It’s a common occurrence to spot tiny red bugs scurrying across concrete surfaces like patios, sidewalks, and building foundations. These small creatures often spark curiosity or concern due to their vibrant color and sudden appearance. Understanding what these bugs are and their behaviors can help address any worries they might cause.
Common Red Bugs on Concrete
Two of the most frequently encountered red bugs on concrete are clover mites (Bryobia praetiosa) and concrete mites (Balaustium species). Clover mites are minute arachnids, measuring about 0.75 millimeters, roughly the size of a pinhead. They are reddish-brown and possess unusually long front legs that can be mistaken for antennae. These mites move rapidly and can leave a red stain when crushed. Clover mites primarily feed on plant sap, favoring grasses, clover, and other herbaceous plants, and are often found in well-fertilized lawns. They may migrate onto concrete surfaces from nearby vegetation, especially when seeking warmth or new food sources.
Concrete mites, also known as sidewalk mites or red velvet mites, belong to the genus Balaustium. These tiny arachnids are slightly larger than clover mites, typically ranging from 1 to 2 millimeters in length, and are a bright red to orange color with a velvety appearance due to fine hairs on their bodies. They are characterized by eight legs and eyes set well back on their bodies. Concrete mites are fast-moving predators that consume smaller arthropods like springtails, insect eggs, and other mites, and can also supplement their diet with pollen. They are frequently observed on sun-heated hardscapes like patios and sidewalks, particularly in spring and fall, as they are attracted to warm, dry surfaces.
Impact and Concerns
These common red bugs on concrete are harmless to humans, pets, and structures. Neither clover mites nor concrete mites bite or sting. They do not transmit diseases, nor do they infest food or cause structural damage to homes. Their presence is primarily a nuisance, particularly when they appear in large numbers.
The red mark left when crushed is not blood, but rather the pigment from their body fluids. While unpleasant, these stains are usually aesthetic and can be cleaned from surfaces.
Management and Prevention
Managing these red bugs on concrete often begins with simple, non-chemical methods. One effective method is to physically remove them by hosing them off with a strong spray of water from a garden hose. This action dislodges them from surfaces and can also help control populations on nearby plants. Vacuuming them up is another option, particularly for mites that have found their way indoors, as it prevents crushing and staining.
Environmental modifications can reduce their presence:
Create a clear, vegetation-free zone of 18-24 inches around concrete surfaces and building foundations.
Fill this barrier with materials like mulch or pea gravel.
Regularly clear organic debris such as leaf litter and grass clippings near foundations.
Seal cracks and gaps in concrete and building foundations.
Avoid over-fertilization of lawns.