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Bulbous orange bug #745757

Asked April 22, 2021, 5:57 PM EDT

Hi, I just moved to Minnetonka and my daughter discovered a strange creature in our house. When she poked at it, it drew in its legs and played dead. The bright pink/orange color and appearance as of a slightly deflated ballooned sack was pretty strange too. I should have put a quarter next to it for size reference, but I didn't. it was about the size of a grain of short grain rice. Hope you can help identify it; my pictures are not as good as I thought they were.

Hennepin County Minnesota

Expert Response

Thanks for the question.

I believe this is some species of a red mite.  However I am not completely sure and am in the process of getting another opinion.  Will get back to you as soon as possible.

Thanks for contacting us.

An Ask Extension Expert Replied April 22, 2021, 9:56 PM EDT

Thanks again for your question.

I have now confirmed my initial impression. This is a red velvet mite. They are completely harmless. They neither sting nor bite. If you have recently brought some plants into your house, it is possible that they came in with them. Try to avoid smashing them as they can leave a rather persistent red stain. The easiest way to deal with them is to vacuum them up and dispose in the trash. Here is some more information about them:

https://bugguide.net/node/view/91186

http://minnesotaseasons.com/Arachnids/red_velvet_mite_(Trombidium_sp).html

https://apps.extension.umn.edu/garden/diagnose/insect/garden/relatives/small/velvetmite.html

Thanks again for using this forum.

An Ask Extension Expert Replied April 23, 2021, 12:08 AM EDT
Great, thanks for the info!

On Thu, Apr 22, 2021, 11:08 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
The Question Asker Replied April 23, 2021, 4:56 PM EDT

Thanks for your response.  This little mite is just visiting you and soon will be gone.

An Ask Extension Expert Replied April 23, 2021, 6:48 PM EDT

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