Tiny red bugs can spark curiosity or concern for many people encountering them in and around their homes or gardens. These minuscule creatures, though sometimes startling, are typically mites, closely related to spiders and ticks rather than insects. Understanding them helps distinguish between harmless cohabitants and those that might require attention.
Identifying Common Small Red Bugs
Clover mites are among the most frequently encountered small red bugs. They are reddish-brown, smaller than a pinhead, and possess distinctively long front legs that can be mistaken for antennae. These mites are often found crawling on sunny walls, windowsills, and exterior surfaces, particularly in spring and autumn. When crushed, clover mites leave a red stain, which is their natural body fluid, not blood.
Spider mites are another common type, often appearing as tiny moving dots. They are typically found on plants, where they feed on sap. A key identifying feature of spider mites is the fine, silken webbing they produce on leaves and stems, which resembles spider webs.
Chiggers are the larval stage of certain mites, microscopic and bright red. These tiny larvae are barely visible to the naked eye. They are commonly found in grassy or wooded areas and attach to hosts, including humans, to feed.
Red velvet mites are noticeably larger than the other mites mentioned, growing up to half an inch in length, and are covered in bright red, velvety fine hairs. They are often seen slowly moving across rocks, patios, driveways, and soil, especially after rain. They are typically found outdoors and are not commonly associated with indoor infestations.
Understanding Their Potential Impact
Clover mites do not bite or sting humans or pets. While they can invade homes in large numbers, particularly in spring and fall, their main annoyance stems from the red stains they leave if accidentally crushed on light-colored surfaces like curtains or carpets. They are harmless to the structural integrity of homes.
Spider mites primarily pose a threat to plants. They feed by piercing plant tissue and sucking out the sap, which can lead to visible damage. Infested leaves may show tiny white or yellow spots, known as stippling, and can eventually turn yellow, bronze, or brown. Severe infestations can result in stunted plant growth, premature leaf drop, and even plant death.
Chiggers do bite humans and animals. When chigger larvae attach to the skin, they inject digestive enzymes that break down skin cells, which they then consume. This process causes intense itching, and the bites often appear as red, pimple-like bumps or welts, sometimes in clusters, particularly in areas where clothing fits tightly, such as ankles, waist, or behind the knees. Despite the discomfort, chiggers do not burrow into the skin and are not known to transmit diseases to humans in the United States.
Red velvet mites are generally harmless to humans and animals. They do not bite or sting. They are often considered beneficial in gardens because they prey on the eggs and larvae of various small insects and other mites, including common garden pests like aphids. Although their oils can cause skin irritation if released, direct human contact is rare.
Simple Approaches to Their Presence
For clover mites, physical removal is often effective. Vacuuming them up without crushing them can prevent staining, and the vacuum bag should be sealed and disposed of immediately. Sealing entry points like cracks around windows, doors, and foundations can help prevent their indoor entry. Creating a grass-free zone of 6 to 24 inches around the house foundation can also reduce their access.
For spider mites affecting plants, non-chemical approaches are recommended. Rinsing affected plants with a strong stream of water can dislodge many mites and their webbing. Applying insecticidal soap or neem oil to the leaves, especially the undersides, can also help control infestations. Regular inspection of plants helps in early detection and prevents widespread infestations.
Preventing chigger bites involves taking precautions in grassy or wooded areas. Wearing protective clothing, such as long sleeves and pants, and tucking pant legs into socks can help. Using insect repellents containing DEET or permethrin on skin and clothing is also advised. If exposure occurs, showering with soap and water as soon as possible can wash off any unattached chiggers. For bites, over-the-counter anti-itch creams like hydrocortisone or calamine lotion, or oral antihistamines, can help alleviate symptoms.
Red velvet mites generally require no intervention as they are harmless and can even benefit gardens. Their presence often indicates a healthy ecosystem. If their numbers are unusually high or they are a concern, hosing them off surfaces with water can be enough.