Springtails are tiny, jumping insects that thrive in damp areas of homes, causing discomfort and potential secondary pest problems. Their presence often signals high moisture levels, making humidity control essential for prevention and elimination.

These insects reproduce rapidly in wet soil, basements, and bathrooms, making infestations hard to ignore. Effective springtail control focuses on reducing moisture and removing favorable habitats to stop population growth.

Homeowners often combine natural solutions with targeted products to accelerate removal. Using desiccants, insecticides, or repellents properly can significantly reduce springtail numbers and prevent recurrence.

In this guide, we cover 10 proven methods for how to get rid of springtails, including habitat adjustments, moisture reduction strategies, natural remedies, and recommended products that actually work.

How Do You Get Rid of Springtails? – 10 Practical Solutions

1. Use a Dehumidifier (Best for Moisture Control)

To start, reducing indoor humidity is one of the most effective ways to get rid of springtails since they thrive in damp environments. A good dehumidifier draws excess moisture out of the air, making conditions less favorable for springtails and other pests. This method addresses the root cause rather than just symptoms.

A popular choice on Amazon is the Vremi 1,500 Sq. Ft. Dehumidifier which efficiently lowers humidity in basements and damp rooms. Its automatic shut-off feature prevents over-drying, and the easy-to-remove tank simplifies maintenance. Using it regularly keeps air dry, which stops springtail reproduction.

In addition, proper placement near moisture sources like bathrooms and basements amplifies its effect. Combined with good ventilation, you’ll notice a reduction in humidity within days. Ultimately, drier air makes your home less attractive to springtails and mold.

Pros:
• Lowers humidity
• Stops breeding
• Quiet operation
• Easy setup
• Removes moisture
• Large coverage
• Long lasting

Cons:
• Electricity cost
• Needs emptying
• Initial cost

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2. Fix Plumbing Leaks (Best for Hidden Moisture)

Springtails often infest homes because of unnoticed plumbing leaks under sinks or behind walls. By repairing these leaks, you remove a reliable water source that supports springtail populations. Fixing leaks is a preventive method that reduces moisture at its source.

Products like RectorSeal 100% RTV Silicone Sealant from Amazon can be used to seal minor gaps and slow drips around pipes while waiting for professional repair. Its waterproof formula withstands moisture and minimizes hidden damp areas. This quick fix helps reduce moisture leak points.

Additionally, using a LeakSeal Pipe Wrap temporarily stops slow pipe drips while you schedule a plumber. Together, these products support moisture control until a permanent fix is made. Correcting leaks keeps springtails from multiplying near wet spots.

Pros:
• Stops leaks
• Removes water source
• Easy products
• Affordable
• Waterproof
• Quick fix
• Preventive

Cons:
• Not permanent
• May need pro
• Requires inspection

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3. Improve Drainage (Best for Outdoor Moisture Control)

Next, directing water away from your home’s foundation prevents it from seeping indoors and attracting springtails. Poor drainage leads to saturated soil, making it a springtail magnet near basement walls or crawl spaces. Correcting drainage changes the environment around your home.

A well-rated product like the Flex-A-Drain 4-Inch Drainage Kit from Amazon can help create channels that divert water away from foundation edges. Its expandable design adapts to different yard layouts and reduces water pooling. This reroutes moisture to safe areas.

Additionally, installing rain gutters and downspout extenders ensures that roof runoff moves far from the house, reducing ground soak. Keeping soil dry around foundations discourages springtail movement indoors. Overall, proper drainage is a long-term solution.

Pros:
• Reduces moisture
• Stops pooling
• Long-term fix
• Easy install
• Yard protection
• Prevents damage
• Flexible design

Cons:
• Installation cost
• Yard work
• Not indoors

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4. Use Diatomaceous Earth (Best Natural Insect Deterrent)

Diatomaceous earth (DE) is a natural powder from fossilized algae that damages the waxy outer layer of insects. When springtails crawl through DE, it causes dehydration and death without toxic chemicals. This makes it a safe choice for households, pets, and gardens.

