Wierd little bugs on some of my house plants.

[John42]

There are these weird little bugs on some of my houseplants. They have black bodies with red heads, and they are eating the leaves of the plants. They are not in high numbers. Only a few on each plant and not of of the plants. I thought they might me mites, but all the pics I found don't look like them. They are very small like a mite though. Does anyone have any idea what they are and how to get rid of them. I have reptiles in my home as well and fear that if they are mites, my reptiles might get them too. I have been spraying a solution of water and lavender oil on the plants to keep them off. Is there anything else I can do. What are these annoying little bugs?

[The Helpful Gardener]

Can't be sure about the bugs, but mites are very specific feeders, so don't worry for your herps...

Try neem oil or a pyrethrin based insecticide, both natural, plant based solutions with good track records...

[John42]

Thx. I was beginning to think noone would answer. I will try what you said. Thx again.

~John