Top 5 Ways to Stop Springtails in Ames, Iowa

Top 5 Ways to Stop Springtails in Ames, Iowa

What are Springtails?

​Springtails (Order Collembola) are tiny, soft-bodied arthropods—usually 1–2 mm long—that leap with a built-in “spring.” They’re harmless to people and pets, but when our central-Iowa weather turns hot & dry, thirsty springtails migrate by the thousands from parched soil into shaded mulched beds, patios, and eventually your home. Understanding their biology—and eliminating excess moisture—are the keys to keeping them out.

What Do Springtails Eat?

Outdoors, springtails are detritivores that graze on mold, mildew, algae, and bacteria growing on decomposing leaves and other organic matter. Indoors they often congregate in drains, potted plants, or around damp window sills where similar food sources exist.

Why Am I Seeing Springtails Inside?

​During hot, dry spells—like we’re seeing now in Central Iowa—springtails leave dry lawns and head toward moisture. This often means they end up around doors, patios, basements, and bathrooms. If you’re finding them inside, moisture is the root cause

Here Are the Top 5 Things You Can Do in Ames to Stop Springtails:

1. Stop Overwatering the Lawn

Overwatering may seem helpful during watering bans, but soaked soil becomes the perfect breeding ground for springtails. When that soil dries out on the surface, they migrate toward your house. Instead, water early in the morning and let the ground dry by evening. Fix broken sprinkler heads that splash walls or leave puddles. A dry yard means fewer springtails looking for a new home.
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2. Remove Leaf Litter and Debris Near the Foundation

​Springtails love moist, rotting material. If you’ve got piles of leaves, mulch, or grass clippings up against your house, you’re creating a perfect springtail zone.
Clear leaf litter and grass debris at least 18 inches away from your foundation. Keep mulch layers thin (2 inches or less) and consider rock in problem areas. Less moisture means fewer springtails.

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3. Trim Bushes and Plants That Shade the Soil

​Dense landscaping that blocks sunlight keeps the soil underneath cool and damp—perfect for springtails. These shaded areas often stay wet long after the rest of the yard dries out. Trim bushes so they don’t touch your house and raise lower branches to let air and sunlight in. Sunlight helps dry out the soil and keeps pests from gathering near your home.

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4. Use a Dehumidifier in Basements and Crawlspaces

Basements and crawlspaces in Ames are naturally humid—especially in summer. That makes them a hot spot for mold growth, which springtails love. Running a dehumidifier can pull gallons of water from the air. Set your dehumidifier to 45–50% humidity and make sure it drains properly. A dry basement is your best defense.

5. Use Vents and Fans in Bathrooms

Bathrooms create a lot of moisture from showers, baths, and handwashing. If you’re not using the exhaust fan, moisture hangs around—and that attracts springtails.
Run your bathroom fan during and for 20 minutes after each shower. Make sure it vents outside the home (not into the attic). If there’s no fan, crack a window and use a small fan to help dry things out.  Bird are know to nest in vents and fan ducts so make sure they are free and clear.  Do this by turning on the fan and looking at the exterior vent, you should see the small baffles opened. 

The Bottom Line

​Springtails are harmless, but they’re a nuisance when they start showing up inside your home. The number one way to stop them is to control moisture. These five simple steps will dry out the areas springtails love—and help keep them out of your house.