Wagga has been bugged by an invasion of tiny insects.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Desks, houses, hair, even the coffee cup hasn't been able to escape a spike in numbers of the Rutherglen Bug.
According to the NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI), the bug breeds on weeds and can reach plague proportions during spring and summer.
Research entomologist from the NSW DPI agricultural institute in Wagga, Doctor Jo Holloway said it was "rather unusual" to see them in big swarms.
Ms Holloway said it appeared they had built up during a relatively mild winter.
"Now everything has dried off they may be looking for moisture or food," Ms Holloway said
"They're usually around, but not in such large numbers."
Another likely scenario for the increased number, especially in recent days, was a storm front which moved through parts of the Riverina yesterday.
The DPI says large numbers of adult bugs migrate on the wind associated with the change.
And, despite their small stature the adult bug is about 5 mm long they do bite.
"People will feel a little jab ... they're just tasting you basically," Ms Holloway said.
The bugs have also caused a stir on social media.
WEDNESDAY: Bugs on desks, in houses, hair, even the coffee!
Creature encounters in Wagga this week have everyone talking.
Even at the DA, these insects are a hot topic among reporters at the moment.
Do you think there are more around this year than last year? Use #WaggaBugs to show us where they are the worst, or join the conversation on our Facebook page.
