They soon make their presence known by biting humans. Though small, these insects have a surprisingly painful bite. They use their short, blunt beak to try to probe into the skin. They do not feed on blood, inject a venom or saliva, or transmit any disease. But humans' longer-term reactions vary.
Some people have no lasting effects.
Some develop reddened skin at the bite site. Others get swelling that looks much like a mosquito bite. Repellents aren't usually effective against Minute Pirate Bugs. However, you may look less attractive to them if you wear dark clothes on the warm days when minute pirate bugs are abundant.