Chiggers are bugs so small that you need a magnifying glass to spot them. Scientists call these creatures “trombiculid mites” because theyre from a family of mites called Neotrombicula autumnalis. But they have a bunch of nicknames. In North America, theyre usually called chiggers. In Britain, theyre known as harvest mites. They can also be called berry bugs, bush-mites, red bugs, or scrub-itch mites.Â
Chiggers are so small that you probably wont see them. Although youll see (and feel) their itchy bites, they usually dont cause serious harm. (Photo Credit: WebMD Illustration: Dreamstime, Wikimedia Commons).
Chiggers actually arent insects. Theyre “arachnids,” in the same family as spiders and ticks. And while chiggers arent a huge threat to your health, their bites can leave you with a strong urge to scratch.
Adult chiggers dont bite. Its the babies, called larvae, that you have to watch out for.Â
If youre a fan of things that creep and crawl, Â you may find chiggers to be really cool. If not, a close-up picture of a chigger may remind you of something out of a horror movie.Â
Chiggers are no more than 0.3 millimeters long, but zoom in and youll see that theyre hairy and red. (And turn yellow once theyre full.) Once chiggers become adults, they have eight legs, but the young ones that bite you only have six. And while chiggers do have mouth parts that can pierce your skin, these pinchers are short and not very strong. Thats why chiggers bite soft parts of your skin that fold or wrinkle.
You can travel across the globe, but you cant escape these pests. Chiggers live in every country. Their favorite spots are moist, grassy areas like fields, forests, and even your lawn. You can also find them near lakes and streams.
After they hatch from eggs, baby chiggers dont fly very far on their own. They tend to stay clumped together in large groups on leaves and grass, usually less than a foot off the ground, and attach to animals or people as they pass by.
In the U.S., chigger bites are most common in the late spring, summer, and early fall. The bugs are active when the ground temperature is between 77 and 86 F, and they cant survive once it gets colder than 42 F.
Discovering tiny red bugs crawling around your house or garden can be alarming But not all small red insects and mites are pests or cause damage Some tiny scarlet-colored creatures are beneficial predators that feed on other nuisance bugs. So it’s important to identify red bugs correctly to know how to eliminate them or if they even need controlling.
This guide to images of tiny red bugs gives you visual clues to identifying small red insects and mites. You will discover what the most common species of true red-colored critters look like. As well as pictures of red arachnids, insects, and springtails, you will find out how to get rid of destructive red pests.
Why Identify Tiny Red Bugs?
There are a few reasons why identifying small red creepy-crawlies is important if you find them in your home or yard. For example:
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To know if the red bugs bite, sting, or could transmit diseases. Some red mites and insects are completely harmless. However, others can give painful bites that result in irritating rashes or spots on your skin.
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Find out the best way to kill control or get rid of destructive red bugs. Properly identifying red insects or mites ensures you can use appropriate insecticides or removal methods.
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Stop mistaken pest identification. Some red stains or blood spots can be due to crushing red bugs and not signs of bed bugs. Looking at pictures of common red house-invading arthropods can prevent incorrect bug ID.
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Prevent infestations or reinfestations. Identifying tiny red bugs lets you locate their source and breeding grounds. Getting rid of red pests involves destroying eggs and immature insects as well as adults.
Pictures of Common Tiny Red House Bugs
Many indoor red creepy-crawlies come from plants, trees, forests, and yards. The tiny red insects fly, crawl, or get carried indoors and migrate looking for food. Some of the most common red home-invading bugs include the following species.
Red velvet mites
Picture of red velvet mites crawling on soil
Red velvet mites are tiny bright red predatory mites with eight legs that feed on small insects and pests. They don’t bite humans but can leave behind itchy rashes if crushed on skin.
Usually, the red velvet mite pictures show them crawling through soil hunting for prey. These beneficial mites help get rid of harmful garden pests and parasites. They also feed on insect eggs, so help reduce parasitic infestations. Being predatory mites, they have specialized mouthparts called pedipalps to grasp other bugs, kill them, and suck fluids from their bodies.
Although the red velvet mite doesn’t directly damage plants, their presence usually indicates an excess of other harmful insects in your garden.
