Have you seen little white bugs that look like lint in your house? Have you seen it hovering in your plants, flowers, or even in your pantry?
If yes, then you might need to do something about it!
In this article, we list down a couple of little white bugs that look like lint.
Important Note: If you're tired of pests and want a reliable solution, then you should definitely consider seeking help from a professional pest control company. DIY solutions can be effective, but if you're dealing with a significant pest infestation, you don't want to rely solely on DIY methods. Pest control companies typically don't charge huge fees. You can fill out this form to receive free quotes from the top local pest control companies, and compare the quotes and see for yourself. Then, finally, your pest problems will be eliminated for good.
They may look harmless and fuzzy at first, but they are pests that can infest the entirety of your house!
You might as well do some background research about these little white bugs that look like lint.
Look no further; in this article, we’ll provide you with a list of some of those little white insects.
What Are Those Little White Bugs That Look Like Lint?
I know that you’ll probably see these tiny, white, and fuzzy creatures. At a glance, these little white bugs seem harmless and even cute at the same time!
These little white bugs that look like lint love to linger in your plants and your clothes.
So, what are these tiny and white little creatures? What are they called?
Let us examine each of these little white bugs that look like lint, one at a time.
White Aphids
Generally, aphids like to feast on the sap and juices of varying plants and flowers. So those little white creatures you see hovering on your plants are probably these white aphids.
Among various species of aphids, a white aphid is one of them.
White aphids are also sap-sucking insects with a small and tender white bodies. These tiny insects like to take shelter in the underside of leaves.
And, they want to suck the life (no pun intended) out of a plant. White aphids are not picky eaters, either indoor or outdoor plants and shrubs.
These insects are experts in blending in with plant foliage. At a glance, they are almost invisible to the eye.
But, when you look closely, you’ll see them grow in number on these plants. And, white aphids are the pain in the back of gardeners and plant owners!
Some of the signs that white aphids infest your plants or flowers are damaged, deformed, and moldy flowers and plants.
Be warned, though; white aphids can increasingly grow in number! When they do, it is a much bigger problem to control them.
Dust Mites
We all know mites and know that there are different types of mites like spider mites, clover mites, etc., and among them, we have one common species known as dust mites.
Dust mites are these tiny insects that are small but terrible! They are roughly found everywhere. Dust mites trigger allergic reactions and asthma in so many people.
And, these harmful allergens that they cause come from the fecal pellets they carry with them everywhere.
These are microscopic creatures. Dust mites are not parasites because they do not bite, sting, or even take refuge in our human bodies.
These creatures are white, and their microscopic size makes them invincible against humans.
Imagine, a dust mite allergy can range from mild to severe. If there is ongoing exposure and contact with dust mites, expect a dramatic impact on your allergic reaction.
These insects do not drink water; instead, they rely on moisture and humidity. And in turn, dust mites can survive in every family home.
If you have a sensitive allergy, dust mite allergens are very harmful. Dust mite allergens are not airborne but instead clings longer to fabrics, pillows, shirts, or even pants.
One thing you can do about this reduces the humidity level in your homes. The growing population of dust mites will also be minimized.
Mealybugs
These insects are slow-moving and small creatures with white and cottony wax covering their entire body.
Imagine, they can even invade the roots of plants and suck the life out of them. One of the common species of mealybugs is the citrus mealybug.
These creatures love to infest tropical plants and foliage.
Mealybugs love to feed on those sweet and sugary plant juices. And in turn, their wastes contain high sugar content that we refer to as honeydew.
If in high concentration, this honeydew sap will likely form toxins in plants. This causes plants to wilt and even form a moldy exterior.
These creatures are even labeled as the most severe pests among plants. Infested plants are covered with whitish mealybug mass that is so unsightly to behold.
And, the moldy exterior after the infestation will also smell so gross and wrong.
Most people opted to spray mealybugs with pesticides. But, its waxy and whitish cottony mass left clinging in plants are difficult to penetrate and remove.
These insects love to form denser colonies in plants; that’s why it is advisable to apply pest control chemicals regularly.
White Flies
This tiny white creature is a soft-bodied and winged whitefly. Whiteflies are closer to the species of white aphids and mealybugs.
They have a triangular body shape, and they also love to infest on the underside of leaves in plants.
Whiteflies are very active during the day, and when you try to disturb them, they will eventually scatter in every direction.
Most of their species pose problems among gardeners and horticulturists. And, these insects love to stay indoors and in greenhouses because they find it too cold to stay outside.
These insects can infest various plants and vegetables such as tomatoes, peppers, potatoes, and eggplants.
If you have house plants indoors, whiteflies will likely feed on those plants, especially those with smooth leaves.
One of the things that you can notice if there is a heavy infestation of whiteflies is honeydew. Just like mealybugs, whiteflies leave waxy honeydew in plants.
Plants may not carry out photosynthesis, and they may eventually die and wilt. Just make sure that you are keen to spot them because these insects can cause a lot of trouble.
Grain Mites
Just like any of these little white bugs, grain mites love to infest and feed on a variety of plants and even on food!
Grain mites feed on grounded grains, wheat, cheese, powdered milk, and flour. If there is a hot and humid condition, grain mites will increase in number rapidly.
As its name suggests, Grain mites will likely infest food in your pantry. Imagine finding a grain mite in your cereal or even in your bread!
One of the ways you can control their infestation is to check a dust-like residue inside your house. Make sure that you check every corner, drawer, and crevice.
And, if your food has been infested with grain mites, your food will give off a minty smell. And yes, do not even try to finish that food!
If this happens, you might want to use a magnifying glass and locate these grain mites in the food you’re eating.
Final Thoughts
At a glance, these little white bugs that look like lint can be harmless. But, you might want to reconsider that.
Those little white bugs that we have included in our list are harmful pests and insects. This goes to say, first impressions never last!
If you’ve seen the presence of little white bugs that look like lint in your house, you need to do something about it.
Do yourself some favor and try to research how to get rid of those little white bugs.
We hope you’ve taken down some notes about those little white bugs that look like lint. We’ll know that it will save you tons of stress and trouble soon.
Thanks for reading!
