Expert: Walter Hintz - 6/16/2006

Question
I live in the suburbs of metro Atlanta Ga. Recently,when my son and i are outside in the backyard, we have been getting bitten by a tiny red bug no bigger than a speck. You dont know its there to you feel its bite and you have to look close to see it.Its tiny and fragile so its nothing just to wipe it off of you.It doesnt seem to leave a mark at all after it bites,you just feel it when it first gets you. I saw a question about this same bug from a person that lives in North Carolina,on this website, but the expert answered that didnt know what the bug is. The expert suggested that it might be some kind of midge. Do you know what it might be? It has a very annoying itchy burn when it bites, even though that goes away immediately and leaves no mark.  

Answer
 Hi michelle
They are not midges.  Midges are not red, can fly and the adults do not have mouth parts. Do they fly?  If so they may be thrips. If they do not they are most likely spider mites.  You will need a bug spray to avoid the bites.  Try some OFF. If it doesn't work get one with DEET