How to Get Rid of Springtails? (Collembola)

Globular springtail Dicyrtomina ornata

If you’re wondering how to get rid of springtails, the first thing to know is this: they are not dangerous, but they are a clear sign of excess moisture in your home.

These tiny, jumping insects often show up in damp areas like basements, bathrooms, and around houseplants.

At Accurate Pest Control, we’ve helped many New Jersey homeowners eliminate springtails by addressing the real issue behind them.

Springtails are more of a moisture problem than a pest problem, which means drying out affected areas is the key to stopping them.

In this guide, we’ll show you how to identify springtails, remove them effectively, and prevent them from coming back using practical steps that actually work.

What Exactly Are Springtails?

Springtails, or Collembola, are tiny, wingless insects that jump using a unique tail-like mechanism called a furcula.

They’re usually found in damp, dark places, such as basements, bathrooms, potted plant soil, and even mulch around your home.

They don’t bite, sting, or damage your property, but here’s the catch: their presence often means you’ve got a moisture issue, and moisture attracts a whole lot of other pests that you don’t want.

Are They Dangerous?

Nope. Not to you or your pets. But they are a nuisance and can multiply fast if conditions are right.

Here’s why we take them seriously:

• They can appear in large numbers and be visually unsettling.

• They signal a moisture problem that could lead to mold growth or attract pests like termites and ants.

• They can harm delicate houseplants by feeding on decaying plant material.

How to Spot an Infestation?

Springtails are often one of the first visible clues that something is off inside your home. Learning the signs of a pest infestation early can help you address moisture issues before they attract more persistent pests.

• Gathering near sinks, bathtubs, and floor drains.

• Hopping on the surface of potted plants.

• Crawling on basement walls or near foundation cracks.

• Collecting in damp mulch or leaf piles outside.

They’re small (1–2 mm), dark-colored, and if you try to touch one, it jumps away like a flea.

Step 1: Fix the Root Cause of Moisture

This is where 90% of DIY efforts fail. You can vacuum or spray them all you want, but if you don’t solve the moisture problem, they’ll be back.

Here’s what we recommend:

• Repair leaks under sinks, behind toilets, and in basements.
  

• Use dehumidifiers to keep indoor humidity between 30–50%.
  

• Improve ventilation in bathrooms and kitchens.
  

• Check for poor drainage outside and redirect downspouts and fix grading issues.

Pro Tip: Many New Jersey basements naturally hold moisture. A dehumidifier isn’t optional which it’s essential.

Step 2: Remove Their Comfort Zones

Springtails thrive where they have food (organic matter) and water. Take those away, and you’ll see numbers drop fast.

• Indoors: Let houseplant soil dry out before watering again. Avoid overwatering.
  

• Outdoors: Remove thick mulch layers, damp leaves, and compost piles near your home’s foundation.

The goal? Make your home as unappealing to them as possible.

Step 3: Seal the Entry Points

Even the tiniest gaps can be a springtail express lane into your home.

• Seal cracks in foundation walls.

• Add weather stripping around windows and doors.

• Use caulk around plumbing penetrations.

This not only stops springtails but also keeps out other pests.

Step 4: Natural Repellents That Help

If you want to go chemical-free, a few natural options can slow them down:

• Diatomaceous Earth (DE): Sprinkle around plant bases and entry points. It dehydrates pests on contact.
  

• Essential Oils: Tea tree, eucalyptus, and peppermint oils can deter them. Mix a few drops with water and spray in trouble spots.

Remember: Natural methods are part of a bigger strategy, they won’t solve the problem alone if moisture remains.

Moisture control plays a major role in keeping many pests away, not just springtails. Understanding common household pests and how to prevent them helps homeowners reduce the risk of recurring problems throughout the year.

Step 5: When to Bring in the Professionals

If springtails keep returning, professional residential pest control services in New Jersey can help identify the moisture source and eliminate the problem long term.

At Accurate Pest Control, we:

• Identify exactly where they’re coming from.

• Treat the source, not just the symptom.

• Provide safe, targeted treatments that keep them away long-term.

• Give you moisture and structural recommendations to prevent future infestations.

How to Keep Springtails From Coming Back?

Once the springtails are gone, keeping them out is much easier than starting over.

Here’s your ongoing checklist:

• Keep indoor humidity below 50%.

• Don’t overwater plants.

• Store firewood and mulch away from your home.

• Regularly check for leaks and dampness.

If you stay on top of moisture control, you’ll make your home less inviting not only to springtails but also to a whole range of pests.

Stop Springtails at the Source For Good

Getting rid of springtails is not about spraying and hoping for the best. The real solution is eliminating excess moisture so they have no reason to stay. When moisture is controlled, springtails naturally disappear.

At Accurate Pest Control, we treat the infestation and fix the conditions that caused it, delivering faster results and long-term protection instead of temporary relief.

Call Now for Same-Day Springtail Removal in New Jersey. Get a free quote today and take control of the problem the right way.

FAQs about Springtails

Will springtails go away on their own? 

Not usually. They need moisture to survive, but if you remove that moisture, they’ll disappear naturally.

Do I need chemicals to get rid of them? 

In most cases, no. Fixing the moisture problem is the real solution.

Can they damage my home? 

No structural damage, but the conditions that allow them to thrive (like excess moisture) can lead to bigger issues.