You might see tiny grey dots hopping near your sink or tub and wonder what they are. These pests are likely springtails, and they show up when your bathroom has too much moisture or a hidden leak. You can remove them by drying the area and fixing your plumbing. This guide shows you exactly how to get rid of springtails in bathroom today.
Start by vacuuming the bugs and using a vinegar spray for a quick fix. Then, lower the humidity below 50% to stop them from coming back for good. Clean your drains to remove their food source and check for hidden water leaks.
What are Springtails?
Springtails are very small bugs that do not have wings. They belong to a group called Collembola. They are usually only 1 to 2 millimeters long. You might think they are just bits of dirt until they suddenly jump.
They jump because of a tiny part on their body called a furcula. This is like a small spring tucked under their belly. When they get scared, the furcula snaps down and shoots them into the air. This helps them get away from danger fast.
In the wild, these bugs are helpful. They eat decaying leaves and organic matter. But when they come inside, they become a nuisance. They do not bite people or pets. They do not spread diseases or eat your wood. However, they tell you that your home has a moisture problem.
Why Springtails Invade Bathrooms
Your bathroom is the perfect home for these pests. They need a lot of water to survive. If the air gets too dry, they will die quickly. They look for places with high relative humidity or standing water.
Most people find springtails in bathroom areas because of three reasons:
- Water Leaks: A dripping pipe or a loose faucet provides the water they need.
- Biofilm: This is the slimy gunk that grows inside your drains and pipes.
- Mold and Fungus: These bugs eat mold spores and tiny fungi that grow in damp spots.
They often enter through window sills or foundation cracks. They come inside when it is too dry or too wet outside. If you see them, it means there is enough water nearby to keep them alive.
How to Identify Springtails
It is easy to confuse these bugs with other pests. Many people think they have fleas. But fleas are hard and flat. Springtails have soft bodies and are easy to crush.
Check for these signs to be sure:
- The Jump Test: If you reach for the bug and it hops, it is likely a springtail.
- Location: You will see them in damp spots like the shower or the toilet base.
- Color: They are usually dark grey, blue, or black.
- Numbers: You rarely see just one. They usually appear in large groups that look like soot.
If you see tiny jumping bugs in bathroom corners, you are dealing with a springtail problem. They love springtails in bathtub edges because water stays there after you shower.
Immediate Action Steps
If you see a swarm, do not panic. They are not hurting your home. You can take these steps right now to clear them out.
Use Your Vacuum
The fastest way to remove them is to suck them up. Use a vacuum with a hose. Go along the baseboards and around the sink. Empty the vacuum outside so they do not crawl back in.
The Vinegar Spray
You probably have white vinegar in your kitchen. Mix it with equal parts water in a spray bottle. Spray it directly on the bugs. The acid in the vinegar kills them on contact. It also cleans the area so they have nothing to eat.
Soapy Water
Dish soap works well too. Mix a few drops of soap into a bottle of water. Spray the bugs. The soap breaks their skin and dries them out. This is a safe way to start getting rid of springtails without using harsh chemicals.
Step-by-Step Guide how to get rid of springtails in bathroom
To stop the infestation, you must follow a plan. Killing the bugs you see is only the first part. You must also remove their home and food.
Step 1: Deep Clean the Surfaces
Scrub your tile grout with a stiff brush. Use a cleaner that kills mold and mildew. This removes the organic matter that springtails eat. Pay close attention to the corners of your shower and the area behind the toilet.
Step 2: Flush the Drains
Springtails live and breed inside your pipes. They eat the biofilm that builds up over time.
- Boil a pot of water.
- Pour half a cup of baking soda down the drain.
- Add one cup of white vinegar.
- Let it bubble for 10 minutes.
- Flush it with the boiling water.
Doing this every day for a week will clear out their hiding spots.
Step 3: Lower the Humidity
Buy a small tool called a hygrometer. This device tells you how much moisture is in the air. You want to keep your bathroom below 50% humidity. Use a dehumidifier if the air stays damp. Turn on your exhaust fan every time you shower. Leave it running for 20 minutes after you finish.
You can read about: Worm in Toilet Bowl
Fixing Moisture Problems (The Root Cause)
This is the most important part of the process. If you do not fix the water source, the bugs will return. As a homeowner, you need to think like a plumber.
Check the P-Trap
The P-trap is the curved pipe under your sink. It holds water to block sewer gases. If this pipe has a slow leak, it creates a damp spot inside your cabinet. Reach under the sink with a dry paper towel. Wipe the joints of the pipe. If the towel gets wet, you have a leak.
