Log in

View Full Version : Identify Insect


nycbug
Aug 6, 2008, 01:35 PM
Over the past two weeks I have had tons of bugs crawling around my apartment office (in NYC). They are in three distinct colors, but appear to be exactly the same. The smallest is all white (legs body etc), there are also a few all red ones, and finally slightly larger blackish/brown ones. They are literally all over my computer, desk, and when I am working there - me! They are generally about the size of a pin-head and I really only see them because my computer and desk are black and they are very distinct. I am starting to notice some small red marks on my arms and legs and I think they may be biting - so I need to identify them as soon as possible. I have checked a number of insect ID websites and I cannot figure this out. Any ideas?

Emland
Aug 6, 2008, 01:40 PM
Do they look like this?
http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i72/emland/bed20bug20life20cycle.jpg

It is my understanding that NYC has a real problem with bedbugs now.

nycbug
Aug 6, 2008, 05:07 PM
Over the past two weeks I have had tons of bugs crawling around my apartment office (in NYC). They are in three distinct colors, but appear to be exactly the same. The smallest is all white (legs body etc), there are also a few all red ones, and finally slightly larger blackish/brown ones. They are literally all over my computer, desk, and when I am working there - me! They are generally about the size of a pin-head and I really only see them because my computer and desk are black and they are very distinct. I am starting to notice some small red marks on my arms and legs and I think they may be biting - so I need to identify them as soon as possible. I have checked a number of insect ID websites and I cannot figure this out. Any ideas?
While I know NYC has a problem with bedbugs, these bugs are out all day and night. It is my understanding that bedbugs are nocturnal. Thse bugs crawl up my desk lamp towards to light sometimes. However, the bits look exactly like bedbug bites (small ones). The bites are the size of a pencil eraser and not raised.

WVHiflyer
Aug 6, 2008, 08:46 PM
You said you checked ID sites, I can't ID the insects from the description but here's 2 mnore sites to check (don't pay attention to the titles, both are rather comprehensive so expect to take a while going through them).

University of Kentucky Entomology: ENTfacts (http://www.ca.uky.edu/entomology/dept/entfacts.asp)
Insects, Spiders, Mice and More from UNL Extension (http://lancaster.unl.edu/pest/)

nycbug
Aug 11, 2008, 07:13 PM
Figured it out - they were mites - living in the closet. The exterminator found them - and now they're gone!