Treatment protocol for Springtails

Treatment protocol for Springtails.

1. All moisture sources in the home must be eliminated.

• A dehumidifier and floor fans can be used to reduce moisture in the air.
• The windows and doors should be kept closed and the air handling equipment should be used to aid in the dehumidification process.
• Drain plugs in sinks and bath tubs should be kept in place at all times while sink is not in use.
• All house plants should be inspected for Springtails. If they are found to be in the plant the best thing to do is remove the plant from the home.

2. Excessive moisture outside should be controlled.

• Mulch should be allowed to dry out between watering.
• Mulch should not be more than 2-3” deep around house.
• Ground around home should be allowed to dry out between watering.

3. Physical treatments should be utilized.

• The homeowner should vacuum the entire home (especially along baseboards and in moist areas). This vacuum treatment should be completed once daily, until the population begins to be less obvious. Further vacuum treatments can be completed as needed.
• It is important to remove the vacuum from the living area of the home while it is not in use. The springtails that are removed by the vacuum will not survive in the bag without moisture so there is no need to treat the bag with any insecticides.

4. Chemical treatments can be used.

• Any product labeled for springtails can be used in the yard, and on the exterior surface of the home, however, Talstar One (Bifenthrin) has been proven to be successful.
• Simple solutions of soap and water can be useful in knocking down great numbers of these insects on contact, but will have no residual effect.
• Insecticidal soaps can also be used in the same manner as the soap and water solution.
• Insecticidal dusts can be used as a last resort. Deltamethrin is labeled for Springtails and should be applied to the weep holes and entry points of the home.

Del Lawson the author of this article can be reached at dlawson@modern-pest.com.

For more info visit http://www.modern-pest.com/.

Modern Pest control has provided pest control in Katy, Sugar Land, Pear Land, Richmond, Missouri City, Rosenberg, Stafford, Houston and the surrounding areas for over 50 years.