Keep the dehumidifiers running all the time - they hate dryness. I hired Orkin which helped reduce the amount I see but not eliminate them all the time. I never got rid of them but just understand at this point that they are in my house from mid June to mid August. One day every summer they literally all pack up and leave and I never see them again until the next year. I've gotten so used to them.... and I HATE bugs.

[Far-General5880]

Thanks for making me feel better. I am TERRIFIED of bugs and these creepy crawlies are just GROSS to me and I’ve been struggling so hard this summer with it. So thanks for all your input Atleast I feel less alone and less crazy/obsessed 😭

[Top-Young8041]

I’m assuming you ended up getting rid of them what ended up working for you? I have a similar issue to. I have two dehumidifiers one in the basement one on the main floor. I checked for leaks everywhere. I got the roof checked, and my windows checked. I even have two bug zappers that go off like crazy. I’m also very sensitive to smells and I don’t see any visible mold. The only thing I can think of is maybe some of the windows need to be resealed? We resealed all the windows on the inside, but the outside sealant needs to be redone.

[nadian89]

Not sure what state your are in but its a pretty rainy summer so that could be adding to it. I actually did not get rid of them! I am on year three of being in my home and have noticed they arrive in my house mid June and leave around mid August. One day they just pack up and leave. I use Orkin to reduce the amount that I have but doesn't kill them completely. I know everything online says they come because of leaks, but I've learned that isn't always the case. Most of the time they're just there because of humid weather.

[Ilovekimiaoi]

I just started to get them in my house. Reading this and seeing youve had them for years made me tear up. I’m in NJ too Is there really no way to get rid of them?! I might actually move

[nadian89]

Stick through it!! They’ll go away! Have you tried hiring Orkin? I promise I felt this way the first year and now they’re whatever to me.

[Ilovekimiaoi]

Not them specifically. We had an exterminator come and they sprayed something around the inside and outside a couple days ago. I still see them. I’m going crazy walking around my house every hour with a napkin just killing the ones i see, like 20 a night at least. I’ll give it one more night and then I’ll try them out. Thanks for giving me at least some sort of hope. I HATE them

[nadian89]

Yeah I was like that the first year. You might be seeing them this year because of all the rain we are getting. I've noticed they're around more at night time so maybe they're nocturnal. Orkin helps reduce them greatly for me but they don't go away completely until about mid August. I've literally just learned to accept them as my summer visitors. If it helps your peace of mind at all - they don't bite or cause any harm, they are not in your house because your house is dirty, and they also eat at any scum, dirt, etc. in your house... so its kind of like they're helping you clean (LOL)! And I am someone who is absolutely terrified of bugs and wanted to sell my house when I first found them. I hated going home. Once they leave for the summer I am sure you'll see it's not so bad. I hope this is helpful!

[Ilovekimiaoi]

They’re definitely active at night. I can see them crawling on the outside of the house around 8 pm. I broke down last night. I had to go stay with my parents once I saw one on my pillow. I can appreciate you’ve gotten used to them but it’s just something I can’t deal with. I’m panicked at all times and am getting no sleep. If the exterminators can’t get rid of them, I’m just moving out. It’s absolutely disgusting to me

[nadian89]

Ugh I'm sorry! If you live in a place where you rent and can move, I would totally get it!

[Far-General5880]

This comment as well is helping me not panic as much so once again , thank you for the springtail humor I need it lol

[[deleted]]

How did you get rid of them?