It starts with a strange little bug…
You’re brushing your teeth, getting ready for the day, when you spot something moving near the sink. Tiny. Black or gray. Almost too small to notice—until it hops.
Suddenly there are more. Near the tub, around the toilet, maybe even on the basement floor.
These aren’t fleas. They’re not ants either.
Welcome to the world of springtails—and they might be trying to tell you something important about your home.
What Are Springtails, Anyway?
Springtails are tiny, wingless insects that thrive in moist environments. Named for the spring-like tail they use to launch themselves through the air, they’re not harmful to people or pets—but they can be very annoying.
They don’t bite. They don’t sting. They don’t damage your home.
So why should you care?
Because when springtails show up, they’re usually following something much bigger: moisture.
Why They Love Bathrooms (and Basements and Kitchens)
Springtails are like tiny moisture detectors. If you’re seeing them in:
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Bathrooms
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Under sinks
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Around drains
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Near basement walls
…it’s a sign that something’s damp. Maybe a slow leak. Maybe poor ventilation. Maybe hidden moisture in the walls or floor.
They often come in after a big rain or when humidity spikes. They find their way through foundation cracks, window wells, or even potted plant soil and settle in wherever it’s moist and dark.
Telltale Signs of a Springtail Infestation
Not sure if it’s springtails? Watch for:
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Clusters of tiny dark bugs that scatter or jump when disturbed.
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Activity near moisture zones—like shower corners, floor drains, or basement seams.
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Bugs that seem to “appear and disappear” with the weather.
They can be hard to spot at first, but once they get comfortable, they can show up in big numbers.
Here’s the Real Problem…
Springtails themselves aren’t the threat.
But the conditions that attract them are.
These pests are often the first warning sign of:
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Hidden leaks behind walls or under flooring
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Poor air circulation or high humidity
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Mold or mildew starting to develop
If you’re seeing springtails regularly, your home could be telling you something’s wrong—something that gets worse (and costlier) the longer it goes unchecked.
How to Get Rid of Springtails for Good
You can start with a few DIY steps:
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Fix any leaks in bathrooms, kitchens, or basements.
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Use a dehumidifier to reduce indoor moisture.
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Seal up cracks in your foundation, around windows, or under doors.
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Improve ventilation—especially in bathrooms and laundry areas.
But if they keep coming back, that’s when it’s time to call in a pro.
Why St. Louis Trusts STL Pest Control
At STL Pest Control, we’ve been helping local families since 1989—and moisture pests like springtails are something we know inside and out.
Our licensed technicians will:
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Inspect your home for hidden sources of moisture
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Pinpoint how and where springtails are entering
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Treat the problem safely and effectively
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Offer long-term solutions to keep them from coming back
It’s not just about killing bugs—it’s about protecting your home.
Don’t Let Bathroom Bugs Catch You Off Guard
Springtails may be tiny, but they’re your home’s way of raising a red flag.
If you’re seeing them in your St. Louis home, don’t wait. Let our expert team at STL Pest Control solve the mystery and get your home back to dry, clean, pest-free peace of mind.
📞 Call us today or request an inspection online—we’re here to help!