Tiny, Yellow or Black, Bugs That Bite

-
a thrips next to a leaf vein

Have you every felt a sharp pinch while outside during summer only to find a tiny, yellow or black, sliver-like bug when you investigate the bite?

These bites are from a tiny insect called a thrips (the name is always plural; one thrips, many thrips).

Thrips normally feed on plants with very sharp, knife-like mouthparts but some are predators of other small insects or mites. If they happen to land on us they can bite causing a sharp, stabbing pain. The bites are annoying but completely harmless and are more common in mid- to late summer. Unfortunately, insect repellents don't work against thrips.

Continue reading to discover ways to avoid thrips bites at our 'Bugs website.

drawing showing feathery wings
Thrips can be important plant pests where they damage leaves and in some cases even infect plants with a virus. Greenhouse growers in particular often treat their crops with insecticide to prevent thrips damage.

___________



Comments

Unknown said…
Thanks for sharing. These are some nasty little monsters.
5:57 AM
Unknown said…
Thanks for sharing. They are some mean little monsters.
5:57 AM
Unknown said…
I think one bit me in my house but its winter
9:08 AM
Unknown said…
I can't even sit on my porch without smacking myself until they run me in my own house.
1:25 PM
Unknown said…
Yes, they are! Not completely harmless if you have an allergic reaction to the bite either! Little devils.
7:21 PM
Unknown said…
I found something that seems to be working! I've been looking day and night trying to find away to kill these things. They attack me and my girls everytime we walk out the door. Anyways get something blue, bright blue is better. I used a glue stick to cover a bright blue bowl in. I have had it on my porch for maybe 10 mins and there is already over 30 of them stuck to it! Good luck I hope it helps!
9:58 AM
Unknown said…
Aweful little creatures. You cant stand outside 2 mins before these little monsters start biting.
11:27 AM
Okie Dokie said…
These suckers are covering my pool,especially the rim that's inflatable. They are always in thousands it seems
3:51 PM
Unknown said…
These guys are all over my truck! They usually start swarming mid to late afternoon so i have to get all my running around done in early morning. Otherwise i get bit up because the get in the truck. Its driving me crazy.
2:35 PM
Unknown said…
These little bastards are so annoying! At least now I know what they are.
3:30 PM
Unknown said…
Ya me too I can't go out for even two minutes that eat me alive it sucks what's stops them from biting I would like to sit outside
3:46 PM
hipchick said…
I hate them! They chase me out of my patio...but seem to go away in the evening...little bastards I murder each one that lands 😂
12:22 PM
Unknown said…
Daughter and grandkids were bitten by these nasty critters after swim at local pool - early September. Hurt like crazy - swelling - bite areas very sensitive. Really, really hurt!
5:38 PM
Unknown said…
Are they attractive to loud colors.
8:48 AM
Unknown said…
Well they all on my blue grill
3:16 PM
Unknown said…
I know, I hate them.
9:20 AM
Unknown said…
Got bit. Having reaction. Any suggestiins? Swelling, redness, pain
4:56 PM
Teka said…
Tea tree oil works for me. I take a few drops of tea tree oil and baby oil and rub it on my exposed skin
1:02 AM
Nivlac said…
After bite, it takes a day for the swelling to start, then they itch for about 2 days. Nasty for such a small thing. They will bite you anywhere in the garden, patio or even if your outside walking.
2:29 PM
Unknown said…
Have to be...particularly yellow
12:28 PM
Unknown said…
I think the color attraction may be something. I've never been bit by these guys till I wore my blue shirt outside.
6:00 AM
Unknown said…
Got bit last time I wore this blue dress. Right in the middle of the back. Just got bit again & saw it! Was bitten up yesterday too wearing it. I always grab yesterdays clothes for kitty feeding before coffee even. LOL! It's the blue dress! Just started wearing it! Thank you who ever mentioned the blue bowl with a glue stick! Brilliant!
11:43 AM
Unknown said…
I have a bright blue truck and it is completely covered with these monsters. The red truck next to the blue has none on it.
12:48 PM
Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

What are these BIG black ants in my house?

-
Image
carpenter ant In early spring or late winter people often encounter these large black ants in homes. These big ants are different than the more common small, brown "nuisance ants" that plague kitchens. The big ants are called carpenter ants ( Camponotus spp .) and unlike their smaller cousins, nest above ground in cavities. Nest building and cavity expansion by these large, powerful ants can cause damage if nests occur in our homes. Most of the ants you find in homes are small, less than 1/4", and brown. There are several species of small brown ants that can nest in our home's walls or nearby soil and enter homes in search of food and water (see House Ants for identification and control). Nuisance ants are just that, a nuisance. They won't damage your home and pose no health threat of any kind.  There's another ant, however, that occasionally is found in homes that is much bigger (1/4"-5/8"), darker in color, nests in the walls, floors and c...
Read more

More Mysterious Bites at Night - After Moving Into New House

-
Image
The question below represents a number of similar questions we've gotten about "bites" that mysteriously appear in the morning. In this case, the bites started shortly after moving into a newly built home.  Question: What's Causing the Itchy "Bites" - After Moving Into New House? itchy "bites" "We recently built a new home from the ground up. The process took a little over a year but we finally moved in this past October (2009). Not long after we moved (maybe a month?) I started to experience mysterious bites mostly along my thigh area down my leg to my ankle or foot (see photo). These were happening at some point in the night and every night because I am certain they were not there the previous day.  We immediately thought bed bugs since our mattress was stored in a garage during the build, wrapped in fabric but not plastic. We instantly got rid of the mattress, thoroughly cleaned the entire bedroom and home, then continued to sleep on ...
Read more