What kind of bug is this? - Ask Extension
The past two late afternoons, early evenings I've had 100's of these crawling on my patio. Any idea what they are and how to get rid of them? Sorry th...
Knowledgebase
What kind of bug is this? #755771
Asked June 12, 2021, 5:16 PM EDT
The past two late afternoons, early evenings I've had 100's of these crawling on my patio. Any idea what they are and how to get rid of them? Sorry that the pics are terrible. Maybe ticks? But I've never seen a hatch like this before. Thanks!
Boulder County Colorado
Expert Response
Those are some kind of aphid, which must have fallen from a tree.
I can't tell the size, but the aphids that most commonly fall to the ground and are large enough to attract attention are the various "giant conifer aphids" (Cinara spp.) They develop on branches of various conifers, including spruce, ponderosa pine, and certain junipers.
They do look rather tick-like, but are absolutely harmless to humans.