Boxelder bugs
Picture of red boxelder nymphs on a plant stem
It is mostly the young red nymphs of the boxelder bug that invade homes in late summer and fall. These tiny bright red true bugs turn black as they become adults. The young boxelder bugs feed on sap, fruits, and seeds and can become a nuisance pest.
The identifying feature of boxelder nymphs is their bright red or orange-red color and oval-shaped body. As they mature, they develop wings and turn a black/red color. Adult boxelder bugs measure between 1/2″ and 3/4″ (12 – 17 mm). The red nymphs are much smaller.
To prevent annoying infestations of boxelder bugs, it’s essential to seal up cracks around windows doors. Also, any gaps or crevices in your home’s exterior through which bugs can enter.
Red spider mites
Close up picture of red spider mites on a leaf
Spider mites are classed as a type of arachnid that feeds on plants. Their colorful red body makes them visible as they crawl on the underside of leaves. With a magnifying glass, you may see tiny red dots moving slowly on the web. The red mites measure only 0.016” (0.4 mm) but can infest houseplants quickly, causing leaf damage.
A picture of an infected plant shows yellowing on the tops of leaves and fine webbing on the underside. The tiny red bugs suck sap from plants, causing them to wilt and die. Neem oil or insecticidal soap helps kill off red spider mites and saves infested plants.
Red clover mites
Microscopic picture of a red clover mite
Identifying red clover mites requires a microscope or magnifying glass. These tiny red plant pests look like tiny dots crawling around your home. They don’t bite but leave behind light red stains if crushed. Being very tiny, around 1/100″ (0.4 mm), these red mites can easily find their way indoors and thrive in damp, humid conditions.
Red clover mites can also cause lawn damage as they feed on grass blades, clover, and broadleaf plants. A picture of red clover mites on plants would show yellow blotching and death of leaves if their population is high.
To identify tiny red clover mites, look for pinprick-sized red bugs moving slowly indoors near windows, doors, and skirting boards. Outdoors, shake foliage over white paper to confirm the almost microscopic red mites are present.
Scarlet lily beetles
Picture of red and black scarlet lily beetles on a plant
Scarlet lily beetles are red insects with black legs and antennae that measure between 1/4” and 1/3” (6 – 9 mm). They can severely damage lilies, fritillaries, and other plants by chewing holes in the foliage and buds. Sometimes the only signs of an infestation are dried brown excrement piles on leaves. Handpicking the red and black beetles is an effective way to eliminate them and stop them damaging more plants.
Red flour beetles
Picture of small red flour beetles crawling on white background
Some of the most destructive indoor red pests are red flour beetles. These tiny scarlet-colored beetles measure between 1/16” and 1/8” (1.5 – 3.5 mm) long. The small red beetles can fly and infest stored dried foods. To prevent red flour beetle infestations, inspect packages before buying and store foods in airtight glass or hard plastic containers.
Pictures of Outdoor Tiny Red Bugs and Insects
Tiny bright red insects, mites, and spiders are also common in gardens and yards. Some of the most prevalent red lawn bugs are the following.
Red velvet ants
Picture of red velvet ant on hand
Red velvet ants look like tiny bright red insects crawling through soil and on lawns. However, these are a species of solitary wasp and the females are wingless. Although the name is ‘red velvet ant,’ these are not true ants. The females measure between 0.5” and 1” (12 – 25 mm), and the males are smaller with wings.
These red ground-dwelling wasps have a painful sting. So although they are beneficial insects preying on pests, don’t handle them.
Berry bugs
Close up picture of a red berry bug mite on human skin
Berry bugs are a species of red chigger mites that are almost too small to see. They are parasites in their larval stage and crawl on low vegetation waiting to attach to humans or animals. The first indication of berry bugs is intense itchy red welts or spots on your skin. A picture of berry bug bites shows red irritated bumps that are extremely itchy.
To prevent berry bug bites, wear insect repellent spray and cover bare skin when walking in bushy areas. Shower immediately after returning home and wash your clothes in hot water.
Red harvester ants
Picture of small red ants crawling on ground outdoors
Small red ants that invade lawns and gardens and sting are red harvester ants or fire ants. These ants measure around 1/8” – 1/4” (3 – 6 mm) and can leave itchy, painful stings in your skin. Some species of red stinging ants are venomous and require medical treatment.
