Little Bugs Question

[Thin Line]

First of all let me say we are at anchor in Boot Key harbor, not at a dock and have no other critters, that being said. On our CSY 37 there are these extremely small little pin sized bugs that hang out on the ceiling. I never seem to see them anywhere else but they are always up there. They look like some sort of mite, about the size of a pinhead. We have been on the new boat 2 months and they were there from the get go, they never seem to increase or be anywhere else but the ceiling. Any ideas?

[GordMay]

Do they bite?

[Thin Line]

Haha no, they really don't do anything.. They don't even move around unless disturbed, they just sit on the ceiling.

[a64pilot]

Buy a fogger, but don't use too many or have a source of ignition, go to town and watch a movie

[jcapo]

We see them from time to time depending on where we are anchored and the temperature. On our boat they especially like the area above the refrigeration controller that has rather bright red LEDs illuminating the overhead area. Thousands will hang out there. We wipe them up with a damp paper towel. You can fog but they will come back.

[Thin Line]

Yeah we have wiped them with Lysol wipes and they do like to hang out by lights. I was just hoping someone could tell me what the heck they were.

[Therapy]

Sandfly?

[RunningRabbit]

I would try emailing an extension office to see if they can identify them for you. Those natural scientists seem to enjoy that, and can often tell you how to get rid of pests, especially if it's an invasive species.

Here's the link for UF's Monroe County Extension office: http://monroe.ifas.ufl.edu/

[JPA Cate]

They are not sandflies: sandflies are smaller and they bite like h**l. The bites itch for two weeks on my skin, though not so long for others.

[a64pilot]

Sandflies = AKA flying teeth

[rebel heart]

We have some little guys like that, super soft bodied, that live on the deck in shady areas. I think they're fungus mites. They stay away from all the living spaces and have traveled with us for quite a well so I figure it's working out well for all of us.

And I *hate* bugs.

But in these super tropical climates it's just bug city no matter what you do.

[Steve Bean]

If you have a vacuum cleaner, keep it handy and suck them up every time you see any, until they're gone or you get tired of doing it. Would flypaper catch them?

[sanssouci]

Those are Boot Key bugs, we call the Key West buds down here.

[blackkayak]

Fruit flys. They are attracted by sweet smells. Leave out a bowl of vinegar.

[sanssouci]

Originally Posted by blackkayak

Fruit flys. They are attracted by sweet smells. Leave out a bowl of vinegar.

I like your remedy for fruit flys, do you have a remedy for no-seeums?