Lawn Shrimp

Lawn shrimp are tiny crustaceans that live in mulch and other moist areas in the landscape. They're usually active at night and require a certain level of moisture, so if you see these creatures, they've probably been flushed out by heavy rain. Away from their protective habitat, they quickly dry out and die, turning red. While not harmful, they can be annoying; the best control is to keep mulch from getting too wet, and adding weather stripping to doors to prevent them from entering your home.

UF/IFAS Publications

• Lawn Shrimp (PDF)
• Pests Associated with Mulch and Moisture
• Terrestrial Amphipods or "Lawn Shrimp," (Crustacea: Amphipoda)

Other Sites

• Species Arcitalitrus sylvaticus, Lawn Shrimp--BugGuide.net