Little RED bugs?????? What ARE they???? HELP!

I received a japanese juniper as a gift. It's pretty heavy, though, so the other day when I moved it outside, I kind of plunked it on the ground. In doing so, several little red bugs were jarred out of the tree. They landed on the ground. They were red in color and so tiny, I could only describe them as infinitesimal! I wouldn't have seen them except that I noticed movement! I didn't SEE any on the tree, but I brushed at a few of the branches, and sure enough, more bugs fell to the ground! I couldn't tell if there were any in the soil. They're so small you really can't see them on the plant. It's only when you see them moving on the ground that you know they're there!

I've read about the common pests that invade bonsai's but NONE of them fit this description! I'm at a loss as to how to treat my bonsai because I don't know what the bugs are.

Please tell me that someone out there can help me out in identifying this little, tiny, infinitessimal critter!!!

Many thanks in advance!

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Tony

They are most likely red spider mites. *There's another post about them right below this one. *Hold the tree sideways and spray it with a strong blast from a water hose. That should knock many of them off then treat with an insecticide spray such as malathion. I would take quick action. They can kill a juniper in a few short days when they really get a stronghold.

Tony

Thanks so much for the info, Tony! I researched red spider mites on the web and that sounds exactly like my little critters! I will spray the tree with water as you instructed, but I have a question about the insecticide. My local nusery (Frank's) didn't have and malathion, so I bought Frank's insect spray (that works on spider mites). Do you think this should be effective?? Or am I better off with the malathion? If so, I'll continue to look for that one.

Thanks again!

Tony

I have never used Frank's insect spray but if it says it is safe for junipers it should be OK. Many times mites can be controled by spraying with soapy water alone but as I said they really like junipers so something stronger is in order for a bad infestation. Be sure you spray the undersides of the foliage too.

Tony

Thanks so much, Tony!!! I'll let you know how it turns out!