Springtails

Little tiny bugs (hexapods, not insects) that get through your screens into your (esp IL) home.

In Northern Illinois, springtails are commonly found in damp environments like mulch beds, under leaves, and beneath landscape timbers. But when outdoor moisture conditions become extreme—like after heavy rain or during a drought—they often migrate indoors, seeking humidity and shelter. That’s why you’ll spot them in basements, bathrooms, laundry rooms, and around windows... Many homes in Algonquin and surrounding suburbs like Lake in the Hills, Huntley, and Cary are relatively new builds. Unfortunately, newer homes often have high residual construction moisture trapped in walls and subfloors within insulation that may take a very long time to dry. That, combined with poor drainage or improperly sealed exterior gaps, creates the perfect storm for springtail activity. Interior pipe leaks may allow for excessive moisture. Remedies include fixing leaks and replacing affected insulation as it takes a very very long time to properly dry. Consult a professional home inspector to check your walls for excessive moisture using tools like a moisture meter. Check the exterior of your home for proper lawn drainage. Often times new construction homes are built with improper grading and/or poorly placed exterior downspouts. These issues aren’t readily obvious until thousands upon thousands of springtails begin swarming the home.

Controlling:

• Sprinkle diatomaceous earth around the perimeter of your home in areas where springtails typically congregate, such as bathrooms, basements, and other damp spaces. This is safe and natural.
  • a generous amount of diatomaceous earth (DE) spread in a 1' perimeter around the house will desiccate them, and absorb excess moisture. Apply on a calm day, and use a mask to avoid inhaling it. Unfortunately, once it gets wet it is no longer effective, so cover it with plastic if possible, or reapply after rain.
• Sprinkle borax in damp areas where springtails congregate, such as bathrooms and wall voids. The borax will dehydrate and kill these pesky bugs. Vacuum up the borax and any dead springtails the next day.
• Natural Repellents: Harness the power of nature to repel springtails by using essential oils such as peppermint, eucalyptus, and tea tree oil. Mix a few drops with water and spray in areas prone to springtail activity..... Mix 10 to 15 drops of high-quality peppermint essential oil (or a tablespoon of peppermint extract) with 1 cup of water in a spray bottle. Add a few drops of dish soap to help the oil and water blend.Application: Spray this mixture directly on baseboards, windowsills, doorways, and any damp cracks where springtails might be entering your home.