How to Get of Rid of Springtails (and Prevent Their Return)

While they may be mistaken for fleas, springtails are small, harmless organisms that (fortunately) don’t bite, sting, or transmit disease. They also do no damage to food, clothing, furniture, or structures, and only feed on decaying, organic matter. However, any influx of pests may be cause for concern.

Our experts detail how to identify springtails, what attracts them to your home, and preventative methods to rid your space if they become an issue.

How to Identify Springtails

Springtails are very small, notes senior entomologist Jason Byrd, typically about one-twentieth to one-eighth of an inch long, with some species growing to almost a quarter inch.“Their small size causes them to appear like moving particles of dust or dirt, and indoor species can be white, pale gray, or black,” says Byrd. “However, outdoor species may present a range of colors.” 

Springtails are slender and elongated, lacking wings and unable to fly. They have six legs and a pair of conspicuous, segmented antennae. Their body is soft, and under magnification, is distinctly segmented. “The most important characteristic is the fork-like structure under their abdomens called the furcula,” Byrd says. “A springtail’s furcula is kept folded under its body at rest, but when the furcula is released, the springtail can spring into the air. Such a quick jumping movement is a defensive and escape mechanism.”

What Attracts Springtails

Moisture is the number one attractant for springtails—they require humid environments to survive because they absorb water through their skin. “They're also drawn to decaying organic material like mold, mildew, fungi, and decomposing plant matter, which serves as their primary food source,” says award-winning entomologist Dr. Tracy Ellis. “Overwatered houseplants, damp cardboard, and areas with water damage create ideal habitats for them.”

Springtails usually appear in spring and early summer, notes entomologist Emma Grace Crumbley, though periods of heavy rain and unseasonably warm weather may trigger an early emergence.

How to Get Rid of Springtails Safely

Springtails in the home are not a significant threat. “You can vacuum up visible springtails and dispose of the bag immediately,” Ellis says. 

You might also try diatomaceous earth or soap-and-water sprays to reduce their numbers quickly, says Nicole Carpenter, president of Black Pest Prevention. “However, they will return in about one to three weeks if the moisture problem is still there,” she warns. “Reducing moisture is both the only necessary and the only long-term effective solution. Dryness, or just lack of constant moisture, is what kills them.”

Long-Term Prevention

Preventing springtails is usually as simple as fixing any moisture issues. “They need surface moisture,” Carpenter says. “Condensation on walls, overwatered plants, pipe leaks, slow drains with water standing for hours, drains covered with a slime, damp caulk, and standing water in trays or pans. Springtails particularly love standing water because they feed on biofilm that forms in it.” 

If overwatered plants or new soil are the culprits, consider bringing them in, or just reducing watering, emptying drip trays, and always letting the soil dry one to two inches deep before watering. “If it’s leaking pipes, fix the leak and dry the area completely,” Carpenter says. “If springtails appear near drains, clean the drain opening, the drain itself with dish soap mixed with hot water or an enzyme cleaner, and remove the clog if water is draining slowly.” 

Empty all water-collecting containers, like plant saucers and appliance drip pans, so that no water sits for long periods. “If condensation is the main issue, then use exhaust fans for 30 minutes during and after showers and cooking, use dehumidifiers, and change the way you ventilate your home,” Carpenter advises.

To further prevent an infestation from becoming bothersome, reducing moisture around your outdoor spaces is essential. “Check if any irrigation systems you have are overwatering your yard, and look for areas that flood after rain events,” Crumbley says. “Fixing leaks in your yard, keeping gutters and downspouts unclogged, and moving leaf litter and wood piles away from your home can significantly reduce the chance of a springtail infestation.” 

When to Call a Pest-Control Professional

Since springtails aren’t hazardous to human health—and thankfully don’t bite—Byrd says this is one organism the homeowner can effectively control with a bit of due diligence. Furthermore, springtails help your yard's ecosystem, Crumbley says, as they naturally break down dead organic material. 

However, if you've addressed moisture issues and are still seeing large numbers of springtails over several weeks, it may indicate a hidden moisture problem. “A pest control professional can also help if the infestation is severe or widespread throughout multiple areas of your home,” Ellis warns. “Persistent springtail problems often point to underlying structural moisture issues that a professional can help identify and resolve.”