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I have received a number of telephone calls from county Extension agents and pest control operators about problems with springtails. These insects are extremely small, brown in color and get have a forked tail-like projection on their abdomens that propels them into the air so they appear to hop like fleas. Springtails are commonly found outdoors in areas of high moisture, e.g., in garden mulch or moist soil, where they feed on organic debris. During prolonged periods of dry weather, the insects often show up indoors. The most common areas they are found inside include around exterior doors and windows, in sinks, bathtubs and around commodes.
Chemical control of these insects tends to be mediocre due in part to the sporadic nature of the insects' appearance (both where and when they occur) coupled with the limited durability and effectiveness of the chemicals. Outdoors, spraying around door and window sills and possibly along the foundation may help. Products made by Bayer, Ortho and Spectracide (among others) have general-use or all-purpose types of sprays containing one of the pyrethroids, cyfluthrin, permethrin or tralomethrin, as examples. Spraying 2 to 3 feet of soil adjoining the foundation may help, but the key will be spray volume (i.e., a lot of volume). Dry weather usually means dry soil and mulch, which will impede penetration of the chemical down to the soil. Thick layers of thatch can also impede the movement of the chemical. Sprays applies to the foundation and 2 to 3 feet of soil should be done with a garden hose sprayer in order to get adequate coverage.
Indoors, spraying is equally mediocre. Any of the common household insecticides, such as Raid, Hot Shot or Enforcer, can be applied to baseboards, doorways and perhaps around window sills, but if the insects are coming from around the windows or doors, I would focus attention on spraying outside. In some instances, the springtails may appear to be entering through (or around) air vents on the floor. I would strongly discourage any spraying of the vents as this can only lead to potential air quality problems. If the insects appear to be coming up from the crawlspace, it might be best to hire a professional to crawl underneath and treat IF needed.
This problem is very unpredictable and could stop very quickly if we have rain or it could continue, particularly with hot dry weather.
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Last modified on May 13, 2002 by Stephen J. Toth, Jr.