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Bulbous orange bug #745757
Asked April 22, 2021, 5:57 PM EDT
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.
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.
Thanks for your response. This little mite is just visiting you and soon will be gone.