It started as a perfect Sunday afternoon – possibly one of the last warm days of the year – for an outdoor show.
Cedar Falls musician Bob Dorr, leader and founder of The Blue Band, and his bandmates were slated to play for four hours at F.B. & Company in Waubeek, a town just outside Anamosa along the Wapsipinicon River.
If you were to sit down and write out what you would want for a great weather day, that (Sunday) would be it,” Dorr said. A little bit of breeze, sunshine, 75 degrees, it was perfect. It was exactly what I – and Im sure what F.B. & Company – was praying for. But we didnt count on the bugs.”
Those bugs were minute pirate bugs – also sometimes called noseeums – and they were relentless. So much so that Dorr and his bandmates cut short their show.
We were inundated,” Dorr said. I was wearing a long-sleeve white shirt, and it almost looked gray at the end because all the bugs were on my shirt, on my arms, and around my neck.”
Dorr said his wife, bandmates and people in the audience were being eaten alive.” The final straw came when three of four of those bugs flew up my nose and all of a sudden I was bleeding from my nostril. Thats when I pulled the plug.”
If you spent any time outside this past weekend, you probably can relate to Dorrs story. The tiny black-and-white bugs are out in droves and they pack a shockingly painful bite given their minuscule size.
Also called insidious flower bugs, minute pirate bugs are a common biting pest that plagues those living in the eastern half of the United States every fall, according to Donald Lewis, a professor and extension entomologist with Iowa State Universitys Department of Entomology.
I suspect that one of the first people who identified these bugs must have been bitten by one, and it hurt so bad that they went ‘Arrr, and the name ‘pirate bug stuck,” Lewis said.
They are coldblooded killers,” he said. They spend the summer in the garden, in the trees and in the fields where they stab the eggs of other insects with that blunt little beak, and then they suck them dry, so their food is the eggs of other insects. So all summer long, when there were lots of bugs laying eggs, they were beneficial and they provided some biological control.”
When we get into fall, and the end of the year, they dont have eggs left … to eat, thats when begin to wander,” he said. And thats when they come into our parks and into our backyards and they hop up the ladder to where youre painting on the side of your house, and they bite that exposed skin – your hands, your ankles your wrists, your arms – and I think they are testing or tasting to see if you are a potential food source. Once they find out youre not food, they leave you alone. But not before giving you a good painful bite.”
The bug is actually probing with its blunt little beak” – similar to those of stink bugs or box elder bugs – into your skin.
But theyre not injecting venom, theyre not biting you to feed on blood and theyre also not transmitting any diseases,” Lewis said. So youre just getting to experience the annoyance of being bitten and tasted by a tiny insect that happens to pack a painful bite that is significantly disproportionate to their tiny size.”
One is they are not adapted for secretly feeding on their host,” he said. When ticks bite you or when mosquitoes bite you, its very stealthy. They sneak up on you, they very carefully insert their mouth parts, and they may even inject an anesthetic so that you dont feel it. These minute pirate bugs have a blunt little beak that they jab mercilessly through the eggshell of insect eggs, and for that reason, they dont need any finesse. They can just bluntly stab at something thats not going to try to get away from them.”
Lewis said there may also be some saliva on the pirate bugs beak that perhaps causes a reaction with human skin, but thats just a theory.
I can tell you the pain can vary from person to person,” he said. For some people the bite doesnt hurt at all and for others it can be very painful. It can also cause a variety of reactions. For some there may be no reaction after the bite, while other might react like they would to an allergen where the bites could swell up and itch for several days.”
As summer arrives and we spend more time outdoors, tiny black bugs seem to come out of nowhere to annoy and bite us. While most are harmless, some can spread disease or cause painful reactions. Knowing how to identify and get rid of these pesky insects can help you avoid discomfort and health issues.
Common Types of Tiny Black Bugs That Bite
Here are some of the most common tiny black bugs that bite humans
Gnats
Gnats are tiny flies that congregate near livestock and poultry. The female gnat is the one that bites, using her sharp mandibles to pierce skin and feed on blood Gnat bites typically cause small, painful, red bumps. Though rare, they can transmit bacterial diseases like sandfly fever.
Fleas
Fleas feed on the blood of humans and animals. They live in tall grasses then hop onto hosts when given the chance Their bites often appear in clusters or lines on the skin Fleas can spread bacterial diseases and infections. Keeping yards mowed and pets groomed and treated can reduce flea populations.
Bed Bugs
Bed bugs hide in beds and furniture during the day, then come out at night to feed. Their bites are painless at first, then turn into itchy welts. Check mattresses and bedding for blood spots that signal an infestation. Eliminating clutter and regularly washing bedding helps control bed bugs.
Mosquitoes
The classic tiny black bug, mosquitoes are attracted to carbon dioxide, warmth, and sweat. Only female mosquitoes bite using their proboscis. Their bites can cause large, painful welts and serious illnesses like West Nile virus. Draining standing water habitats, using bug spray, and wearing protective clothing are the best defenses.
Mites
Microscopic dust mites and chiggers bite humans and live in homes. Dust mites can trigger respiratory allergies while chiggers transmit diseases. Thorough house cleaning, dusting, and vacuuming can remove these tiny bugs. Never bring wild animals into homes, as they can carry mites.
Minute Pirate Bugs
While these tiny black bugs help control garden pests, they occasionally bite humans. Their bites cause small, itchy red marks. Minute pirate bugs are most active in summer and fall. Light-colored clothing and tight window screens can help deter them.
