What type of bug is this? - Ask Extension
The Orkin inspector did not think this was a bed bug.
Knowledgebase
What type of bug is this? #854215
Asked October 27, 2023, 5:03 PM EDT
The Orkin inspector did not think this was a bed bug.
Montgomery County Maryland
Expert Response
It doesn't appear to be a bed bug, but we can't see enough detail to be certain as the photos are not very clear. You can use the information on the linked page to try to determine if bed bugs are present in the home. If you would like us to take another look, please try to take more photos with the insect in better lighting, such as on a flat piece of plain white paper, and ideally next to a ruler for scale. (The small markings on a ruler will also help the camera focus on an object this small. If the insect is moving too much, put it into the freezer for several minutes to kill it or make it sluggish for easier photographing.)
Miri
Miri
This submission is in follow-up to 0124140. As previously discussed, the Orkin inspector did not think this was a bed bug, but was unable to identify it further. Here are two additional photos. I also replied to the email response from Miri with a couple videos of it moving if that helps at all to identify. I tried taking a picture next to a ruler after freezing it, but accidentally smushed it. It appeared 1mm or less in size
Thank you for the follow-up photos, though unfortunately we still aren't able to ID the insect with certainty. It has the general shape and appearance of an aphid (and the size might match with your description, though they are usually larger than 1mm). We didn't receive any video files (this Ask Extension platform accepts image files only, not video, unless you share a link to the file posted elsewhere). Aphids come in a variety of colors and sizes (though all are fairly small) and could be on indoor plants, outdoor plants, or easily come into homes through open doors or windows. If this is an aphid, it is harmless with regards to people, but an infestation on any indoor plants would be worth removing for the sake of plant health.
Miri
Miri
Thank you very much for all of your help!
Sincerely,
Austin
This is the full length clip of it moving.
Thanks,
Austin
Hello,
Here are some additional photos of the bug (2 photos) and a video of its movement if it helps. I accidentally smushed it while trying to line up the ruler.
Sincerely,
Austin
Hello Austin,
If you have a link to the video file posted online somewhere, we can take a look, but otherwise video files as attachments are not supported by the Ask Extension platform, so we did not receive your file.
Miri
If you have a link to the video file posted online somewhere, we can take a look, but otherwise video files as attachments are not supported by the Ask Extension platform, so we did not receive your file.
Miri