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How to Make a Springtail Climbing Barrier

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Pavy R. 2025. Springtails US

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springtails-us
Last opened
Oct 22, 2026

Posted 11 April 2025.

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Checked on Oct 22, 2026 by a web request. The registry returned: How to Make a Springtail Climbing Barrier.

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Cited by 11 statements

Entomobrya unostrigata

  • A seller photographed a mass of this species held back by a climbing barrier, which shows that it climbs smooth walls. (at photo captions)

Make a springtail climbing barrier

  • Many species gather on the walls and lids of culture containers, so springtails escape whenever you open a culture, even with gasket seals and mesh over the vents. (at Introduction)
  • Vaseline is often suggested, but springtails can walk right over it or get trapped in it. The dry barrier in this guide allows no movement beyond it. (at Introduction)
  • Hydrophobic fumed silica is made of extremely fine, light particles that go airborne very easily. Wear a dust mask and work in a well ventilated area. Once mixed with the alcohol it is safe, and it is safe after it is applied. (at Warning)
  • You need 95 percent denatured ethanol, hydrophobic fumed silica, a small paintbrush and a 2 to 4 oz deli cup or dish. Isopropyl alcohol will not work, and non-hydrophobic fumed silica will not work either. (at Ingredients/Tools)
  • Add a little silica to the cup and pour in a little alcohol. The mix should be not much thicker than water. One gram of silica to 20 grams of alcohol is a good starting point, and exact ratios are not critical. (at Instructions)
  • Paint a very thin layer along the wall just below the lid. A thick layer flakes off once dry. (at Instructions)
  • Let the alcohol evaporate. Wait an hour before adding springtails to be sure it has gone. (at Instructions)
  • The dried barrier wipes off very easily, so do not touch it. After months of use some species wear it away. (at Additional Notes)
  • Mixed barrier stored in deli cups slowly dries out. Add alcohol as needed, or store it in a tighter container. (at Additional Notes)

Pseudosinella violenta

  • A seller photographed this species held back by a climbing barrier, which shows that it climbs smooth walls. (at photo captions)