How to Treat Springtails
IDENTIFICATION
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Springtails can easily be mistaken for fleas because they are both very tiny, and they both have the ability to jump fairly high. However, if you obtain a specimen and look at it closely, you will notice that springtails have antennae, but fleas do not. Springtails also have an appendage under their bodies called a "furcula." This gives them their ability to jump. If they get frightened, they release the furcula, and it quickly moves from under the body to past the back of the body, and that propels them into the air. So, if the specimen has antennae and a furcula, then it is a springtail. If not, then it may be a flea.
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LOCATION
You will usually see springtails near damp areas, such as in the bathrooms and kitchens because they need water to survive. You can find fleas just about anywhere. Outside, you will also find them in damp areas, such as around downspouts from the gutters, flower beds, yard debris, or any place where water seems to accumulate. If you really want to get rid of these things, then you need to treat both the inside and outside of your home. Of course, if you are renting, or you live in a town home or condominium, then the best you can do is treat inside.
OUTSIDE TREATMENT
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Start by treating the outside of your house. I think the best way to do this is to use a combination of D-Fense dust, Bifen LP granules, and Talstar P.
Use a handheld duster to apply D-Fense dust in all cracks and crevices on the outside of the building. Just puff some dust where pipes penetrate the walls, weep holes, and that sort of thing. I found a great duster, and I will place a link below for it.
Next, you can apply Bifen LP granules with a handheld spreader on flower beds, and other areas on your yard where there may be moisture. It's not a bad idea to use the hand spreader to create a band around your entire house. If you really want to go after these guys, and a lot of other pests as well, it wouldn't hurt to apply them on your entire lawn. Now, water them in using Talstar P and a 20-gallon hose-end sprayer. I have a video on how to use a 20-gallon hose-end sprayer, and I will place a link below. I'll give you a link to all the products as well. It is always a good idea to use the Talstar P on your entire yard. Make sure that you use enough to allow the liquid to reach the soil under the grass. Just spraying the top of the grass will not get it done. Also spray under ornamental plants. Although not necessary for springtails, I recommend that you treat up the side of trees about three feet and driveways, sidewalks, patios, and that sort of thing as well. This will help with other pests. Since you have the sprayer in your hand, you may as well do it. You should also apply this product on the side of your house from the ground up about three or four feet. Be sure to spray around the doors and on any cracks and crevices that you see, such as pipe penetrations. Be sure to soak the area where the ground meets the side of the house. To prevent future infestations of springtails, and many other pests as well, I recommend spraying your yard every 60 to 90 days.
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INSIDE TREATMENT
I think the best way to do the inside treatment is to use a combination of D-Fense dust, and Talstar P.
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You are most likely only going to need to treat the bathrooms and maybe the kitchen.
Start by using D-Fense dust and apply it in all pipe penetrations under the sinks and also apply it under the baseboards. You can use the same handheld duster that was used for the outside treatment.
Now, you need to use Talstar P to treat around pipe penetrations, on the floor behind toilets, where the bathtub and the floor meet, on cabinet kick plates, (That is the area where the cabinets meet the floor.) and on top of baseboards. This product can be applied with a 1-gallon pump-up garden sprayer. Do not over pump the sprayer because you just want to lightly spray these surfaces.
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PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT (PPE)
Always wear rubber gloves, eye protection, and a respirator when applying any type of liquid pesticide or dust. It is also a good idea to wear long pants, a long sleeve shirt, and a hat when treating outside.
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SAFETY TIPS
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The liquid products are safe enough for children to play on after they dry, so no worries about your kids or your pets. Just keep them inside while you are treating the outside and keep everyone in a different room while you are treating the bathrooms or the kitchen.
Please note that 20-gallon hose-end sprayers can be a little confusing to use, so be sure to watch my video on how to do it correctly. I have a method for using them that is much easier than everyone else.
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LINKS
Video on how to use a 20-gallon hose-end sprayer
D-Fense dust: D-Fense Deltamethrin Dust
Talstar P: Talstar P (Pro) Insecticide | Fast, Free Shipping - DoMyOwn.com
Bifen LP: Bifen Granules, Bifenthrin granules, Bifen LP - Free Shipping
Pump up garden sprayer: Amazon.com : Chapin 20000 Made in USA 1 -Gallon Lawn and Garden Pump Pressured Sprayer, for Spraying Plants, Garden Watering, Weeds and Pests, Polypropylene, Translucent White : Patio, Lawn & Garden
20-gallon hose-end sprayer: Amazon.com : Chapin G390 Hose End Sprayer for Water Soluble Materials, 20 Gallon, 32 Ounce Tank, Finger Control and Backflow Prevention, for Spraying Lawns, Weeds, Insects, Fertilizers, Translucent White : Patio, Lawn & Garden
Handheld spreader: Amazon.com : Chapin International 8706A 1.6-Liter Hand Crank Turf Spreader, Poly Scoop with Thumb Control, 1-pack, Red : Patio, Lawn & Garden