neon red mites, what are they?

Good day Tom. It sounds like spider mites. Take a look at these pages and see what you think:

But after reading, spider mites are suppose to like dry, warm conditions. The buggers we have are hanging out on very hot stone, right next to a running water fall, and active fish pond. They are also very flat looking, and extramely brightly colored, red. you squish them they leave bright red 'smush'.

Did a search on red spider mites and checked the photos and I"m guessing that's what I have. We have a big ladybug population, and having lots of ladybug food(the mites) might explain it.

Thanks, no I have to figure a safe way(since right at pond water line) to get rid of them. Wifey is alergic to almost all insect bites and stings.

thanks,

tom

If the first pair of legs is long, looking almost like antennae, you have clover mites. I've noticed that if you let them wander around on your skin they actually seem to 'bite' even though all the extension service pages say they don't. (This only happens on really soft, tender areas and may be more of a prickle than a real bite.)

Not worth getting big-gun insecticides out for them, which wouldn't be good for the fish anyway. You could vacuum them up or wash them into the pond.

I see them wandering about occasionally while I'm weeding in the garden. They are large for a mite and (at least around here) eye-poppingly bright red.

That's it! I found a picture on this site and it mentiones that big red smere made when you they squish.

Might be time to go out there with a big shoe and squish a few.

thanks,

tom

I thought that they might be spider mites. Remember all the fun of making a mess with them as a boy in west virgina. If you feel compelled to kill them, I would suggest that you try safers insecticidal soap. I'm unsure what it would/could do to your fish. I would call safers or the local ag extention office and see what they say about it. Other wise if no damage is being caused by them, just leave well enough alone. Sounds like the lady bugs are on their way to fixing the problem. Enjoy your pond...........