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Behavior
Thrips primarily feed on plants, although some species are predaceous or
feed on fungal spores. These insects are usually seen in buildings only when
the populations on landscape plants grow large. Thrips may be attracted to
buildings by the heat or coolness given off or by other factors. Once on a
building, their tiny size gives them easy access inside -- insect screens
pose no barrier to them.
These insects are important because they will bite people even though they
do not feed on blood like mosquitoes and mites. It is unknown why they bite
when they land on exposed skin, but the resulting bite can produce a
stinging sensation and be quite painful. Often, bites occur to people
sitting or working outdoors near plants which harbor the thrips. They may
fly onto a patio or deck, then land on a person and bite. As a result, they
have been known to disrupt dining experiences on restaurant patios.
Habitat
Shrubs and other landscape plantings attract thrips to and around buildings.
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