You’re sitting on your porch, enjoying a hot cup of coffee while the gentle Oklahoma City wind ruffles your hair. It’s a perfect morning—that is, until you notice tiny red specks zigzagging across your window sill.
Alarmed, you lean in for a closer look and discover a veritable army of tiny red bugs.
Where did they come from? What are they? And perhaps most importantly, how do you get rid of them?
In this post, we’ll give you the scoop on tiny red bugs, from how to identify what kind of pest you’re dealing with to tips for getting rid of them for good.
Clover Mites: The Usual Culprits
First on our list are the infamous clover mites, probably the most common suspect when you find tiny red bugs in your home.
Roughly 0.25 mm long, these little critters aren’t much of a threat, but they sure can be a nuisance. They thrive on the lush greenery surrounding our homes and tend to make their way indoors when the climate conditions outside become unfavorable.
Clover mites are like the Goldilocks of the bug world; they prefer conditions that are just right. During spring or as temperatures drop in fall, they look for warmth and start heading towards your cozy sanctuary.
While they don’t bite or cause harm to humans, they can be a headache if not addressed. And let’s face it, nobody wants to share their space with uninvited guests, no matter how tiny. Plus, when these mites show up, they tend to show up in numbers, and having a horde of tiny red bugs running around your kitchen doesn’t exactly scream “inviting” or “sanitary.”
Before calling your relatives and starting a bug-themed guessing game, here’s how to identify them.
First, know that these mites are reddish-brown, often mistaken for specks of dust until they up and move. When squashed, they leave a red stain – not blood, but their natural pigmentation – on your surfaces.
Other Common Types of Tiny Red Bugs
While clover mites are the usual culprits to watch out for, there are some other pests you might confuse in your hunt to identify the tiny red bugs taking over your home.
Chiggers
Next, we have chiggers, affectionately known as berry bugs. Despite their innocent name, they can be a real pain – literally.
Unlike clover mites, chiggers can irritate your skin with itchy bites. They’re the larvae of a type of mite, and they love to hang out in tall grass and wooded areas.
If you’ve been outside frolicking in the fields, you may have unknowingly brought some in with you.
Tick
Usually brown to black, ticks can sometimes appear red, especially when engorged after a hearty meal. Though less common indoors unless attached to a pet or your pant leg post-hike, they’re worth mentioning due to their potential to carry diseases.
If you spy a tick, handle with care – use a pair of tweezers or call in the experts. Ticks can spread several different types of diseases, and you don’t want to mess with these tiny red bugs if you don’t have to.
Fleas
Another type of bug you might find is a flea. These are most common if you have fleas, but they can hitch a ride anywhere and on anyone.
Just like ticks, they are normally a dark brown color. Don’t be surprised, though, if you spot a red one that’s just finished a blood feast. These agile jumpers can quickly become a household nuisance if not dealt with promptly.
What to Do if You Find Tiny Red Bugs All Over Your House
First and foremost, don’t panic. Here’s a step-by-step guide to reclaiming your castle from these tiny trespassers:
- Identify – Use the descriptions above to figure out which type of bug you’re dealing with.
- Clean Up – Vacuum like you’ve never vacuumed before. This helps remove any critters and their eggs from rugs and furniture.
- Seal Entry Points – Check windows, doors, and any crack or crevice that might serve as an entrance. Use caulk or weather stripping to seal these areas and keep unwanted guests out.
- Natural Deterrents – For clover mites, a barrier of diatomaceous earth or talcum powder can dissuade them from crossing into your home. This works well for the other pests mentioned in our post, too, but you may need to take additional steps to keep blood-sucking bugs out of your home for good.
- Deep Clean – Wash any clothes or fabrics they might cling to in hot water. Cleanliness is your first line of defense.
When to Call Oklahoma City Pest Control
Sometimes, despite your best efforts, those creepy crawlies just won’t take a hint. Or maybe the thought of dealing with bugs yourself makes your skin crawl.
Either way, that’s when it’s time to call in the cavalry. Oklahoma City’s pest control experts, like our team at Thunder Pest Control, can assess the situation and provide a targeted solution.
We have the equipment, knowledge, and experience to make sure your home returns to a bug-free zone ASAP.
If you find yourself in over your head with tiny red bugs, remember that Thunder Pest Control in Oklahoma City is just a phone call away.
