Clover mites are the only non-insect on this list, and they’re actually closely related to ticks. However, not every tick looking bug is a bloodsucker. Fortunately, they don’t bite and aren’t going to give you Lyme disease, though they may cause havoc in your greenhouse. BSMB nymphs also have orange-red markings that can mimic the reddish-brown color of certain tick species. The insect that looks like a fly but has no wings and has black with white stripes and looks like a cross between a spider and a fly is namely, Jerusalem cricket. Another big giveaway is the number of legs. Why? Ticks don’t have wings, so you’ll never see one flying. While resting on the ground, the wings are pointed upwards. Ticks are arachnids (which makes them cousins of spiders and scorpions), so they have 8 legs. If you see a little red bug that looks like a tick, it probably isn’t one. Another big difference is that poplar weevils can fly, whereas ticks lack wings and are totally terrestrial. This means they have 6 legs and antennae, whereas ticks have 8 legs and no antennae. Brown marmorated stink bugs (BMSB) are a type of stink bug, insects that get their name from the obnoxious odor they release when squished. If it has more than 8 legs, it is neither an insect nor a spider. If you see a large number of them in your backyard, it’s a good idea to capture one for a closer look and to put your mind at rest. Though BSMB nymphs can’t fly, the adults certainly can, and this is another key difference between stink bugs and ticks. Any ideas on what these are? One big giveaway of weevils is their long, snouted noses, a distinctive feature that ticks do not have. Without the distinctive shield-shaped back, the BMSB can be tricky to identify, and the youngsters are commonly mistaken for ticks. But how can you tell them apart? Biting bugs are generally disliked everywhere, but few are more reviled than the dreaded tick. Silverfish (Lepismatidae) are ancient insects that lack wings and have shiny scales all over their body. Poplar weevils, brown marmorated stink bugs, and clover mites are all insects that look like ticks. Poplar weevils are a type of insect that lives in (and causes extensive damage to) poplar trees.

Ticks are one of the most sinister summer pests out there, as these biting bugs are well known for transmitting Lyme disease. Most weevils also have long antennae, and ticks do not.

Ticks are arachnids (which makes them cousins of spiders and scorpions), so they have 8 legs. Unless your specimen is missing legs, insects have six legs whereas spiders have eight legs. Remember; if a tick-like bug has 6 legs, it’s definitely not a tick! Because there are no known tick species that is as brightly red as the clover mite. These small, black bugs resemble ticks in several ways. Fortunately, there are a few key differences to tip you off. These voracious feeders cause extensive damage to fruit and vegetable crops but aren’t known to bite or transmit diseases to humans. Poplar weevils, stink bugs and clover mites are all commonly mistaken for ticks but, fortunately, none of these bugs bite or transmit disease. it is a spider, it looks and smells like an ant so the ants take it into the nest where it feeds on their young with impunity. These tiny arachnids are common plant pests and are also known to invade houses. Your email address will not be published*, How to Squirrel-Proof Your Outdoor Lights, cause extensive damage to fruit and vegetable crops, reddish-brown color of certain tick species, do not bite, transmit diseases, or cause any structural damage.

I know the pics aren't the best; I've been calling them alien spiders.

Weevil can be of different colors, from dusty grey to brown but it looks like a bug. The red stain left behind by a crushed clover bug is often mistaken for blood, which leads many people to believe they’re bloodsuckers. We research and test to help you control insects and pests. It’s very sensible to be on your guard against these parasites, but this is often made tricky by the sheer number of lookalikes out there! Ticks are small, but clover mites are tiny and are hard to see with the naked eye. One crucial difference between the two, however, is that weevils are highly unlikely to bite humans, and are not known to carry or transmit diseases. These beetles may look like ticks, but they’re actually nothing to worry about (unless you’re a poplar). I've recently found two different types of spider-looking insects around my house, both of which have 6 legs, both appearing to be perfectly intact with no visible pedipalps. ~ The triangular-shaped membranous wings, exceptionally small hind wings, and tail like structures (2 – 3 in number) are the identifying features of mayflies. This is especially important to remember when you’re dealing with BSMB nymphs. Another key difference is size. Jun 29, 2013 As the name suggests, they look like little moths, but are actually flies in the awesomely named family Psychodidae.The larvae breed in drains, and even if your house is clean and your drains are well-kept, you may see a moth fly or two. If you have any questions, suggestions or just want to talk about the weather, please contact us by filling the form on our contact page or find us on social sites: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram. ~ Mayflies are the only insects belonging to this order of flying insects. Most weevils also have long antennae, and ticks do not. BMSB nymphs are very easy to mistake for ticks. Correctly identifying ticks is a key part of preventing bites so, if you see a bug that looks like a tick, get out your magnifying glass for a closer look at its legs, color, and other identifying features. These brown, shield-shaped bugs are an invasive species in North America, where they are also major crop pests. Like ticks, clover mites are also arachnids and have eight legs, though these bugs are so small that this can be hard to see. They do not bite, transmit diseases, or cause any structural damage, but these tiny bugs can leave a red stain when crushed.

Weevils are insects and, therefore, always have 6 legs. So, if you see a flying bug that looks like a tick rest assured that, if it’s airborne, it’s not a tick! Weevils are nothing to worry about, but how can you be sure they’re not ticks?

This isn’t true though; the red color is caused by a pigment they produce in their body, and clover mites actually feed on plant sap. As the weather warms up, the bugs come out – and some are less welcome than others! Another big difference is that poplar weevils can fly, whereas ticks lack wings and are totally terrestrial. These small bugs look a lot like ticks so, if you’re unsure, capture one for a closer look! For this reason, they can be a nuisance to have around – but how can you tell them apart from ticks? Just like poplar weevils, BSMB are insects, not arachnids. They are a similar size, have the same dark color, and even have a similar shape. Six legs show that it is an insect, besides, certain species have wings and can fly which ticks can’t do. They are around the size of a pinhead and are most noticeable when they are squashed and the red pigment in their body is released. The common weevil has a much more elongated shape, with the long snout that has two antennae on its end. These 6-legged bugs are actually a type of beetle and, though a serious problem for poplars, are completely harmless to humans. This is because, at this young age, they are not only very small, but their bodies also have a more rounded appearance. kind of cool hah? Weevils are insects and, therefore, always have 6 legs.