Bugs - springtails

Does anyone else have springtails in their house (small black bugs that look like specs of dust and jump if you try to touch them)? We started noticing them this spring on a few windowsills and bathrooms. We've read mixed things on how to handle them and are curious if they are common around here? Thanks.

 

They love moisture. Since we started using a dehumidifier years ago, we never see them - but they are nocturnal... If you have damp conditions you may want to run one during the summer. You could also sprinkle food grade diatomaceous earth along your baseboards that run along the outside wall.

 

Thank you for the info. What type of dehumidifier did you get? Is it a whole house system integrated with your duct work, or a portable unit? I'll look into the food grade diatomaceous earth option also.

 

It's a portable dehumidifier strictly for the basement. It doesn't port directly to a drain so it has to be emptied manually. It collects about 2 gallons daily. www.achooallergy.com sells a Danby models that can be connected to a drain.

When I was young we use to call springtails 'puddle jumpers' for their ability to skim across water.