Clover mites are tiny red pests known for invading homes in large numbers, especially during spring and fall. Unlike ticks and spiders, they do not feed on blood but instead rely on plants for sustenance. 

Measuring about the size of a poppy seed, these mites belong to the same group as ticks and house spiders, though they are not insects. Their presence is often linked to lush vegetation, as they thrive in areas with abundant greenery. Clover mites are widespread, found across Africa, Europe, Asia, Australia, and the Americas, making them a common nuisance in many regions.

What Are Clover Mites?

Clover mites (Bryobia praetiosa) are tiny arachnids related to ticks and spiders. They measure about 0.75 to 0.85 millimeters in length and have a reddish-brown appearance. Unlike many arachnids, clover mites feed on plants, including grass, clover, flowers, and other vegetation. They are most active during cooler months in spring and fall. When temperatures become extreme, they seek shelter in homes, often clustering near windows and walls.

What Do Clover Mites Look Like?

Clover mites are small, oval-shaped arachnids with eight legs. Their front pair of legs is much longer than the others and extends forward, sometimes mistaken for antennae. Their bodies are soft, making them easy to crush, which results in a red stain. This red color is due to their body pigment, not because they carry human blood.

Signs of Clover Mites

Clover mites leave visible signs of their presence both indoors and outdoors:

• Indoor Signs
  

  They gather near windows, doors, and walls. When crushed, they leave small red stains on surfaces, including furniture, curtains, and floors.

• Outdoor Signs

  They feed on plant juices, leaving silvery or damaged patches on grass and plants. Heavily infested lawns may appear unhealthy due to their feeding activity.

What Attracts Clover Mites?

Several factors contribute to clover mite infestations:

• Vegetation

  Thick grass, lush lawns, and dense vegetation attract clover mites. They thrive in well-maintained gardens with an abundance of food sources.

• Moisture

  Damp environments encourage clover mite activity. Overwatered lawns, areas with excessive humidity, and shaded spots with poor drainage can increase their presence.

• Warmth

  Clover mites are sensitive to temperature changes. They move indoors when outdoor conditions become too hot or too cold, seeking warmth and shelter in homes.

How to Get Rid of Clover Mites

Indoor Clover Mite Removal

• Vacuuming

  Use a vacuum cleaner to remove clover mites without crushing them. Empty the vacuum bag immediately to prevent re-infestation.

• Sealing Entry Points

  Check for small cracks, gaps, and openings around windows, doors, and foundations. Use caulk or weather stripping to seal potential entryways.

• Avoid Crushing Mites
  

  Since clover mites leave red stains, avoid squashing them. Instead, remove them with tape or vacuuming.

• Use Mild Detergents

  Clean surfaces with soapy water or mild detergent to remove mite trails and potential attractants.

Eradicating Clover Mites Outdoors

• Remove Vegetation Near Foundations
  

  Maintain at least a two-foot plant-free zone around the home’s foundation. Replace grass and plants with non-organic materials such as gravel or mulch.

• Keep the Lawn Trimmed
  

  Regularly mow and prune vegetation to prevent excessive growth, which attracts mites.

• Limit Moisture
  

  Ensure proper drainage and avoid overwatering lawns. Reduce standing water and excessive irrigation.

• Use Insecticides if Necessary
  

  Apply targeted insecticides labeled for clover mite control around the home’s perimeter. Always follow safety guidelines when using chemical treatments.

Get Professional Clover Mite Control Today!
If clover mites are invading your home, Take Care Termite and Pest Control can help. Our experts provide effective solutions to remove these pests and prevent future infestations. Don’t let clover mites take over—contact us today for reliable and professional pest control services!

How to Prevent Clover Mite Infestations

• Lawn Maintenance
  

  Avoid over-fertilizing, as excessive nutrients encourage thick grass growth, attracting mites.

• Seal Entry Points
  

  Regularly inspect and seal cracks and crevices where mites can enter homes.

• Create a Barrier
  

  Use gravel, wood chips, or dry mulch to create a border around your home to discourage mites from reaching entry points.

• Reduce Humidity

  Address leaks, improve ventilation, and dry indoor spaces to make them less attractive to mites.

Homeowners can effectively manage and prevent clover mite infestations by following these steps.

FAQs

1. What do clover mites eat?

   A lush lawn with fertilizer attracts clover mites in large numbers. Clover mites feed on many plants, including clover, daffodils, lawn grasses, dandelion, ornamental flowers, strawberries, etc.

2. Where do clover mites come from

   When the weather changes during autumn, these tiny red bugs begin to assemble on the sunny sides of buildings, seeking warmth. Clover mites are also attracted to heavily fertilized lawns. Thick flower beds create the perfect environment for clover mite infestation. Populations of these mites are at their peak in the spring and early fall when plants are thriving thereby causing a nuisance to homeowners.

3. Do Clover Mites Bite?

   Clover mites do not bite humans or animals. They feed only on plants and do not pose a health risk. While they may invade homes in large numbers, they do not spread diseases. If crushed, they can leave

4. Are clover mites dangerous?

   Clover mites are sometimes evocative of more extensive problems like moisture issues in homes. Pests are attracted to moisture, and when the wood outside of your home is rotting or damp, clover mites get attracted to it. And if there are prominent enough gaps for mites to get in, those gaps can grow more significant over time. Sometimes clover mites camouflage and hide between the walls’ cracks where they are difficult to spot and eradicate.

5. How Long Do Clover Mites Live?

   The lifespan of a clover mite depends on environmental conditions and food availability. They typically live for about a month, but in some cases, they may survive only two weeks. Each mite can lay up to 70 eggs, and their development from egg to adult takes between one and three weeks. Their life cycle occurs mainly in spring and fall when temperatures stay below 85°F. In extreme heat, both eggs and adults may enter dormancy, while cooler temperatures slow their growth, allowing them to survive for several months. During the fall, they lay eggs in dry, protected areas, which remain inactive through winter and hatch in the spring, continuing the cycle.