Hey folks,
I’m hoping someone here has dealt with this before because I’m at my limit. Over the past week, tiny springtails have started popping up all over my bathroom—around the tub, near the toilet base, even along the window frame. They don’t bite, but seeing dozens of them jump around every time I turn on the light is driving me crazy.
From what I’ve read, they’re attracted to moisture, but I can’t figure out where exactly they’re coming from. The room looks dry. Has anyone found a solid fix that actually works?
• Do dehumidifiers help?
• Should I be sealing cracks or looking for leaks?
• Is this something you can solve fast, or does it take weeks to fully clear?
Really appreciate any advice from people who’ve fought this battle already.
Springtails love damp grout and hidden leaks. My fix was tightening a tiny drip under the sink. Two days later—gone. Might be worth checking everything slowly.
I ran a dehumidifier for a week straight and it seriously reduced them. It won’t kill them, but it makes the space way less appealing.
Check behind your toilet. The wax ring area can get damp without you noticing. That’s where mine were hanging out.
@TileTroubleTom You’d be surprised how much moisture hides in silicone caulk. If it’s old or cracking, replacing it can help a lot.
I vacuumed them daily for a bit just to keep numbers down. Not a solution, but it made the bathroom feel less creepy while I fixed the actual issue.
leave the bathroom fan running for 30–40 minutes after showers. Springtails hate dry airflow.
Seal everything. I used a clear sealant around the tub edges and where the tile meets the wall. They stopped appearing within a week.
@FreshAirFiona same here. Dehumidifier plus running a space heater on low for an afternoon actually made them disappear fast.
Anyone else notice they show up after heavy rain? Mine always seem to explode after a storm, then slowly fade out.
If nothing else works, look at the exterior wall behind the bathroom. Sometimes the outside foundation gets damp and they travel inward. Happened to me once and it made everything click.