Tiny jumpers point to a damp spot
Springtails don’t bite or damage your home, but they always mean moisture is building somewhere, and that’s what to fix.
Tiny.
Most are about the size of a pinhead or smaller, gray, white or black, and they pop into the air when disturbed.
Damp lovers.
They live where moisture and mold build up, from tubs to potted plants to mulch beds.
The fix.
Drying out the source is what makes springtails go away and stay away.
Springtails are tiny, wingless bugs that jump when disturbed and live wherever moisture builds up. You’ll spot them around tubs, sinks, floor drains, damp basements, window sills and overwatered houseplants. They don’t bite, sting or damage your home. They feed on mold and decaying plant matter.
If you already have one of our home pest control plans, tell your tech where you see them. Coverage for springtails depends on the situation, so call 913-735-5451 and we’ll tell you what fits your home. Here’s how to identify them and dry out the source.
What do springtails look like?
Springtails are usually no bigger than a pinhead and gray, white, brown or black. They have a tiny tail-like part folded under the body that snaps down and flings them into the air.
That jump is the giveaway. Clusters on a wet floor can look like pepper or dust until they start popping around.
Why do I have springtails in my house?
You have springtails because something in or near your home stays damp. Leaks, condensation, wet mulch and overwatered plants all give them a place to breed.
Common sources include:
- Leaky pipes under sinks and around toilets
- Wet basement floors, floor drains and sump areas
- Window sills with condensation
- Houseplant soil that stays soggy
- Thick, wet mulch against the foundation
They often come in from outside after heavy rain. Our post on bugs inside after rain explains why. Our guide to bugs in the bathroom covers other damp room pests.
How do you get rid of springtails?
Remove the moisture and springtails die off. Spraying without fixing the damp spot only buys a short break.
- Fix leaks and run exhaust fans after showers.
- Use a dehumidifier in damp basements.
- Let houseplant soil dry between waterings.
- Pull mulch back from the foundation and keep gutters clear.
- Vacuum the ones you see.
Our guide to landscaping for pest prevention shows how to keep beds from holding water against the house.
Are springtails a sign of a bigger problem?
Springtails are a moisture alarm, not a structural pest. A large, steady population can point to a leak, mold or water getting into walls or floors.
If they keep coming back after you dry things out, have the area checked. Our basement pests guide covers other bugs that show up with damp conditions.
Other tiny bugs show up around moisture too. See booklice, fungus gnats and clover mites.
Seeing tiny jumping bugs you can’t track down? Call 913-735-5451, answered 24/7, or schedule online. Most services can be scheduled same day.
Frequently Asked Questions
No, springtails don’t bite, sting or spread disease, and they don’t damage wood or fabric. They’re a nuisance and a sign of moisture.
Heavy rain soaks mulch and soil, and springtails move toward the house and inside looking for steady, damp spots. Fixing drainage near the foundation helps.
Yes, springtails often live in houseplant soil that stays wet. Letting the soil dry between waterings usually clears them out.
No, springtails are not fleas. Both jump, but springtails don’t bite, don’t feed on blood and live in damp spots instead of on pets.
The fastest way is to remove the moisture they depend on, then vacuum the ones you see. Fix leaks, dry out damp areas and use a dehumidifier.
