Tiny Bugs on Phones - Fleas, Mites, Bed Bugs Invading Devices

Tiny Bugs Found on Phones - What Are They?

Have you ever noticed tiny black or reddish bugs crawling around on your phone screen or casing? While startling, these small insects are generally harmless, if annoying. Commonly known as fleas, mites, or occasionally bed bugs, these minuscule pests tend to live on fabric, furniture, carpets, and even the natural oils and dirt on human skin. But how do they end up on your phone?

How Fleas, Mites, and Bed Bugs Infest Phones

Phones can become breeding grounds for tiny bugs like fleas, mites, and bed bugs when they contain traces of dirt, debris, skin cells, and sweat that these insects feed on. Areas around the phone camera, microphone, buttons, and crevices tend to accumulate more gunk which draws them in.

These bugs may crawl onto your phone from infested furniture, carpets, beds, and clothing. Their small size allows them to hide in the smallest nooks and crannies when not feeding. Then they can hitch a ride on your hands or clothes before jumping ship onto your phone, attracted by the dirt, oils, and skin cell buildup.

Identifying Fleas, Mites, and Bed Bugs

Fleas measure about 1/16 to 1/8 inches long and are brownish-red insects with long back legs for jumping. They do not have wings and feed on the blood of humans and animals. Fleas reproduce rapidly, with females laying up to 50 eggs per day.

Mites are tiny relatives of spiders and ticks, measuring 1/100 to 1/50 inches long. They have eight legs and round bodies. Many mite species feed on the dead skin cells, oils, and debris on human skin. Others consume mold or plants.

Bed bugs are small wingless insects 1/4 inch long with oval flat bodies. They range from brown to red in color. Bed bugs feed primarily on human blood at night time and hide during the day. An infestation may produce a sweet musty odor.

Preventing Tiny Bug Infestations on Phones

While most tiny bugs that inhabit phones are not dangerous, they can indicate larger infestations in your home that should be addressed. Stop these pests from populating your phone and home with these tips:

Remove Debris and Gunk Buildup

Bugs thrive on the dirt, skin oils, environmental debris, and sweat that collects on your phone over time. Remove this grime to eliminate their food source. Gently clean your phone at least once per week using disinfectant wipes or microfiber cloths.

Inspect Other Belongings

Inspect beds, furniture, carpets, and clothing for signs of fleas, mites or bedbugs which may have infested your phone. Look for tiny black or brown bugs, small red bites on skin, dark spotting on belongings. Address infestations at the source.

Apply Phone Cases and Screen Protectors

Phone cases and screen protectors that fully seal your phone can block tiny bugs from getting inside. The smooth plastic or glass leaves less places for them to hide. However, debris can still collect between the case and your phone.

Be sure to periodically inspect this area and clean it out. Wipe down your phone case with disinfectant wipes to kill any bugs or eggs present.

Getting Rid of Tiny Bugs on Phones

Found bugs crawling around on your phone? Use these methods to exterminate them:

Remove the Battery and Wipe Down

If possible, remove your phone’s battery to expose more surfaces. Gently wipe down the screen, casing, buttons, ports, speakers, microphone, and camera using rubbing alcohol applied to a microfiber cloth or cotton swabs.

This kills live bugs on contact while removing traces of dirt and skin they feed on. Be very careful not to get any moisture inside openings on your phone.

Vacuum Small Crevices

Use a small handheld vacuum with a brush attachment to suction out any visible bugs, eggs, or debris hidden in crevices along the buttons, charging port, speakers, etc. This also eliminates their breeding grounds.

Apply Diatomaceous Earth

Diatomaceous earth is a natural mineral dust that destroys tiny bugs through dehydration and irritation. Apply a small amount to your turned off phone using a makeup brush. Let sit for 12-24 hours before wiping clean.

Be very careful to avoid getting any inside ports or speakers. Only apply to external surfaces.

When to Call an Exterminator for Phone Bug Problems

Severe or persistent tiny bug issues on your phone likely indicate a more serious household infestation needing professional treatment. Contact an exterminator if you experience:

• Bites, itching, or skin irritation from bugs
• Large numbers of tiny black or reddish bugs on mattresses, furniture, flooring, etc.
• Constant reappearance of bugs on your phone despite cleaning
• Blood spots on bed sheets or furniture from biting pests

Treatment may involve insecticide application, steam cleaning, heating rooms to lethal temperatures, freezing items, and fumigation.

Prevent Re-Infestation

To ensure bugs do not return after professional extermination:

• Wash all clothing, linens, curtains in hot water and dry on high heat
• Vacuum and mop floors thoroughly
• Discard or seal infested furniture, mattresses, etc.
• Fill cracks in walls and floors where bugs can enter
• Keep rooms clean and dry by fixing plumbing and reducing clutter

Following an infestation, continue monitoring your phone and home environment for signs of returning pests. Immediately clean phone and repeat extermination as needed to prevent future spread.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.