CLOSED: Very tiny (almost microscopic!) bright red bug

hi, i'd really appreciate some help from the experts with identifying a bug i've been finding in my apartment. i've seen a couple of them in my bathroom around my sink, they look like incredibly small, 6 legged bugs. i mean VERY small, about the size of a very small dot, literally not much bigger than the size of the period at the end of this sentence.

the other interesting characteristic is that they are entirely fluorescent red. i've tried to search online but can't seem to find any clues, might anyone know what this bug is? thanks!

i am hoping you get a response because sounds like my bugs like a mite almost and bites. went to doc for the bites bad reaction. not a chigger know what those are

Use a magnifying glass to see if the front pair of legs are much longer than than the others. If so, these could be nymphs of clover mites (Bryobia praetiosa) - see http://tinyurl.com/lap3yo for an image. These are harmless nuisance pests.

Identifying Clover Mites

clover mites

The full-grown clover mite is slightly smaller than a pin head and has a bright reddish to reddish-brown body. Clover mites occur in large numbers. The mites are very tiny creatures (smaller than a pin head) and may occur in countless numbers.

Clover mites appear as dark red specks crawling around sidings, doors, windows, drapes, curtains and furniture.

When accidently crushed, clover mites will appear red and will cause a stain. This is not blood but their coloration.

The front legs are as long as the body, and extend forward.

clover mites








Clover Mites Biology and Habits

Clover mites are not insects but they are a relative of spiders and ticks, an arachnid.
Clover mites leave a red stain when crushed. Clover mites feed on grasses, clovers, and certain other plants in the lawn and around the home. They often crawl into cracks and crevices to molt and lay eggs. Typical "hiding places" are under the loose bark of trees, on foundation walls, beneath siding, and around window frames
Clover mites do not damage buildings and furnishings, nor do they injure humans and pets.
They attack a number of grasses and plants found in the yards.
Clover mites are plant feeders that have been found infesting more than 200 different plants, sucking the sap.
They can live off algae and mold.
Clover mites live close or on the their food sources.
They become a real nuisance upon migration inside.
Heavy migrations of clover mites into houses are also common in the early summer and fall.
Clover mites build up very large populations around structures surrounded with lush, well-fertilized lawns and shrubbery.
They often move into buildings in massive numbers in the autumn when vegetation begins to die.
In the spring, large numbers indoor migration is usually is the result of recent mulching and the beginning of higher temperatures.
Large populations of clover mites may occur on the flat roofs of commercial buildings and are associated with moss growth.
Clover mites females lay about 70 eggs each, singly or in masses, lay eggs in cracks in concrete foundations, cracks and crevices of buildings, under sidings, and on the underside of bark at the base of the trees.
Clover mites eggs do not hatch below 40 degrees F or above 86 degrees F.
They lay their eggs during the spring.
� After eggs hatch, the newly emerged immature clover mites move to find hosts, molt, and pass through two nymphal stages.
Approximately 30 days are required to complete a generation outdoors.
One generation is completed during the spring or early summer months and another in the early fall (September/October).
Clover mites in the egg stage may either hibernate (overwinter) or become dormant during the summer under tree bark, in cracks of fence posts and foundation walls, under sheathing of buildings or in other dry protected sites, during adverse weather conditions.
Clover mites are most troublesome in early spring and again in fall, especially on the east and south sides of buildings.
They can be found randomly through the house, but very frequently on the south side of the house because of the warmth.
PA. Dept. of Agriculture : Clover Mites



James Kalisch, Department of Entomology, UNL
Barb Ogg, UNL Extension in Lancaster County

Clover Mite Control Measures

Clover mites mechanical treatments:
The most effective prevention is removing grass and weeds for 18 to 24 inches around the foundation of the house.

Placing a plant-free band of gravel, coarse sand, marbles, lava rock, or wood chips around the foundation will help keep them away from the structure.

Clover mites generally have difficulty crossing such barriers.

Avoid excessive watering or fertilization so that lush growth of host plants close to the house is not encouraged.

Clover mites chemical treatments:
If the mites have invaded the home causing a more serious infestation, chemical controls, such Bifen IT.

Bifen
Bifen IT

can be applied to lower foundational exterior walls up to the first floor windows, and a 10- to 20-foot-wide strip of nearby lawn where the mites are found during their invasion period.
Very thorough treatment is required for consistent results. Sprays are usually applied at the rate of 15-20 gallons of finished spray per 1,000 square feet.
Hose End Sprayer Hose End Sprayers, will certainly make the job easier.

Spray the walls and foundation to the point of runoff and the vegetation until it is entirely wet.

For the indoors, use a vacuum cleaner to pick up the live mites without crushing them so that they don't stain. Dispose of the sweeper bag.