I'm going to guess that they aren't major plant pests at all, but perhaps related to clover mites. I seriously doubt if they're red spider mites, if that's what you're thinking.

I also doubt that those little red thingies are chomping on your basil.

Thanks. I just looked up red spider mites, which were described as "reddish brown." These were more of an orange red.

I was worried that they were comping the basil. I have squirrels around here and of course other bugs, so I'm sure something else could have gotten it.

I have these, too. They are all over the stones at the edge of my bed, and I squashed a bunch that were on my chocolate mint and lamb's quarters the other day. I haven't seen any damage to the plants, but there are a TON of these. Very tiny, needle point size, bright-orange red, easy to squish. I'm about to transplant a bunch of things into the bed though, so I'd really like to be sure about what these are and what they're up to....anyone?

i might score another here ... lol

box elder babes.. check the link

ken

Here is a link that might be useful: link

searching the web i'm not finding any pics that look like 'em. I went down to the bed and observed em for a while. They are from the size of a needle to a pinhead, and the larger ones look exactly the same - uniform bright red, ovalish body (as far as i can tell, they are tiny), 6-8 legs. They scurry pretty fast, many of them roaming on the foliage, some of them stationary. They are also on my thyme, I noticed.

This is the time of year for the clover mites to get active. They will be commonly found on non-plant surfaces, patios, siding, but feed on grasses and other plants but are not considered major pests unless they decide to invade the home.

http://agspsrv34.agric.wa.gov.au/ento/pestweb/Query1_1.idc?ID=247419235

this is what i've got: the red-legged earth mite. thanks for the lead rhizo.

now...what to do about them, organically>?

whirlmatt, I'm not sure (from a bit of research) that the red-legged earth mite is found outside of Australia. Have you found a source that says otherwise?

No. However, the visual confirmation is pretty strong.

whirlmatt, here's a link to CSU's clover mite page, with tips for control. They list an organic control option -- "The best cultural control of clover mites is to try a little winter watering in those sites where the mites thrive - at the south and west sides of buildings. This can greatly retard populations increasing in spring." Doesn't help you right now, unfortunately, but you'll have a jump on next year.

Here is a link that might be useful: Clover Mites