Teeny, tiny bugs coming through window screens - Ask Extension
Hello - every fall I go to war with the box elder bugs and at least I know what I am dealing with. Last year and this year, something new is going on...
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Teeny, tiny bugs coming through window screens #852155
Asked October 04, 2023, 2:06 PM EDT
Hello - every fall I go to war with the box elder bugs and at least I know what I am dealing with. Last year and this year, something new is going on and I don't know what to do about it and hope that you can provide some guidance.
When I open my windows, the screens are covered with these teeny, tiny black (I think) bugs that then come right through the screens in a cloud of bugs. Right now, the only thing I can do is keep my windows and patio door closed. I'd really like to let some fresh air in but cannot deal with the cloud of bugs.
1) Do you happen to know what these are?
2) Do you know how to get rid of them?
3) Any suggestions?
Thank you in advance.
Washington CountyMinnesota
Expert Response
Good Morning Bonnie,
Thank you for contacting the U of M Extension Service.
You might click through the various small bugs to see if one of them is the critter you are asking about. Without some kind of description it is difficult to determine. They must fly? or do they crawl up the screens? Do they have wings? What color are they?
We are volunteers who answer horticulture questions. I am not familiar with a bug that is small enough to get through holes in a window screen.
Hello - thank you for your response. Unfortunately, these bugs are literally too tiny to be able to tell what they are. I'm going to try some of the suggestions from the bug squad website but I am not by a water source that would be typical for this bug. I can also try to find bridal veil material to put over my window screen.
I cannot answer your questions re insect type. They are microscopic. I can't tell if they crawl or fly. I assume they fly because they are on second story window screens on the east side of the house. I've been watering a large maple tree getting it ready for winter. I've been trying to control the box elder bugs with food grade diatomaceous powder. Thanks.
