(Iowa) -- Tiny carnivorous insects known as Minute Pirate Bugs are a nuisance for many Iowans this fall.
“Around this time of year, when crop fields are being harvested and there are no more insects for Minute Pirate Bugs to feed on, they start looking for anything else to get a juicy snack,” said Matt O’Neal, Professor of Entomology at Iowa State University. “So right now, before we get a hard frost, they’re a nuisance pest, they’re going to feed on people.”
Minute Pirate Bugs are often found in harvest fields, and are actually very beneficial. The bugs act as a sort of pest control in fields, eating other bugs and protecting crops. But as fields are harvested, the bugs move closer to more populated areas, looking for anything to eat.
Despite their bite, Minute Pirate Bugs do not feed on blood or inject venom like mosquitoes or other biting insects.
“There are just a lot of them out right now, and unfortunately, there are no repellents like DEET for mosquitoes, there’s nothing like that for the Minute Pirate Bug,” said O’Neal. “Some have thought that the color of your clothes attracts them, but there’s really no evidence for that.”
The bugs bites feel a bit like a sting, and because they are so tiny, its hard to notice them. O’Neal says the best way to protect yourself from their bites is simply to wear long sleeves.
The bugs will likely remain active for a few more weeks, until the first hard frost brings their season to an end.