CLOVER MITES and SPRINGTAILS are the two most common pests that enter homes around windows and doors.
And since Springtails are active all year long and (especially during the winter), windows will become their main target. This happens because when they’re reproducing, the males will be looking for the best place to leave their spermatophores. And since windows radiate heat, they’ll be easy for them to find.
Our video below shows active springtails crawling around exterior windows, HOME SIDING and decks even though it’s well below freezing when this video was made (in the middle of January!).
If you’ve had ongoing issues with either of these pests inside your home during the spring, summer or fall, be SURE TO TREAT THROUGHOUT WINTER.
Now if you reside in a northern state where you have snow, there is no need to think much about the ground around the home. In these regions, it will be more about the windows and DOORS.
But anyone in the southern states should be treating windows, doors, decks, home siding, foundations as well as the ground around the home. You typically won’t need to use as much assuming you have some cold, but do not stop monthly applications! And of course, if you find any inside, treat there too but in general, it’s the exterior that will always need attention as explained in our WINTER TREATMENT RECOMMENDATIONS page.
Windows are usually the most vulnerable location on most any home. This happens for several reasons.
First, a properly installed window will have flashing on top buried under exterior siding. This is designed to channel water from above around windows. This design works well but in the process, forms “eddies” under window sills. Anyone who fishes knows what an eddy is; basically it’s a pocket of slow moving water that usually forms around rocks or some other object under water and fish tend to collect in these areas. Well springtails are the same. They love to nest in between the 2×4’s which are usually doubled up on one another to strengthen window frames as seen in this picture.
We highlighted the gaps where wood lies on wood and where springtails and other pests will typically nest. These areas can be critical meaning you’ll need to reach them if you’re experiencing problems around windows in your home. Of course we always recommend focusing on the gaps and cracks that are easy to treat. At least to start. But if you find these treatments work for a little while but the problem keeps coming back, Power Injecting will most likely be the next step.
Now look at these windows that open. The area highlighted in yellow is another prime spot for springtails to nest. If you have these windows, commonly referred to as a casement window, it would be smart to open them and then treat the frame where they “seal” when closed.
And while they’re open, be sure to inspect them for any gaps or cracks that might be allowing springtails to enter their frames. This next picture shows how casement windows are constructed. As you can see, there are so many spaces and voids all of which could host thousands of springtails. If you do find an opening, be sure to Power Inject. Once again, we highlighted the spaces springtails would love to occupy.
As always, the best products for the outside areas will be MAXXTHOR EC and MAXXTHOR GRANULES.
For the home siding, decks, windows and doors, Maxxthor EC applied in the POWER INJECTOR is the way to go. Plan on treating these areas once a month. Same with all wood joints on your deck – especially where it attaches to the house. And consider using BASE OIL too.
Be sure to email order@bugspray.com or “text a tech” questions if you have specific questions but in general, our detailed web articles and videos should answer most any question you might have.
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