Actually, I found out what they are. They are in fact biting thrips! I've known what thrips are for ever, but never knew they bit us. Not all kinds bite people either. They are seasonal here, and are generally only out in the hottest parts of the day in direct sun. They are tiny for sure, about 1mm. Im glad its not those things you linked too! Thrips only bite people because they are attempting to find food. They rasp leaves and flower petals and suck up the slush they make by the rasping/ sucking of their mouthpiece. The only reason they bite people is because they are attempting to do the same thing to human skin. Once they find they cant do it, and thus get no food, they fly away or move to another part of the body and attempt again. They are annoying little buggers for sure, but usually leave no lasting affects in most people. Usually just a second or two of a tiny pin prick type itch / slight sting, and we either scratch or they fly off having not gotten any food. Very common bugs, and very VERY common in grassy areas, especially lawns.

Dont suppose you could get one to pose for a picture? Probably a bit too small unless you have a high Megapixal camera. I dont know but if your plant has been having problems, I would assume maybe these little bastards might have something to do with it. Maybe since they are coming in and out of the soil, they are damaging the roots somehow. Just my opinion, but as Romy6 says, "Break out the 7 dust". Shoot first and ask questions later.

Very cute. Please tell us how you made the ladybugs. I have painted small rocks to look like lady bugs and could add one or two to my leaves. What a great idea. becky

I was going to suggest boric acid as well. Walmart sells it in powered form. It’s enviromentally safe for kids and animals. We work the powder into our rugs, put some alone the window sills, backs of cabinets, along the thresholds of the doors, under cushions and so on. When the insects walk through it, the powder sticks to their bodies and dehydrates them. ETA: since animals will lay on the rugs, they get the powder on their fur which in turn kills any fleas or mites they may have as well. In SoCal, there is a flea exterminator called Flea Busters and that’s what they use.