Can You Help Me Identify These Tiny Bugs Taking Over My Maine Deck?

I need some help here, Maine, because apparently my deck has become home to thousands of tiny, creepy little bugs and I have absolutely no idea what they are.

Over the last couple of days, I’ve noticed these things crawling all over the railing, outdoor furniture and even some swimsuits that were left outside. They are extremely small, dark-colored and, once you notice them, suddenly it feels like they’re everywhere.

Naturally, my first thought was: Please don’t let these be termites.

So, like any reasonable person in 2026, I took some photos and asked ChatGPT what it thought. The good news? It doesn’t think I’m looking at termites. The leading theory right now is bird mites.

And that actually makes a lot of sense.

We currently have a bird nest underneath our deck, and bird mites can apparently leave a nest and start wandering around nearby surfaces, especially as baby birds leave or the nest becomes abandoned.

I’ve included some photos so you can see exactly what I’m dealing with.

So now I’m turning this over to you.

Do you recognize these things? Have you ever dealt with bird mites around your house or deck? Or am I completely wrong and looking at something else entirely?

If you know bugs, pest control, birds, or you’ve simply had the misfortune of dealing with these little monsters before, please help me identify them.

Because right now, I’d really just like my deck back.