AboutMike Mascio Expertise I have been an avid gardener since 1985 and an AllExpert volunteer since
1998. I specialize in soil preparation, seed starting and plant
propagation, flowers, vegetables, and general landscaping. I am a strong
advocate of the square foot method of gardening and the use of organic
controls for pests and diseases.
Expert: Mike Mascio Date: 5/31/2008 Subject: Red bugs
Question My name is luke I live in Southern Indiana and I am nine years old. I was out side sitting on concrete when I saw very little red bugs that are very tender crawling around on the concrete. Are they harmful, what is there name, and do they eat concrete?
Answer Luke, there are literally hundreds of red insects, so it is very hard to give you a definitive answer without a photo. However, given the area of the country in which you live, it sounds like mites.
They are not harmful to humans nor will they eat concrete, but they will attack plants in the garden. If you have plants at risk, I would start with an insecticidal soap. That should take care of the problem. If not, then I would resort to pyrethrum or rotenone. These organic solutions are derivatives of plants and have no adverse affect on humans or pets. They are contact sprays, so you would need to spray them during the day when the insects are active. All three of these controls can be purchased at most garden centers or on-line through companies such as Planet Natural or Gardens Alive.
I hope this answered your question. Good luck, and please write again if I can ever be of assistance.
