Springtails are tiny jumping bugs attracted to moisture and damp environments in the bathroom and bathtub. A dirty shower can attract lots of pests, including springtails. Those little jumpy bugs may also crawl on your legs as you shower.
To get rid of springtails in the bathroom, clean it with soapy water and let it dry. Mix 6 ounces of white vinegar with 3 ounces of warm water in a spray bottle. Then spray it on the walls, floor, and around the drainage to kill and repel them.
Springtails have a spring under their abdomen that looks like a fork. This is used to jump and escape any danger, and that’s why they are also known as jumping bugs. Those little anthropods are always mistaken for insects because of their appearance. Here is a picture of what a springtail looks like:
What attracts springtails to the bathroom?
The major attraction of springtails to a bathroom is high humidity levels and moisture. They are common in the bathroom during the hot season because they need a moist environment to survive.
Springtails do not bite or sting humans, and are not a threat to your life. They are harmless, but that does not mean you should let them live in your bathroom. Â
1. Moisture and warmth
Springtails will come into the house through open doors and look for a moist area. The bathroom is the first place they will rush to because moisture is always coming out of the drains.
This is why they will settle around the bathroom drainage, and if they keep multiplying, you will be able to see a group of them gathering and jumping around that area as you take a shower. Â In some cases, they may jump and crawl on your legs.
2. Leakage in the bathroom
There may be leakages in the bathroom that keep the place damp and moist all the time. This will cause the springtails to keep coming back even after you have removed them.
It is, therefore, important to fix any leakage. Ensure there is nothing that is damp and moist in the bathroom. Check for holes and cracks on the bathroom tiles that may accumulate water.
There are cases where there is a leakage under the bathroom tiles or in the walls. This will keep the bathroom constantly moist, and there will be mold in the walls that will attract springtails there. They will multiply if that is not taken care of.
3. Wet towels, rugs, and bathroom mats
Wet towels and washed pants that are hung in the bathroom after taking a shower will keep the environment moist, and this will attract springtails to your bathroom. Try to air your used towels outside so they are always dry and clean.
Bathroom mats are always wet because there is constant water that is sprinkled on them, especially if you have an open setup in there. Ensure they are kept dry and remove them occasionally so that you do not have springtails hiding in them.
How to get rid of springtails in the bathroom
The best way to ensure that there are no springtails in your bathroom is to keep it clean and dry. Just find a way of keeping any wet towel out of your bathroom, and your bathing rugs should also be removed, especially when dealing with a springtail infestation.
Here are some steps you can use to kill and get rid of a springtail infestation in your bathroom:
- Scrub the bathroom walls with water and soap
- Rinse them with clean water, then use a towel to wipe any water droplets
- Leave the bathroom window open to aerate the place and keep moisture away
- If its cold outside, use a dehumidifier or a fan to dry the room after cleaning
Add some white vinegar in a spray bottle and use this to spray on the walls, floor, and around the drainage area to repel and kill springtails competently. This can also be used to get rid of pool springtails on pavements around it. Vinegar will also help eliminate other drain flies that may be present around there. Â
Bait
To catch springtails and remove them from your bathroom, you must make a moist trap with conditions they love. The main aim here is to trap them and, if possible, take them outside to the farm where they may be useful. Here is what to do:
- Get a small container the size of a lunch box or a small bowl
- Soak a clean piece of face towel in water and slightly wring it
- Put this into the container and ensure it is laid at the bottom
- Pour 1/2 glass of beer into it
- If you do not have a beer, you can also spread some brewers yeast powder on the towel
- Place it near the bathroom drain or where you always see them and let them get in
- After some time close the lid and take them outside to get rid of them
Advice: You can also use sliced pieces of bread in the bait because springtails love fungi and mold, which is their daily diet. This will still work best when you want to trap and get rid of them fast. However, for best results, use brewers yeast because it is rich and will attract them in large numbers.
Springtails Identification
A single springtail is almost indivisible to the necked eyes unless you magnify it. It is only easy to spot them when they are in clusters.
You will only notice them when they are already breeding and multiplying in numbers because when they come together, you will be able to see them.
They lay tiny bright or yellowish eggs that are around 0.1-0.2mm large. Those will take like 7-14 days to hatch. How fast they produce depends on the environmental conditions. An adult springtail is about 2mm when fully grown.
You will identify an adult springtail by looking at its structure. It has six legs attached to a soft long body that may appear to be round. The body segment can range from 4-6 segments, and the young ones may have fewer segments.
Reference: PennState Extension: Springtails description– The Pennslyvania State University