Black Widow Spiders
Black widow spiders are venomous, causing severe pain, muscle cramps, nausea, and difficulty breathing when they bite humans. Seek medical care if bitten. Controlling insects they prey on, sealing cracks, storing gear properly, and being careful when reaching into dark spaces helps avoid black widows.
Fire Ants
Some stinging ants like fire ants are tiny and black. Fire ants latch onto skin with pincers then sting repeatedly. Their stings cause burning pain and swelling. Individuals allergic to their venom can experience severe reactions. Avoid disturbing ant mounds, wear closed shoes outdoors, and treat mounds with pesticides to control fire ants.
Signs of Tiny Black Bug Bites
Here’s how to identify if those small, annoying red bumps and itchy welts are from tiny black bugs:
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Small red marks in a line or cluster pattern signal fleas or bed bugs.
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Large, puffy welts that are very itchy could be mosquitoes or gnats.
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Intense burning, stinging, and pus points to fire ant bites.
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Shooting pain and nausea are symptoms of black widow spiders.
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Tiny clustered dots surrounded by redness are likely chiggers or mites.
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Small, mildly irritating bumps could be minute pirate bugs.
Pay attention to when and where bites occur. Nighttime bites around the face and arms likely come from mosquitoes or sand flies. Daytime leg bites may be chiggers. Irritation in the morning is a sign of bed bugs. Noticing bugs jumping, crawling on your skin, or flying around provides more clues to identify the culprit pest.
How to Avoid Bites from Tiny Black Bugs
Here are some tips to avoid those aggravating tiny black bug bites when spending time outside:
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Apply insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin, IR3535, or oil of lemon eucalyptus on exposed skin. Reapply as directed.
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Wear light-colored, long-sleeved shirts and long pants tucked into socks.
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Avoid areas with still, stagnant water that attract mosquitoes.
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Check for and destroy any standing water sources around your home.
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Keep yard grass mowed short to eliminate tick and chigger habitat.
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Seal cracks, crevices, and openings throughout the home.
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Inspect and shake out clothing, shoes, and equipment after being outdoors.
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Shower soon after coming inside to wash off pests.
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Use bed bug mattress encasements and regularly wash bedding.
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Install window and door screens.
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Consider applying pesticides if pests are abundant. Follow label directions carefully.
What to Do After Being Bitten
Follow these tips to care for irritating bite symptoms:
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Wash the bite area thoroughly with soap and water to remove possible allergens.
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Apply a cold compress or ice wrapped in cloth to reduce swelling, pain, and itching.
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Avoid scratching bites as this can spread infection.
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Apply hydrocortisone cream or anti-itch products to lessen irritation.
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Monitor for signs of infection like pus, swelling, red streaks, fever, or flulike symptoms. See a doctor if these develop.
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For multiple fire ant stings, take an oral antihistamine and apply sting relief products.
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Seek medical care immediately if bitten by a black widow spider or if you have severe reactions like trouble breathing.
The next time a tiny black bug bites and irritates your skin, use these tips to identify the culprit and care for the resulting pesky welt or mark. Staying vigilant and using preventive measures can help you avoid discomfort and diseases spread by insects lurking outdoors. With some effort, you can outsmart those annoying little pests!
Bug spray won’t help
Minute pirate bugs are typically impervious to bug repellents, Lewis said, and spraying to control them is impractical – something Dorr can attest to.
We had bug sprays and repellents, we tried wipes and lotions and oils, we brought out big fans in the hopes the wind would blow the bugs off,” he said. One person in the crowd – which started at about 75 and steadily dwindled down to about 40 – had patchouli oils, so we tried that, too. Nothing worked. Nothing deterred them. It was something that Ive never experienced and Ive been at this for 40 years.”
The one thing that might help deter the bugs, Lewis said, is covering exposed skin and wearing darker colors. The pests seem to like lighter colors.
Comments: (319) 398-8238; [email protected] A minute pirate bug feeds on whitefly nymphs. (Jack Dykinga / USDA)
Public safety reporter for The Gazette.
Bug Bite Showdown: Identifying Flea vs. Bedbug Bites
FAQ
What are the tiny black bugs biting me?
In addition to black gnats, people also refer to biting midges as no-see-ums, sand flies, or punkies. These pests may look like just a dark speck to the naked eye, but their bites create a noticeable burning sensation. Biting midges may leave behind itchy welts on skin.
What are the tiny black bugs that look like pepper?
Black Pepper Mites
Named for their pepper-like appearance, these parasitic mites live in animal nests. So, if rodents or birds live in your home – either with your permission or not – black pepper mites might move in with them.
What are the tiny black bugs the size of a pinhead?
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These are small, oval-shaped bugs, often mottled with brown and black, that can be found in carpets, clothing, and other fabrics.
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These tiny, reddish-brown mites are often found around windowsills and can appear as tiny, moving specks.
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These are small, black bugs that are about the size of a pinhead and are often confused with buffalo gnats.
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These are also known as “rollie pollies” and are typically a nuisance pest indoors, entering buildings through door thresholds.
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These microscopic creatures are often found in bedding and upholstery.
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These are small, black flies that are often found near drains and can be unsanitary.
How do I get rid of small black mites?
Depending on the species, mites feed on plant matter, dust, or insects, and are drawn to warmth and sunshine which is why they are sometimes found on your window sill. Getting rid of mites is as simple as vacuuming them up and then immediately disposing of them in the trash.