AboutNathan Riggs Expertise I have expertise in identifying insects, many types of spiders, and other arthropod critters that infest lawns, ornamentals, structures, trees, pets and livestock. Mites are not a strong point of mine, but I can provide some help. I'm not a licensed doctor, so I cannot provide medical diagnosis of conditions possibly related to insects. If you've got an interesting photo for me to see, let me know and I'll give you my email so the picture will get to me. If you have hosted an insect photo on a website, please include the link so I can go look at it and provide a faster ID for you. Don't forget...you can now attach pictures to your questions as well!
Experience 17 Years' Experience as an entomologist: 5 years as a biologist with Merck Animal Health and 7 years as a Pest Management Specialist in San Antonio, Texas with Texas Cooperative Extension.
Publications Veterinary Parasitology, Southwestern Entomologist, San Antonio Express News, San Antonio Gardener Newsletter
Education/Credentials BS - Entomology from Texas A&M University in 1992.
Board Certified Entomologist, 1996-2000 - Medical and Veterinary Entomology Specialty (Entomological Society of America)
Awards and Honors 2000 Texas A&M University Vice Chancellor's Award in Excellence for leadership on the Texas Fire Ant Program Educational Team.
Question We have a bug at our work that is as small or smaller than a nate it flys around and lands on you and objects it is orange in color and when it lands on you will bite if they are smashed they smash like dust. we are in Midwest Illinois and they are located by a grassy area.
Answer These are thrips. Thrips feed on sap from grasses and flower petals. They fly weakly, but are easily carried on the wind. Thrips are attracted to whites, yellows and oranges. They bite, but do not feed or transmit diseases to humans.
