Is your dishwasher the source of your springtail or mold mite infestation? 

For the umpteenth time in 14 years as a mite eradication consultant, I received a call from a woman who was convinced that her dishwasher was the source of her springtail problem. Yes, Mrs. Johnson, tiny critters like springtails and mold mites can live inside dish washers, even if you use hot water in the rinse cycle. Yes, mold mites--also known as grain mites--can bite humans. There's a running debate as to whether or not springtails can attack humans, but there's no question in my mind. When I teach homeowners how to use cheap microscopes and send samples to labs, they're often able to produce clinical evidence that springtails are the unseen attackers lingering on couches, beds and carpeting. Debate over. Now let's talk about how to clean your dishwasher, fog your kitchen and spray strategic areas where springtails congregate. 

​Dishwasher filters and drain hoses can harbor mold, which can attract mold loving organisms. The dishwasher drain and dishwasher air gap are common entry points for bugs in dishwashers. All sorts of insects can infest dish washers, including drain flies, cockroaches, maggots, fungus gnats and more. Their primary source of entry is an open dish washer door. The presence of mold mites or springtails indicates that mold is growing inside your dishwasher. It's also an indication that your home is infested. 

Try a dishwasher cleaner product to remove mold and limescale
Dishwasher cleaning tablets may be all you need to wipe out the mold and sediment clogging your filter and pipes. If you find an excessive amount of mold and sediment stuck to your filter, you may have to clean the filter manually. See filter cleaning instructions below. 

If you discover excessive mold, clean the dishwasher filter manually.

  • Gather all necessary materials before you begin. Start with a screwdriver, toothbrush, rubber gloves and a small bucket of bleach saturated rags. Locate the dish washer's operation manual. Fire up the kettle to produce a working supply of hot water. Bring baking soda, white vinegar and a measuring cup to your work area.
  • Remove the bottom rack of the dishwasher. Locate the dishwasher filter over the dishwasher drain. Wipe away mold and sediment covering the filter with a bleach saturated rag. Discard your mold covered rags. Don't attempt to wash and reuse them!
  • Unscrew the dishwasher filter. If you can't figure out how to do this, consult your dishwasher's user manual.
  • Use an old tooth brush to scrub any food, mold or sediment stuck to the filter. 
  • Mix one cup of hot water with 1/2 cup of baking soda and 1/2 cup of white vinegar. Pour the mixture into the drain. Let the mixture settle inside the drain for 15 to 20 minutes. 
  • Run the dishwasher on a regular cycle to flush out the water lingering in the drain. 
  • Begin using dishwasher cleaning tablets for maintenance. Without proper maintenance, mold can quickly develop again.

Choose a home and skin treatment spray that's both a killer and a repellent 

  • Many pesticide sprays are merely contact killers. They don't "prevent" mites from getting into the bed or crawling across your skin. Their only power lies in killing mites that may already be lingering on floors and beds. 
  • Dr. Ben's Evictor kills mites on contact and leaves behind a fresh cedar scent that repels bugs after it dries. Residual scents help to discourage traffic and nesting in sprayed spaces! It's a great way to keep mites from crossing back into your sleep space.​
  • Dr. Ben's Evictor is  100% organic. You can use it to spray skin, hair, dogs, couches, beds, carpets and more.

Advanced or chronic mite cases may require fogging with Dr. Ben's Evictor.

Pests such as mold mites, springtails and bird mites don't just wander across carpets, bedding and furniture. They can be EVERYWHERE, including walls and ceilings. A fog machine will help our pest controlling mist settle upon walls, ceilings and other surfaces that spraying won't reach.

Do you need to treat your yard? 

Springtail cases often begin when new loads of soil and landscaping materials are spread around the home. It's also common for springtails to invade homes when excessive flooding causes mold under the foundation of a home. Extra dry conditions can force springtails out of the soil as well. The search for more humid conditions can lead springtails to invade homed. Last but certainly not least, excessive leaf litter can hold moisture to the ground and create moldy conditions, causing springtail populations to blow out of control. 

Are you bothered by excessive skin issues? 

Complete List of Articles on This Site

Home Treatment Checklist - 20 Things You Must Do if You Have Mites
What's Biting Me? Top Ten Mites that Can Irritate Humans - How to Identify Your Mite - Get a Formal Diagnosis
10 Ways to Get Mites Out of Skin - DIY Skin Recipes and Bathtime Rituals
Common Co-Infections Linked to Parasite Infestation and What to Do About Them 
​How to Talk to Your Doctor About Mites
​How to Collect Mite Samples for Identification
​Ten Ways to Deal with the Psychological Stress of a Mite Infestation
How to Get Mites Out of Ears, Eyes, Noses and Genitals 
Prescriptions for Treating Mites in the Urinary Tract
Top 12 Oral Supplements Commonly Used to Battle Parasites
​20 Ways to Trap Mites -Glue Boards Aren't Enough
How to Get Mites Out of Cars
How to Get Mites Out of Couch Crevices
How to Get Mites Out of Carpeting
How to Get Springtails and Mold Mites Out of Dishwashers
​Ten Rules to Avoid Transferring Mites when You Move to a New Home
The Importance of Choosing Clothing and Bedding Made of Synthetic Materials
​The Advantages of Treating with UV Light
How to Treat and Store Mite Infested Documents​
​How to Treat Infested Cell Phones and Computers
10 Organic Ways to Kill Lawn and Garden Pests
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