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Centipedes, Clover Mites, Fleas, Roly-Polys Springtails #862695

Asked March 28, 2024, 8:46 AM EDT

I have been dealing with a long running infestation of Springtails mostly (but occasionally centipedes and roly-polys and very often clover mites and fleas) in my home. I have been dealing with this problem since August of 2023, and nothing seems to be helping. Can you please offer any suggestions, such as purchased remedies, home remedies, possible sources for living/breeding so I can stop them at the source, etc. I have spent thousands doing the following: removing mulch, sealing with caulk open flooring/wall/bathroom areas, pest sprays inside the home (Ortho Home Defense, flea and tick sprays, etc.), lawn sprays, professional pest control services, purchasing de-humidiers, moisture bags, flea lamps/traps, and sticky traps, removing carpet from all floors and replacing with faux hardwood, replacing a leaky water spigot on exterior of home near foundation, air duct cleaning, steam cleaning, home remedies (apple cider vinegar, bowls of water with Dawn in them, rubbing alcohol, vinegar, vacuuming for hours each day, etc.). They have infiltrated everything: clothes, bedding, drawers, etc. Last summer they took over my whole life so much that I had to stay in a hotel for about 30 days just to have them off of me/get any sleep. Please help. Thank you. (I live in Fortville, IN now - I used to be a resident of Lansing and Portage, MI, but a friend suggested I reach out to you with the hopes that you could offer suggestions).

Ingham County Michigan

Expert Response

Good morning and thank you for reaching out.  I'm going to recommend you start with your Indiana Extension program (at Purdue).  We try not to "steal" clients from other states. ;-)

Here's a recommendation (click on the URL's below):


The space invaders of summer (purdue.edu)


About Dr. Buczkowski's Lab | Ant Behavioral Ecology and Genetics Lab | Grzegorz "Grzesiek" Buczkowski | Odorous house ant | Invasive ant | Protein marking | Ant behavior | Grylloblattid | Foraging Ecology | Purdue Urban Entomology

Best wishes,


Hi, Terri:

Good morning. 

Do you happen to have any articles/information related to springtails? That’s the insect I am having all the issues with. 

Thanks.

Celeste 

From: ask=<personal data hidden> <ask=<personal data hidden>> on behalf of Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>>
Sent: Thursday, March 28, 2024 8:52:07 AM
To: Celeste Croft <<personal data hidden>>
Subject: Re: Centipedes, Clover Mites, Fleas, Roly-Polys Springtails (#0132618)
 
The Question Asker Replied April 03, 2024, 10:14 AM EDT
Good Morning, Celeste -- I recommend you connect with Tim Gibb from Purdue.  Best wishes!


Tim Gibb

Insect Diagnostician

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