Springtails might be small, but under the right conditions, they can become a big nuisance.
With Minnesota’s high humidity and frequent rainfall, these nearly microscopic creatures have found the perfect environment to thrive, and sometimes, that environment includes your home.
What Is a Springtail?
Despite their bug-like behavior, springtails aren’t insects at all. They’re hexapods from the class Collembola, and they exist virtually everywhere, even in Antarctica. Often referred to as nature’s clean-up crew, springtails help break down organic matter and improve soil health. In prime outdoor conditions, there is estimated to be over 100,000 springtails per square meter of ground!
Why Are They in Your Home?
Springtails are moisture-loving organisms. When humidity levels rise, especially during rainy seasons in Minnesota, they tend to migrate indoors, drawn to damp basements, bathrooms, kitchens, and crawlspaces. Inside homes, they feast on:
- Mold
- Fungal spores
- Decaying plant material
- Bacteria
- Minerals
- Organic debris and even animal remains
While harmless to humans, their sudden appearance and sheer numbers can be startling.
What’s the Solution?
The key to managing springtail infestations is Integrated Pest Management (IPM)—a practical, long-term strategy that focuses on environmental adjustments rather than relying solely on chemical treatments. Pesticides rarely offer lasting results against springtails, so we recommend proactive home maintenance:
Moisture Control & Clean-Up Checklist
- Fix leaky plumbing and dripping faucets
- Clean out gutters and window tracks
- Sanitize sink, shower, floor drains, and look for foaming drain cleaners with enzymes in them, this helps break down any organic debris in the drain
- Use dehumidifiers to reduce indoor humidity
- Remove dense vegetation near the foundation of the home
- Clear away leaf litter, mulch, and organic debris
- Inspect for areas with mold, moss, algae, or lichen on walls, decks, and shingles
If infestation persists despite these steps, it may indicate hidden issues such as a broken sewer line or other underground moisture sources, which may require a professional inspection.
How Abra Kadabra Can Help
Abra Kadabra Environmental Services is well-equipped with the knowledge, training, and certifications that make them the right pest control company to reach out to for pest issues such as Springtails.
Abra Kadabra practices high standards of operations by applying Integrated Pest Management (IPM) to each and every service they provide. This guide provides a brief explanation of how Springtails can be a nuisance to your home. In conclusion, it is always best to consult the right professionals to resolve this type of pest issue. Call us at 763-328-0156 or book a free inspection
