Knowledgebase
Very Small insects in my apartment. When, where and how?! #887043
Asked October 03, 2024, 12:19 PM EDT
Hi!,
I see tiny brown bugs in my apartment. They have wings although I've never seen one fly. I have no carpet or rugs in my apartment but I do have some plants and I'm wondering if they came in on a plant? I cannot correlate their appearance with the arrival of any of my plants but am wondering if they could have come in on a plant.
There are not many of these bugs but should I be concerned about them? They appear to have pincers on the rear of their bodies although I'm not sure if they bite. I was able to view one with my printers glass and got a closer look! Sometimes I do see what appear to be bites on my skin and have no idea where where or when they came from - nothing obvious like mosquitoes, flies, etc.
I would just like to know what kind of insect they are, where and how they came into my apartment and what action is necessary, if anything. I wish I had a picture to show you . . .
Thank You, Susan Zoppi
Queens County New York
Expert Response
Sorry for the insect invasion, but without an image it's difficult to identify. Also, an insect expert (entomologist) may be needed, though you can check the link below with a list of insects to possibly identify. Once identified you can contact the Extension Service for a safe control technique. If they were flying, could be fungal gnats usually tiny and very dark in color attracted to damp soil in a plant's container. Fungal gnats can be controlled with a easy catch solution of apple cider vinegar, a little water, and a drop of dish soap placed in a low disposable container covered with saran wrap with holes poked in so gnats can we caught then tossed in a few weeks. Here is the page with the insect information to peruse. Also, page down to contact number on that extension's page to speak with a agent to help out. Best regards!