The Wax Ring Failure
This is a very common issue that most people miss. Your toilet sits on a wax ring that seals it to the floor. If this ring fails, water seeps under the toilet every time you flush. This creates a perfect breeding ground that you cannot see. If your toilet feels wobbly, your wax ring likely needs a replacement.
Use a Moisture Meter
A moisture meter is a tool that detects water behind your walls. You can press it against your drywall or tile. If the reading is high, you might have a pipe leaking inside the wall. This is often why people cannot figure out how to get rid of springtails on their own.
DIY Treatment Methods
You can use both natural and chemical ways to fight these bugs.
Natural Options
- Diatomaceous Earth: This is a natural powder made from crushed fossils. Sprinkle it in dry areas like under the vanity. It cuts the bugs’ bodies and dries them out.
- Cedar Oil: This oil smells great to humans but repels bugs. Spray it around your baseboards to keep them away.
Chemical Options
If the problem is very bad, you may need springtail pest control products. Look for sprays that contain bifenthrin. Only use these in cracks and crevices. Do not spray them on surfaces where you put your toothbrush. Remember that chemicals only work for a short time if the area stays wet.
Prevention Strategies (Long-Term)
Once the bugs are gone, you want them to stay gone. Follow these tips to keep your bathroom dry.
- Recaulk Your Tub: Over time, caulk gets old and cracks. Water gets into these cracks and feeds the bugs. Remove the old caulk and put down fresh silicone.
- Dry Your Surfaces: Use a squeegee on your shower walls after you bathe. Wipe down the sink if water splashes out.
- Fix Grout Holes: If your tile grout is missing, water can get behind the tiles. This creates a hidden world for pests.
- Seal Your Windows: Make sure your bathroom window is sealed tight. Use weather stripping to block gaps.
Keeping a dry home is the best way to get rid of springtails in my home forever.
When to Call a Professional
Some situations need expert help. Call springtail pest control professionals if:
- You still see springtails after 4 weeks of treatment
- The population keeps growing despite your efforts
- You find signs of serious water damage
- Multiple rooms have infestations
- You’re dealing with other pest problems too
Professionals have access to stronger treatments. They use specialized equipment to find hidden moisture sources. They can treat areas you can’t reach safely.
Cost Guide: DIY vs Professional Treatment
DIY Costs
Initial Treatment:
- White vinegar: $3-5
- Spray bottles: $5-10
- Diatomaceous earth: $15-20
- Essential oils: $10-15
- Insecticidal soap: $8-12
- Total: $40-60
Moisture Control:
- Dehumidifier: $30-150
- Caulk and sealant: $10-20
- Exhaust fan (if needed): $50-200
- Hygrometer: $10-20
- Total: $100-390
Grand Total DIY: $140-450
Professional Costs
- Initial inspection: $75-150
- One-time treatment: $150-300
- Monthly maintenance: $40-80
- Moisture assessment: $200-500
- Total: $425-930
Most people successfully handle springtails with DIY methods if they commit to fixing moisture problems. Professional help makes sense for severe infestations or when you can’t locate the moisture source.
Why Choose Derks Plumbing
Hidden plumbing leaks often cause springtail problems. At Derks Plumbing, we’ve helped countless Los Angeles homeowners solve moisture issues that attract these pests.
Our team specializes in:
- Finding hidden bathroom leaks
- Fixing dripping fixtures quickly
- Installing proper ventilation systems
- Repairing water-damaged areas
We serve the Los Angeles area with same-day service for urgent plumbing issues. If you’ve tried everything and still have moisture problems attracting springtails, we can help identify the source.
Our Plumbing Services In Los Angeles include leak detection using advanced equipment that spots problems behind walls and under floors. We fix the plumbing issues so your pest control efforts actually work.
FAQ's
Are springtails harmful to humans?
No. Springtails don’t bite, sting, or spread diseases. They’re just annoying. They don’t damage your home or belongings either.
How long does it take to get rid of springtails?
With proper treatment, you’ll see fewer springtails within a week. Complete elimination takes 2-4 weeks if you fix moisture problems. If they keep coming back, you haven’t addressed the root cause.
Can springtails live in drains?
Yes. Bathroom drains provide moisture, darkness, and organic matter they eat. Pour boiling water down drains weekly. Follow with vinegar to kill mold they feed on.
Do springtails come up through drains?
They can, but they usually enter through cracks and gaps. They’re more likely to live around the drain opening than inside pipes.
Why do I only see springtails at night?
Springtails avoid light. They hide during the day and become active at night. You might not notice them until you turn on the bathroom light.
