Tiny red specks are a common sight on concrete surfaces like driveways, patios, and sidewalks. These small, reddish bugs often appear in large numbers. While their sudden appearance can be unsettling, they are a frequent occurrence, particularly under certain environmental conditions.
Meet the Tiny Red Invaders
The tiny red bugs frequently seen on concrete are typically clover mites or concrete mites. While red spider mites are sometimes confused with them, they are distinct. Both clover mites (Bryobia praetiosa) and concrete mites are arachnids with distinct characteristics. Clover mites are slightly larger, measuring about 0.75 to 0.85 millimeters in length, roughly the size of a pinhead. They possess a reddish-brown body and are notable for their very long front legs, often mistaken for antennae. When crushed, clover mites leave a distinct reddish-brown stain.
Concrete mites (Balaustium) are bright red and scurry rapidly across surfaces. These mites are generally 1 to 2 millimeters long. Unlike clover mites, concrete mites have a distinct gap between their second and third pairs of legs. Red spider mites (Tetranychus urticae) are often mistaken for clover mites, but are usually much smaller, typically less than 0.5 millimeters. They are more commonly found on plants, often producing fine silk webbing. Their red color may indicate a resting phase, as they can be yellowish-green during active feeding.
Why They Love Concrete Surfaces
These tiny mites are often found on concrete surfaces due to specific environmental preferences. Clover mites thrive in lush, well-fertilized lawns and feed on grasses, clover, and other plants. They tend to move onto concrete from adjacent vegetated areas, especially during environmental stress like dryness or moisture, or when seeking shelter. Their appearance on concrete, including walls and foundations, is often migratory, particularly in spring and fall when temperatures are moderate. They may also lay tiny, bright red eggs in cracks and crevices of building foundations or sidewalks.
Concrete mites frequently aggregate on concrete pavements, patios, masonry foundations, and building exterior walls. These mites are often observed in sunny locations, preferring warm, dry conditions. They are predatory, feeding on other tiny arthropods and pollen, and may use concrete surfaces as hunting grounds or pathways between food sources. Their presence on concrete is often seasonal, peaking in warmer months.
Are These Bugs Harmful?
Despite their numbers, clover mites and concrete mites are generally considered harmless to humans and pets. They do not bite, sting, or transmit diseases. Their primary nuisance is their tendency to appear in large quantities and the red stains they leave if crushed. This pigment, which is not blood, can be difficult to remove from surfaces like concrete, fabrics, or furniture.
While not a direct threat to human health, these mites can affect plants. Red spider mites are known plant pests that feed on sap, causing stippling (small yellow or white spots) on leaves. Severe infestations can produce fine silk webbing, leading to leaf discoloration, drying, and even plant death. Clover mites, also plant feeders, typically cause less severe damage, such as silvery discoloration or brown spots on grass. They are generally not considered a significant threat to plant health unless populations are very high.
Dealing with Tiny Red Bugs
Managing tiny red bugs on concrete surfaces can be achieved through non-toxic, low-impact methods. A simple approach is to hose them off with a strong stream of water from a garden hose. This dislodges the mites and washes them away. Regularly cleaning affected areas with soap and water can also help remove residual mites and their eggs.
Creating a barrier between vegetation and concrete can deter mites from moving onto hard surfaces. A strip of bare soil, gravel, or stone, 18 to 24 inches wide, around a building’s foundation can significantly reduce their migration. Indoors, if mites enter, vacuuming them up, taking care not to crush them to avoid staining. For plant-feeding mites, maintaining adequate plant hydration can help, as red spider mites, in particular, thrive in hot, dry conditions. Pesticides are generally not necessary given their harmless nature, but for severe infestations, professional pest control options are available.