Springtail bugs can prove to be a nuisance for anyone who is trying to plant and grow something.
This is the case because some species of springtail bugs consume the roots of plants and eat young plants, so it is important to know how to deal with them if they are discovered.
Springtail bugs can certainly cause damage to your potted plants if there are enough of them.
However, pesticide treatments do not always provide the best results, so I will cover some natural methods you can use to get rid of springtails.
Here is what I think you should know about springtail bugs and how to get rid of springtails naturally.
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How to Get Rid of Springtails Naturally?
One option to get rid of springtails naturally is to clean up the area that the springtails are affecting and get rid of any trash that might attract them. Another natural method is to get some diatomaceous earth and put it around your house. Additionally, vinegar can eliminate the springtail bugs as well. Humid areas also attract springtails, so prevent humidity in your home whenever possible.
Throw Away any Trash and Clean Up The Affected Area in Your Home
There are two main things that tend to attract springtail bugs and those are humidity and trash. As a result, I advise that you get rid of any garbage you have that could attract springtail bugs.
After doing that, I advise that you clean up the area that the springtail bugs are affecting.
This can often make them go away since there is no longer anything that will attract them in that area.
Diatomaceous Earth Is A Good Natural Method for Eliminating Springtails
One method that I recommend if you want to get rid of springtails but you do not want to use pesticides is diatomaceous earth.
Diatomaceous earth is one kind of powder that is created from fossilized algae sediment and these fossilized algae are discovered in bodies of water.
Diatomaceous earth is an effective natural insecticide for dealing with many bugs, including springtails.
Diatomaceous earth supposedly kills insects via dehydration, which is just another term for drying them out until they die.
It’s a good alternative compared to chemical-based pesticides.
Vinegar Also Eliminates Springtails Effectively
One part of the answer to how to get rid of springtails naturally is by using vinegar. This may seem strange, but the acidity in vinegar makes it an effective way of eliminating springtails without having to use any pesticides.
Another good thing about this method is that I think it’s likely that you have some vinegar already in your house.
If you do not have any vinegar, I recommend going to your local grocery store and getting it in order to deal with the springtails.
Vinegar is also fairly cheap, so it is a cost-effective solution to any springtail infestation.
Prevent Excessive Humidity in Your Home Whenever Possible
Springtails are attracted to humidity, so I recommend preventing too much humidity in your home.
I recommend that you check your window treatments to prevent them from letting any humidity or water in your home.
I should also add that storm doors and windows will limit the amount of humidity inside your home, as well.
Additionally, one other thing that you can do is insulate cold-water pipes and I recommend that you do this if these pipes are not already insulated.
I advise that you check your air conditioning system to make sure it is functioning properly since it can also reduce humidity if you keep your home at cooler temperatures using the AC.
Protect the Home by Taking Care of Garbage Properly
As I mentioned previously, garbage is one of the things that attracts springtail bugs. I advise that you make sure to always take care of your garbage properly to avoid attracting any springtail bugs.
Toss any trash into the trash can and get rid of any trash that is close to your home, as well.
This is one method of avoiding springtails enter your home.
Frequently Asked Questions about How to Get Rid of Springtails Naturally
Where do springtail bugs make their nests?
Springtail bugs are not bugs that like to venture out very far from their nest in order to get food. As a result of this, I find that you will likely discover springtail nests near the humid area or near the garbage that they are using as a food source. Unfortunately for plant lovers, flowerpots are quite a common area for you to find a springtail nest.
Why do springtail bugs come into your home in the first place?
There are several different reasons why springtail bugs may infest someone’s home. I’ve found that the most common reasons are that a person’s home is quite humid, there is trash lying around which attracts them, or there is mold somewhere in the house and they are attracted to it. I recommend that you seal off your pool completely using a special plastic or a tarp when you aren’t using it to prevent springtails from getting into your pool.
Conclusion
Multiple methods for getting rid of springtails naturally exist. Diatomaceous earth, vinegar, and limiting humidity in the home are just a few of these methods.
I also advise that you take steps like throwing away garbage properly, getting rid of mold, and avoiding humidity in your home when possible to prevent springtail infestations in the first place.
Daniel has been a plant enthusiast for over 20 years. He owns hundreds of houseplants and prepares for the chili growing seasons yearly with great anticipation. His favorite plants are plant species in the Araceae family, such as Monstera, Philodendron, and Anthurium. He also loves gardening and is growing hot peppers, tomatoes, and many more vegetables.