Hi Ken:

I read how they are harmless; thank goodness. And they will eventually die when a surface area remains dry. So far, I have been successful when using Home Depot's Home Defense and also Bayer All Purpose Home Insect Killer. Since the bugs seem to be located only in and around my kitchen sink, countertop and protruding Bay window, at night I spray a quick burst into the sink, the Bay windows three-sided perimeter where I suspect they found a possible entry point; maybe more entry points. I also spray the tile counter top 90-degree seam joining the vertical backsplash and flat surface area; again, being extremely careful not to contaminate anything I could possibly ingest or touch with my fingers.

For approximately three weeks I approached the eradication this way. When I did there wasn't a bug to be found anywhere. But I did stop the major bombardment and shortly thereafter, yesterday I couldn't believe it when I noticed a Springtail crawling at the furthest distance away from the backsplash and also a few dead bugs at the base of the backsplash where I previously sprayed.

I hope you don't mind my asking you a few questions. I will try to keep them short and to the point. Here they are:

1. Do you have a theory as to how these Springtails are getting into the house?

2. When I attempted to catch one using a Q-Tip, the bug seemed to leap, or jump a few inches. Was this their winged flight?

3. In order to completely rid the kitchen countertop and Bay windows surfaces, should I simply continue the bug spray approach? Keeping the sink and peripheral dry is nearly impossible. I use the sink daily, dry as best as possible, but there must be a small amount of residual water.

4. Is it possible they are breeding somewhere inside the kitchen sink drain, or on the garbage disposals soft rubber underside where cleaning is nearly impossible?

I greatly appreciate your advice and your time devoted to helping me identify and rid Springtails.

Sincerely,

Eric Bernstein
Bellevue, WA

...please understand one thing: springtails are among the most abundant creatures on earth, and they thrive wherever there is moisture. I can't imagine ever eradicating them entirely -- especially if you happen to live in western Washington. :)

That said...

1. Not really, but they're so small they could squeeze through the tiniest crack (under a door, around a window or pipe, etc.).

2. They don't have wings, but many species have a special structure on the underside that allows them to leap comparatively large distances (hence the name "springtail").

3. See my opening comment. I strongly suspect it's hopeless.

4. Can't say for sure, but I doubt it. I'll wager that they're coming from the outside.

Hi Ken:

I suppose I have been extremely fortunate to have lived in my home since 1995 without spotting a single Springtail crawling around in the kitchen; amazing actually.

Ken, I do appreciate how you identified the tiny, and common Springtail, and you have answered all of my questions. I can't think of anything else to possible ask you. :-)

Nice Man you are Ken - thank you,

Eric