A trusted Amazon option is Harris Food Grade Diatomaceous Earth, which is safe around kids and pets when used as directed. Simply sprinkle it in damp areas like basements, crawl spaces, and cracks where springtails are seen. DE remains effective as long as it stays dry.

However, moisture reduces its impact, so apply DE after drying surfaces with a dehumidifier or fan. Over time, springtails passing through the powder will decrease sharply. This natural method supports ongoing springtail control.

Pros:
• Natural
• No chemicals
• Pet-safe
• Easy apply
• Lasting if dry
• Works on contact
• Indoor/outdoor

Cons:
• Needs dryness
• Can be dusty
• Slow results

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5. Seal Entry Points (Best Physical Barrier)

Because springtails can enter through very tiny cracks, sealing foundation gaps and door thresholds blocks entry. Use waterproof caulk or weather stripping to close gaps around windows, doors, and vents. This method physically prevents indoor migration.

On Amazon, the DAP 3.0 Advanced Sealant provides a flexible, weather-resistant barrier for cracks in concrete and siding. Another option is Frost King Self-Adhesive Weatherstripping for door and window frames to reduce airflow and moisture access. Together, they create a tighter building envelope.

Additionally, sealing around utility penetrations like dryer vents and cable/pipe entries stops unexpected entry points. Over time, exclusion reduces infestation pressure from the outdoors. This method complements humidity control.

Pros:
• Blocks access
• Easy install
• Durable
• Moisture barrier
• Weather resistant
• Reduces drafts
• Indoor protection

Cons:
• Time-consuming
• Needs tools
• May need pro

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6. Improve Ventilation (Best for Stale Air Areas)

Springtails gravitate toward stagnant air areas with trapped moisture. Therefore, improving ventilation in bathrooms, kitchens, and crawl spaces makes these environments less inviting. Increasing airflow helps dry hidden pockets where springtails breed.

Installing an AC Infinity Airplate S8 Ventilation Fan from Amazon in crawl spaces or basements boosts air circulation and reduces moisture buildup. Its quiet operation and thermostatic control make it ideal for continuous use. In bathrooms, adding exhaust fans further reduces humidity.

Additionally, opening windows and using ceiling fans helps disperse moisture faster. With improved airflow, damp spots dry quicker, cutting springtail survival chances. Proper ventilation works with dehumidifiers for maximum effect.

Pros:
• Dries air
• Stops moisture
• Reduces mold
• Easy install
• Continuous use
• Low power
• Airflow boost

Cons:
• Electricity cost
• Installation work
• Needs clearance

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7. Trim Vegetation (Best Yard Maintenance)

Springtails often breed in moist leaf litter and dense vegetation near home walls. Trimming bushes and clearing leaves lessens shaded, wet areas that attract them. Yard maintenance breaks up breeding habitats.

Using an Orbit 2-In-1 Blower Vac from Amazon speeds leaf removal and yard cleanup. Its blower and vacuum function make clearing debris easy and efficient. Removing leaf piles near foundations dries the landscape.

In addition, keeping mulch several inches from walls reduces trapped moisture. As outdoor humidity reduces, fewer springtails migrate indoors. Yard trimming supports a springtail-unfriendly environment.

Pros:
• Removes habitat
• Easy cleanup
• Yard health
• Reduces moisture
• Less shade
• Multipurpose tool
• Quick results

Cons:
• Requires effort
• Seasonal
• Noise

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8. Apply Indoor Insect Spray (Best for Active Infestations)

If springtails persist despite moisture control, targeted insect sprays can reduce visible populations. Choose sprays labeled for household crawling insects and safe for indoor use. These products provide quick reduction while you fix underlying issues.

A well-rated option on Amazon is Terro Ant & Crawling Insect Killer which works on springtails, ants, and other pests. Its continuous spray reaches cracks and crevices where insects hide. Another is Ortho Home Defense Max for indoor perimeter treatment.