To identify these tiny red ants, look for signs of ant nests or ant trails in your yard. Red ants may enter homes looking for food and build nests in wall cavities or under floors. To get rid of red ants, treat nests directly with boiling water, diatomaceous earth, or ant killer powder.
Are Tiny Light Red Bugs Dangerous?
Generally, most minuscule light red mites, insects, spiders, and springtails are harmless to humans. However, some red arachnids can transmit diseases with their bites. Others may not carry diseases but can produce painful stings or skin irritation. Species to be wary of are:
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Red velvet mites. Harmless but may provoke minor itching if crushed on skin.
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Boxelder nymphs. Don’t bite but can become a nuisance pest if infestations are high.
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Red spider mites. Don’t carry diseases but may bite humans in defense. Their bites can irritate sensitive skin.
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Scarlet lily beetles. Don’t bite but can destroy decorative flowering plants.
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Red flour beetles. Don’t bite but destroy stored dried foods rendering them inedible.
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Berry bugs. Bites cause red itchy bumps that are extremely irritating.
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Red ants. Have a painful sting that causes pustules and swelling. Some species are venomous.
The good news about tiny light red creepy-crawlies is that they are easy to get rid of. In most cases, improving basic home hygiene is enough to be rid of most red mini-beasts. Thorough vacuuming, sealing up cracks, eliminating food sources, and using insecticidal soap or essential oils can remove red pests from your home.
To conclude, being able to identify small red bugs is useful to help eliminate pests and prevent recurring infestations. Looking at pictures of red insects, mites, and spiders gives you a visual clue to identify red pests. Knowing what the red creepy-crawlies are ensures you use appropriate methods to kill and get rid of red bugs invading your home.
Symptoms of Chigger Bites
The clearest sign youve been bitten by a chigger: the itching. A few hours after youve been bitten, youll have an urge to scratch â a lot.
The itching usually lasts for several days and can sometimes keep you awake at night. Aside from tiny red bumps, your skin could also get blisters or a hive-like rash that may take a week or two to heal.
If you get a chigger bite on your penis, you could get a condition known as “summer penile syndrome.” It causes swelling, itching, and trouble peeing. This can last for a few days to a few weeks.
Scratching a chigger bite could break your skin and lead to irritation or an infection.
Chiggers in the U.S. dont spread disease, but they can in other parts of the world. A bacteria called Orientia tsutsugamushi can be spread from bites of infected chiggers and cause a disease called scrub typhus. It can be life-threatening if not treated with an antibiotic.
Most cases of scrub typhus come from chiggers in Southeast Asia, Indonesia, China, Japan, India, and northern Australia. See a doctor if youve traveled in one of these areas and have any of these symptoms:
- Chigger bites with dark scabs
- Skin rash
- Fever
- Chills
- Headache
- Muscle pain
- Body aches
- Feeling confused
- Swollen lymph nodes
How to Get Rid of Chiggers
To help keep these pesky mites out of your yard, try to stay on top of mowing, weeding, and removing brush. In severe cases, some pest control treatments can help. Look for a lawn spray that contains one of these chemicals:
To apply, follow the steps on the label. Make sure to keep pets out of the area until its fully dry. Many pest control products can be toxic to pets.
Keep in mind that these treatments wont get rid of chiggers for good. Theyll likely only clear your yard for a week or two.
How to prevent bites
The best way to avoid chigger bites? Try to avoid places where they thrive, such as grassy or wooded areas. (Especially in summer â chiggers love hot, humid weather.) Â
When you do spend time outdoors where chiggers may be, use an insect repellent that has DEET or wear clothing treated with an insecticide like permethrin. As you put on bug spray, pay close attention to areas where chiggers might travel from clothing to your skin, like the waist of your pants and the tops of your socks.
Some studies show that natural sprays may help keep chiggers away. Try ones that have oils made from citronella, tea tree, jojoba, eucalyptus, geranium, or lemon grass.
And of course, dont make yourself an easy target for a hungry chigger. Wear long sleeves and long pants, with your pant legs tucked into long socks. Once you come inside, take a shower to wash off any chiggers that may have hitched a ride.
