You recently saw a dark-colored group of small critters at the corner of your eye and realize that your home is now a springtail breeding ground. Now you’re wondering, will cinnamon kill springtails? We researched this concern for you and here’s what we found.
Cinnamon can help in killing springtails. You can either sprinkle it directly or spray it on the pests’ nests.
It’s also important to mention that cinnamon isn’t the only solution to getting rid of springtails. Continue reading as we talk about these ways in eliminating springtail infestations. We’ll also tackle using cinnamon against springtails in greater detail.
How Do You Know If You Have A Springtail Infestation?
Look for breeding springtail breeding grounds, which are generally rich in algae, fungi, and/or pollen. Decaying organic matter, such as rotting food, may also become springtail nests. Locations abundant in moisture may also become homes for springtails.
You can also find these insects inside or outside homes. Search for springtail infestations in places like leaky plumbing fixtures, garbage cans, and overwatered houseplants.
Can You Get Rid Of Springtails With Cinnamon?
It’s possible to kill springtails with cinnamon. You can use this spice to kill those insects using one of two methods:
- Sprinkle cinnamon on a springtail nest directly, or
- Mix cinnamon with water in a spray can and cover the insect hotbed with the solution
Take note that the efficacy of cinnamon might be temporary. So you may need to reapply the spice as many times as needed or until the springtails no longer return to the offending area.
How To Get Rid Of Springtail Infestation?
Aside from using cinnamon, other solutions exist to kill springtails. Some of these techniques are:
Pour Vinegar
Once you locate the springtail nest, pour vinegar into that breeding ground. The liquid should drown some of the pests. Also, vinegar is an acidic compound with sufficient potency to kill springtails.
Take note that you may need to pour vinegar in different locations if you have a serious infestation on your property.
Check out this product on Amazon.
Use Bleach
Bleach is a corrosive substance that's also an alternate solution for killing springtail infestations. It also often acts faster than vinegar.
However, you should be careful when using bleach. Its harmful nature can also affect you if you’re not careful. So if you’re going to use this product to kill springtails, make sure that you:
- Wear rubber gloves and long-sleeved clothing.
- Wear a respirator and safety mask.
- If you don’t have a respirator, open the doors and windows in the area.
Check out this product on Amazon.
Spray Insecticide
Some store-bought insecticides can help in killing springtail hordes in and around your house. Ensure to read the product's description or label to make sure that it's going to be effective in killing these insects.
Be wary as chemical insecticides aren't eco-friendly solutions. If used indiscriminately, these harmful pest killers may also kill nearby plants. Plus, the fumes generated by the solution might increase greenhouse effects, leading to an increase in global warming and climate change.
How Do You Permanently Get Rid Of Springtails?
Some procedures may help eliminate and deter springtails from returning to your property. These possible solutions include:
Clean The Gutters
The moisture trapped in the gutters can be the perfect nesting place for springtails. So it’s ideal to set a routine schedule to clean these fixtures to prevent that infestation. The following guide will help you complete this task:
What You’ll Need
- Stepladder
- Trowel
- Garden hose
- Buckets
Step-by-Step Guide
- Remove large debris from the gutters using your hands. Make sure you’re wearing rubber or latex gloves for this step.
- If you come across compacted debris, use a trowel to scoop them up and place the junk in a bucket.
- Use the garden hose to flush the gutter with water.
- If you run into a clogged downspout, feed the garden hose up the downspout. Spray water in the fixture until you remove the blockage.
It’s ideal to have an assistant with you to keep the stepladder secure as you’re cleaning the gutters. Also, make sure that the ladder is stable before climbing it to avoid falling while working.
Check out this gutter scoop on Amazon.
The following video will also show you additional ways in maintaining your gutter’s cleanliness:
Use A Dehumidifier
As mentioned previously, springtails love moisture. So it goes to show that reducing the amount of moisture should help eliminate springtail infestations in and around the property.
Bear in mind that placing a dehumidifier may not kill the springtails. But the use of this appliance should be sufficient as a long-term solution in keeping these insects away from the premises.
Check out this dehumidifier on Amazon.
Hire An Exterminator
Professional insect-exterminating services can be an excellent option if the springtail infestation seems to be larger than anticipated. If so, prepare to spend about $150 to $300 for the expert assistance.
Take note that the overall costs often depend on different factors, such as:
- Location
- Treatment type
- Swarm size
- Lot size
- Regularity of service
Also, keep in mind that not every pest exterminator can help you with your springtail problem. Base your final decision as you think about certain elements like:
- Existence of certifications, licenses, and insurance policies
- Years of experience
- Expertise in dealing with springtails and other insects
- Equipment and materials to use in the process
If the springtail infestation is still manageable at the time you decide to use the services of exterminators, take the time in going through different companies. Ask probing questions to each specialist before finalizing your decision to ensure you’re going to get excellent value for your money.
You may also learn more about these preventive measures by watching the video below:
Where Do Springtails Lay Eggs?
Springtails typically lay their eggs in moist soil. You might also find a group of springtail eggs in other locations, as long as these areas are abundant in moisture.
Keep in mind that one springtail can lay up to 400 eggs during its lifetime. This population in a specific location might become uncontrollable if left unchecked. This danger may increase upon knowing that the average springtail can live over a year.
Should I Worry About Springtails?
Springtails aren’t harmful to people and pets. Also, these insects usually feed on moisture and decomposing organic matter, which means they don’t typically eat wood, unlike termites.
However, springtails often come in massive quantities. If you see one springtail, a swarm might already be nearby.
Springtails don’t also bite the skin. But these pests might enter the body through different openings, such as the ear. Springtails may also invade bodies through open wounds.
Do Springtails Ever Go Away?
Springtails can move from one location to another, particularly if an area becomes inhabitable for them. For example, states like Florida, Louisiana, and Texas may not be susceptible to springtail infestations.
It’s because the climate in these regions is quite hot. In particular, Florida can have outside temperatures that hit or go beyond 100 degrees Fahrenheit.
On the other hand, states like Hawaii, Mississippi, and Alabama may experience more springtail swarms than other places in the country because of their fairly wet climates.
Final Words
Cinnamon can help in killing springtail nests. But you may also use other solutions, such as bleach and vinegar. If it seems that the infestation is larger than expected, you can request the help of professional exterminators.
