The little red bugs you see on concrete are most likely concrete mites or clover mites , both of which are tiny red arachnids commonly found on outdoor surfaces.
Concrete Mites
- Scientific genus: Balaustium (family Erythraeidae).
- Appearance: Bright red, elongated shape, 1 to 2 millimeters long, with one or two pairs of eyes set well back on the body and a distinct gap between the second and third legs.
- Habitat: They tend to gather on concrete pavements, patios, masonry foundations, stonework, and exterior walls.
- Behavior: They are predatory mites that eat other mites and small insects but can also feed on pollen.
- Impact: Mostly a nuisance; they may produce small red stains on clothing if crushed. Bites causing dermatitis are rare and usually happen indoors.
- Seasonal: Appear in large numbers in sunny locations during spring but are short-lived
Clover Mites
- Scientific name: Bryobia praetiosa.
- Appearance: Tiny red bugs about 1/30 inch long, smaller than a pinhead, with eight legs (two front legs are long and often mistaken for antennae).
- Habitat: Found on clover, grass, surrounding plants, and sometimes on concrete surfaces near vegetation.
- Behavior: Do not bite humans and are harmless but can be a nuisance when they invade homes in large numbers.
- Identification: Crushing them leaves a bright red stain; eggs are also red and tiny.
- Seasonal: Appear in large numbers in early spring and can invade yards, gardens, and occasionally indoors
How to Distinguish Them
Feature| Concrete Mites| Clover Mites
---|---|---
Size| 1–2 mm| About 1/30 inch (smaller than pinhead)
Shape| Elongated| More rounded
Legs| Distinct gap between 2nd and 3rd legs| Long front legs, often mistaken
for antennae
Habitat| Concrete, patios, masonry, walls| Clover, grass, plants, sometimes
concrete near vegetation
Behavior| Predatory, also pollen feeders| Plant feeders, nuisance indoors
In summary, the tiny red bugs on concrete are most commonly concrete mites or clover mites, both harmless but potentially annoying pests that appear in spring and early summer on outdoor surfaces