Chiggers on dogs and other pets
Chiggers can feed on your pets as well as you. Youre most likely to see them on your dog or cats head, belly, feet, or ears, because these areas have less fur. Even if you dont see the chiggers themselves, you could notice your pet scratching a lot. You could also spot redness, bumps that may be crusty, and bald patches.
Call your veterinarian for advice on how to help your pet. If scratching has caused their skin to become infected, they may need an antibiotic or other medicine.
Chiggers are mites that feed on your skin, found in areas with tall grass, dead leaves, or lots of brush. While their bite can cause redness, bumps, blisters, and severe itching, chiggers in the U.S. dont cause disease. If youve been exposed to chiggers, wash the area or take a shower as soon as you can. Over-the-counter anti-itch creams are usually enough to soothe your skin.
If your skin gets worse, call your doctor. You may have an infection that needs to be treated.
How long do chiggers stay on you?
Chiggers can stay on your skin for a few days while they feed. Once theyre full, theyll drop off. But you dont need to wait for that to happen. Scratching or washing the area is enough to bump a chigger off even sooner.Â
Can chiggers live in your bed?
Chiggers are found outside. They only come inside once theyre attached to you. Thats unlike bedbugs â small, flat bugs that feed on your blood while you sleep. Once a chigger bites you, it cant bite you (or anyone else) again. Bedbugs, on the other hand, can live several months between feedings.
What do chiggers look like on a human body?
Remember, chiggers are so tiny that you probably wont see them. (But youll feel itchy.) You can see an adult chigger, though. Not only are they bigger and bright red, but they have eight legs instead of six. The good news? Adult chiggers wont bite you.
What’s the Difference Between Chiggers and Clover Mites?
FAQ
Are clover mites harmful to humans?
No, clover mites are not harmful to humans. They don’t bite, sting, or transmit diseases. While they can be a nuisance when they invade homes, especially in large numbers, they are primarily plant feeders and don’t pose a health risk to humans or animals.
How do you get rid of little tiny red bugs?
Locate and seal potential entry points around the home with caulk or similar materials. Create an area between your foundation and lawn that is free from grass and other foliage. An 18-20″ gravel or stone barrier between the lawn and the foundation will help reduce the incidences of clover mites.
What attracts red clover mites?
Clover mites are primarily attracted by warmth and food sources. They are most active in the early spring or fall and might try to sneak indoors during cool temperatures to stay warm.
How do I get rid of clover mites?
What does a red bug look like?
The tiny red bug has a red or reddish-brown, oval-shaped body and eight legs. An identifying feature of the clover mite is its extended front legs that look like a pair of antennae. The red mites are 0.03” – 0.033” (0.75 – 0.85 mm) long. Clover mites are tiny, almost microscopic red bugs that feed on plants in the yard.
What are red small bugs?
Red small bugs encompass a wide range of species, each with unique behaviors and impacts on their environment. While some are garden allies, others pose threats to plants and crops. Understanding these red small bugs is crucial for maintaining ecological balance and effective pest management.
Are there different types of tiny red bugs?
While there are many species of tiny red bugs, some are more prevalent than others. Clover mites, for instance, are one of the most common types of tiny red bugs found in homes and gardens. These tiny creatures are typically bright red in color and have a distinctive, elongated body shape.
What bugs have red bodies?
The most common small bugs with red bodies are chiggers and red clover mites. These almost microscopic reddish-brown bugs can be hard to spot. Other red bugs you could find in your home are red spider mites, red scarlet beetles, or black and red boxelder bugs.
How big do red bugs get?
Red bugs range in size from 0.01” to 0.35” (0.4 – 9 mm) long. Most red bugs in homes are so tiny you can’t see them with the naked eye. For example, chiggers are red mites that cause the most suffering to humans. However, these little red tick-like nuisances measure 0.01” (0.4 mm).
How do you know if a red bug is in your home?
A magnifying glass will help you see their tiny legs and movement. Clover mites are another type of red bug that can invade your home, particularly in large numbers: Appearance: Bright red, small bug, and often seen in large groups. Behavior: They tend to gather around windows, doors, and exterior walls, especially in spring and fall.