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    Aeyote's Avatar
    Aeyote Posts: 3, Reputation: 1
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    #1

    May 22, 2013, 03:14 AM
    Tiny White Insects in Home
    So the other day I was sitting around and found a tiny white bug crawling on me. I was able to make out a few details with it. I tried searching for a match but so far have yet to come up with anything.

    They're small, about half the size of a grain of rice, white and thin with short antennae. I didn't get a close enough view to see if it had wings or not. I've already ruled out bed bugs and I believe lice because the abdomen was about the same size as the rest of the body.

    I'd like to know if it's going to be a problem or if it's just a simple gnat.
    Catsmine's Avatar
    Catsmine Posts: 3,826, Reputation: 739
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    #2

    May 22, 2013, 04:01 AM
    Are you certain it was an adult insect? You mentioned antennae, which made me think of termites, which are about the right size, but they so seldom come into the open I tend to dismiss that thought.

    The only other insect that comes close to matching your description would be some species of thrips. If you have indoor/outdoor houseplants this is a possibility.

    Here's a link with fairly complete information about all the thrips:

    Thrips - Home - Virginia Cooperative Extension
    Aeyote's Avatar
    Aeyote Posts: 3, Reputation: 1
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    #3

    May 22, 2013, 04:14 AM
    I wondered if they were nymphs as well. I've only encountered one as of yet but if I see another one I'll try to get a better look. From

    From what you linked though, the thrip isn't the right body type. Nor the termites from the images I saw.

    It was small enough to where I couldn't see the legs but more over felt them. It was flatter.
    Catsmine's Avatar
    Catsmine Posts: 3,826, Reputation: 739
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    #4

    May 22, 2013, 11:48 AM
    "flatter" makes me think of lice. Have you looked up Psocids? Booklice don't always have a wide abdomen.

    To your original question of whether to worry, about the only thing 'whitish' bugs inside a home have in common is a need for high humidity. Drying out the environment may be the only step needed to avoid trouble with any of them.
    Aeyote's Avatar
    Aeyote Posts: 3, Reputation: 1
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    #5

    May 22, 2013, 08:59 PM
    Quote Originally Posted by Catsmine View Post
    "flatter" makes me think of lice. Have you looked up Psocids? Booklice don't always have a wide abdomen.

    To your original question of whether to worry, about the only thing 'whitish' bugs inside a home have in common is a need for high humidity. Drying out the environment may be the only step needed to avoid trouble with any of them.
    Thanks. ^^ I'll do my best to seek out any eggs or anything to see if it is indeed lice or other psocids. I'll keep doing some research to see if I find a match.
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    Catsmine Posts: 3,826, Reputation: 739
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    #6

    May 23, 2013, 02:45 AM
    Quote Originally Posted by Aeyote View Post
    Thanks. ^^ I'll do my best to seek out any eggs or anything to see if it is indeed lice or other psocids. I'll keep doing some research to see if I find a match.
    A picture, even a cell phone pic, would be of immense value in identification.

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