However, sprays should be paired with moisture solutions for lasting control. They kill active insects but don’t fix conditions that attract them. Combined with humidity reduction, sprays improve effectiveness.

Pros:
• Fast action
• Easy spray
• Targets cracks
• Indoor safe
• Readily available
• Multiple pests
• Visible reduction

Cons:
• Temporary
• Needs repeat
• Not moisture fix

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9. Replace Overwatered Plant Soil (Best for Houseplant Owners)

Overwatered houseplants often host springtails in pot soil because dampness feeds both fungi and insects. Repot plants with well-draining soil and reduce watering frequency. This removes a key breeding environment indoors.

Use products like Miracle-Gro Potting Mix from Amazon, which improves drainage and prevents perpetual wet soil. Also choose pots with drainage holes to prevent standing water at the base. Houseplant soil that dries between waterings discourages springtails.

Additionally, wiping plant saucers clean after watering stops extra moisture buildup. With better plant care, springtail outbreaks often disappear. Healthy soil equals fewer pests.

Pros:
• Better drainage
• Stops breeding
• Easy fix
• Plant health
• Less moisture
• Indoor safe
• Long-term

Cons:
• Requires effort
• Watering change
• Only indoor

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10. Use Sticky Traps (Best Monitoring & Catching)

Finally, sticky traps aren’t the main solution, but they help monitor and trap springtails that enter living areas. Placing traps near baseboards, drains, and sinks captures insects trying to disperse. Traps provide insight into infestation severity.

Products like TERRO Sticky Traps from Amazon catch crawling insects indoors without sprays or chemicals. They help locate infestation hotspots so you know where to focus moisture fixes. Removing traps and replacing them weekly improves tracking.

While traps won’t eliminate springtails alone, they support broader control systems. Their use helps confirm treatment success. Combine them with moisture reduction for best results.

Pros:
• Easy setup
• Indoor safe
• No sprays
• Tracks infestation
• Visual catch
• Pet safe
• Low cost

Cons:
• Not standalone
• Needs replacement
• Minimal kill

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How Do You Get Rid of Springtails (FAQs)

Q1: What attracts springtails into homes?
Springtails are attracted to moisture, mold, and organic debris. High humidity and leaks create ideal conditions for them to thrive.

Q2: Are springtails harmful to humans?
No, springtails do not bite or transmit disease. They are nuisance pests and indicators of moisture problems.

Q3: How long does it take to get rid of springtails?
Once moisture conditions are corrected, populations can decline in 1–2 weeks. Persistent moisture will prolong infestations.

Q4: Can springtails survive dry conditions?
Springtails cannot survive extended dry conditions. Reducing indoor humidity below 50% prevents reproduction.

Q5: Do indoor sprays fix springtail problems?
Sprays reduce visible insects temporarily but do not fix underlying moisture issues. Use them alongside habitat fixes.

Q6: Are springtails seasonal?
Yes, they are most common in spring and fall when soil stays moist. Indoor infestations can happen any time there’s moisture.

Q7: Is professional pest control necessary?
Professional help is rare unless moisture problems are severe and persistent. Most infestations are resolved by fixing moisture sources.

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Conclusion

In conclusion, moisture control is the best method to get rid of springtails because it tackles the root cause that attracts them. Products like dehumidifiers and improved ventilation systems work long-term to create a dry, uninviting environment for springtails.

For immediate reduction of active insects, insect sprays and sticky traps serve as the runner-up methods by lowering visible populations while you address humidity and leaks. However, they do not eliminate the moisture that fuels infestations.

Fixing plumbing leaks and improving outdoor drainage were chosen as the best long-term solutions because they drastically reduce hidden moisture that attracts springtails indoors. Meanwhile, addressing overwatered plant soil is a helpful runner-up method for houseplant owners experiencing indoor infestations.

Finally, combining habitat corrections with smart product choices — such as diatomaceous earth for natural control or sticky traps for monitoring — provides the most effective, lasting results. As moisture and habitat conditions improve, springtails gradually disappear from living space.